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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book, although many believe it to be sexist, racist etc given that the time it was written it was not surprising. Calleenbach's alternating from journal enteries to 'official' press reports added to the story which I found intreging and interesting
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
A book I found on my shelf at home (who put it there?!) so I read it. About a utopian environmental future, set in San Francisco. I think part of me liked hearing about this theoretical future, but the plot and characters themselves weren't too interesting. It felt like the characters were there so the author could claim this is a book and not just a description of their ideal recycling systems and social arrangements. It was a bit fun to compare this person's utopian vision (from the 1970s) to where we are today and to pick out the parts that are kinda unrealistic and/or crazy. But, I don't know if I'd recommend this to someone unless they are interested in sustainable living etc.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
This book may be full of environmentalist propaganda, and it at come across as idealistic and erring on the side of fantasy. And I have to agree that this may be true. In this day and age. I do not see any major upheaval of our society happening like this. Washington, Oregon, and California, although arguably more environmentally conscious than the rest of America will likely never secede from the rest of the country, and people will likely never want to give up their technology.
But say that it does happen! There are still faults with the book. Why the imagined drabness? Paint can be made from natural colorings, and perhaps someone better versed in politics could better explain why this deconstructed government probably wouldn't hold up...
That being said, it is a moving book, and one that touches on important conservation ideas. American policies are horrendous and American media either doesn't card to report, or it is being silenced. People don't care the way they should be caring, and this is a must-read for anyone who doesn't know much about what's happening to our planet, and a must-read for anyone unsatisfied with where we are now.
But say that it does happen! There are still faults with the book. Why the imagined drabness? Paint can be made from natural colorings, and perhaps someone better versed in politics could better explain why this deconstructed government probably wouldn't hold up...
That being said, it is a moving book, and one that touches on important conservation ideas. American policies are horrendous and American media either doesn't card to report, or it is being silenced. People don't care the way they should be caring, and this is a must-read for anyone who doesn't know much about what's happening to our planet, and a must-read for anyone unsatisfied with where we are now.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh, how I wish Ecotopia was real. This book is so incredibly ahead of its time and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it 49 years after its original publication. I loved reading about all of the ways ecotopia is sustainable and just seems amazing to live in. I also enjoyed the additions by Callenbach from 2004 and 2012 to hear how this book affected his life and how things have changed since he wrote it. I wish Ectopian cities and nature and public transportation were real so badly to the point this book was almost frustrating to read in 2024. There were definitely some strange passages of the book regarding women and sex which is why this isn’t a 5 star read
main character is an asshole, unsure if i can get over that enough to read the rest of this book
In all honesty, I read the first 50 pages, skimmed the rest, and read a lot of summaries... but it wasn't a horrible book? And I'll have to go back through and really finish it soooo....
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No