Heather M. reviewed The Watchman's Rattle: Thinking Our Way Out of Extinction on + 5 more book reviews
I was so disappointed in this book I'm not sure I can even find the words.
If you're looking for a book to describe how the human mind works or develops and deals with life as we currently know it, don't read this (read The Social Animal by David Brooks instead).
If you think this will be a scientifically-driven, fact-based, well-written book, you may be disappointed.
If you keep up with current events, are moderately watchful of environmental news, and have any modicum of common sense, you may already know as much as what the author presents. She provides "facts", some of which are based on science, some of which are culled from blogs, and several times begin with "In my view,..."
After stating the fact, she circles around herself never really laying a logical or linear argument, rarely substantiating the theory, and usually stating very little more than what her background in advertising and marketing has provided her. (Perfect example of the frustration...quoting an "EPA fact" and then citing four sources, none of which are the EPA.)
Next time I want a book about science or environment, I will check the author bio first and choose one written by someone with any level of background in the topic at hand.
I think this book is getting a lot of press because of the E.O. Wilson forward, but the folks who invest it in for that reason will be disappointed.
I wanted to love it and get something out of it, but I just couldn't. I finally stopped wasting my time. Better luck next time!
If you're looking for a book to describe how the human mind works or develops and deals with life as we currently know it, don't read this (read The Social Animal by David Brooks instead).
If you think this will be a scientifically-driven, fact-based, well-written book, you may be disappointed.
If you keep up with current events, are moderately watchful of environmental news, and have any modicum of common sense, you may already know as much as what the author presents. She provides "facts", some of which are based on science, some of which are culled from blogs, and several times begin with "In my view,..."
After stating the fact, she circles around herself never really laying a logical or linear argument, rarely substantiating the theory, and usually stating very little more than what her background in advertising and marketing has provided her. (Perfect example of the frustration...quoting an "EPA fact" and then citing four sources, none of which are the EPA.)
Next time I want a book about science or environment, I will check the author bio first and choose one written by someone with any level of background in the topic at hand.
I think this book is getting a lot of press because of the E.O. Wilson forward, but the folks who invest it in for that reason will be disappointed.
I wanted to love it and get something out of it, but I just couldn't. I finally stopped wasting my time. Better luck next time!
