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irisameliaink's review
4.0
Finally finished it! Great read. I grew up with Bill Nye the Science Guy and have been watching his newer Netflix series, so I couldn't help but read this in his voice and cadence. He's extremely good at distilling complex concepts for easy understanding. He's a wonderful teacher.
The only thing I wished for in this book though were photos of Bill Nye's ecofriendly home. His words captured well what he was accomplishing with his house and yard, but it would have been nice to see images of this.
Nye talks about big ideas and not as much about the practical, little things we individuals can do to fight climate change. The chapters about his competition with his ecofriendly colleague were not exactly off-putting, but his privilege was showing (which he acknowledges, albeit briefly). Looking at climate change's larger, grandiose solutions are inspiring, but it leaves me wondering what else I can do besides using less water, taking tote bags to the grocery store, and voting. In light of the U.S. withdrawing from the Paris Accord (which makes the book a little sadder), this book is a good read for those interested in learning why a global effort is necessary—and, hopefully, possible.
The only thing I wished for in this book though were photos of Bill Nye's ecofriendly home. His words captured well what he was accomplishing with his house and yard, but it would have been nice to see images of this.
Nye talks about big ideas and not as much about the practical, little things we individuals can do to fight climate change. The chapters about his competition with his ecofriendly colleague were not exactly off-putting, but his privilege was showing (which he acknowledges, albeit briefly). Looking at climate change's larger, grandiose solutions are inspiring, but it leaves me wondering what else I can do besides using less water, taking tote bags to the grocery store, and voting. In light of the U.S. withdrawing from the Paris Accord (which makes the book a little sadder), this book is a good read for those interested in learning why a global effort is necessary—and, hopefully, possible.
shipwrecksteph's review against another edition
3.0
Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2020
Read a book about climate change
I like Nye a lot. But I had a lot of fits and starts with reading this. Nothing like putting a book down for a year only to have your husband accidentally lose your page marker...on the exact day you had decided to pick up the book again. I could not figure out what I had and hadn't read.
Part of that is because I've read a lot on the subject before. Part is because I was late to the party with this. The subject is so time sensitive, some parts get out of date quickly. And given how 2016 ended up going, the end's optimism was hard to swallow.
Still, Nye is always entertaining. And despite my best efforts, his optimism can be infectious.
Read a book about climate change
I like Nye a lot. But I had a lot of fits and starts with reading this. Nothing like putting a book down for a year only to have your husband accidentally lose your page marker...on the exact day you had decided to pick up the book again. I could not figure out what I had and hadn't read.
Part of that is because I've read a lot on the subject before. Part is because I was late to the party with this. The subject is so time sensitive, some parts get out of date quickly. And given how 2016 ended up going, the end's optimism was hard to swallow.
Still, Nye is always entertaining. And despite my best efforts, his optimism can be infectious.
kmg365's review
4.0
An overview of alternative energy sources (and bad old fossil fuel sources) for people without a science degree. He started with nuclear power, which made my head hurt just a little because it was very science-y. (Some Goldilocks tale about uranium moving too slow, too fast, and just right.) The rest of the book was quite accessible, outlining possible energy sources from huge solar platforms in space, to the more familiar wind and rooftop solar panels. My favorite part was the description of his friendly (?) rivalry with neighbor Ed Begley, Jr about who has the greener home.
alexblackreads's review
3.0
I'm not sure who this book was for. For the scientifically challenged like me, it seemed too technical and difficult to follow. Much of this book went over my head, although I did gain general ideas from it. On the other hand, Nye spent a lot of time explaining simple concepts and ideas, so I'm not sure it would be very worthwhile for people who actually have much prior scientific knowledge.
But take that with a grain of salt because I am particularly slow when it comes to science, so maybe it was just me. And I listened to the audiobook which makes comprehension even more difficult.
That said, I am glad I read it and I do plan to read his other book. I just wish I'd been able to get more out of this.
But take that with a grain of salt because I am particularly slow when it comes to science, so maybe it was just me. And I listened to the audiobook which makes comprehension even more difficult.
That said, I am glad I read it and I do plan to read his other book. I just wish I'd been able to get more out of this.
mattbrosseau's review
5.0
In a easy to understand breakdown of the crisis that faces our planet, Bill Nye presents problems, solutions, and some light-hearted looks into his personal crusade for the environment. If you're worried about the planet, but are looking for more insight into what the precise problems are and some of the technologies we might be able to implement to curb the problems, this book will be a great starting point.
For more detailed analysis, this book is probably a little light.
For more detailed analysis, this book is probably a little light.
jstamper2022's review
5.0
Should be mandatory reading for every climate change dening, anti-GMO, defund NASA types. 2 problems face our advances in keep our planet human friendly, advancing human quality of life, and technological advances: politics and ignorance. and they often go hand in hand. see: Jim Inhofe types of politicians and the voters who support them. they are the problem.