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angelic712's review against another edition
5.0
If you have even the remotest interest in science or dinosaurs, this book is for you. Though some of the subject matter is pretty deep into the PHD level, the way it is presented is attainable for the average human so no additional textbooks are required in order to complete your journey through the book. That being said, I must admit to reading it with Google Images at hand because I cannot continue without getting a vision of whatever the heck an Isotelus Rex or a Parasaurolophus looks like!
dracola112's review against another edition
4.0
Total blast of a nonfic read. The sections on the end-Permian, and the big debate about the volcano vs meteor debate were some of the most mind-blowing science reading I did this year.
nathanaracena's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting read but struggled to stay fully engaged with some parts. The author gives a great, well-encompassed view of the many extinctions, pre-human as well as future, and for any geologists out there, it’s a must read. Also enjoyed how much focus was put on humanities contribution to pollution and accelerating possibilities of an extinction event.
alanrussellfuller's review against another edition
4.0
The author examines the five major mass extinctions found in the geologic record. Darwin attributed the breaks in the fossil record to an imperfect rock record. Today we know better. Stupendous eras of volcanic eruptions have poured massive amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere that coincide with the acidification of the seas.
"...it’s not unreasonable to compare what is going on today with the worst disasters in earth’s history." (p. 166)
"...it’s not unreasonable to compare what is going on today with the worst disasters in earth’s history." (p. 166)
atlas_nomad's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
A really informative and inciteful look at the mass extinctions and what it could mean for the future of the planet and for humans in the next few hundred million years.
hank's review against another edition
4.0
Geology is boring. The rocks don't move, they are rock colored, basically they are just good for throwing. At least that is what I thought until reading this. Brannen has done an unimaginably good job at bringing all things geology, paleo*, geochemistry and all the other subjects I avoid, to life. His ability to weave so many different ideas and science into a coherent book is awesome.
Not only was it a great science read, it was entertaining. You could feel Brannen's passion and excitement for the subject as well as all of the scientists he interviewed. So many different personalities and ideas all blended to make a good story. The only down side is how dire the warnings are and how solid a case he makes for a really bad situation coming our way. It can be tough to stay positive with all of the evidence.
Climate deniers: don't bother reading it. If you aren't convinced by now no amount of rational science will sway you. Anyone else, this is a very entertaining read about past extinctions due to climate or otherwise.
Not only was it a great science read, it was entertaining. You could feel Brannen's passion and excitement for the subject as well as all of the scientists he interviewed. So many different personalities and ideas all blended to make a good story. The only down side is how dire the warnings are and how solid a case he makes for a really bad situation coming our way. It can be tough to stay positive with all of the evidence.
Climate deniers: don't bother reading it. If you aren't convinced by now no amount of rational science will sway you. Anyone else, this is a very entertaining read about past extinctions due to climate or otherwise.