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jeff's review against another edition
4.0
Gore was spot on, but some of the recommended actions are outdated. Shocking how little has changed in 20 years...
filthymutt's review against another edition
2.0
Gore makes some decent points -- too bad I can counter nearly every one of his statements using a.) logic, or b.) research beyond this particular book. Just because you pick up one book about global warming that has some "facts" shoved in it does not mean you're suddenly educated on that particular topic. Do your research, folks, because I got to counter this piece of crap as an assignment and it wasn't hard to find multiple sources to prove Gore's "theories" as incorrect. Just another politician trying to sway your opinion.
yates9's review against another edition
3.0
Historically perhaps the first closest moment the US "government" has got to an overarching view of global warming and impact, it is essential for anyone studying the way this issue has gone through the public understanding of science.
The problem with the text is its most important feature: while simplifying the dialogue for easy access it also sets the discussion around overly simplified messages and does not move beyond into realistic measures.
I believe that the doomsaying ends up threatening conservatives because it comes with suspicions of large government programs as the response. If Gore had been more focused on the potential policy choices rather than hockey sticks, the discussion would have been "what choices do we have" and more unifying in the dialogue, I believe.
The problem with the text is its most important feature: while simplifying the dialogue for easy access it also sets the discussion around overly simplified messages and does not move beyond into realistic measures.
I believe that the doomsaying ends up threatening conservatives because it comes with suspicions of large government programs as the response. If Gore had been more focused on the potential policy choices rather than hockey sticks, the discussion would have been "what choices do we have" and more unifying in the dialogue, I believe.
terpgirl42's review against another edition
4.0
Very much a companion book to the film. Great introduction to the science and impact of climate change.
ericfheiman's review against another edition
3.0
For those of you who skipped the film or want to know a bit more about Gore's motivations, this is for you. Scary, scary, scary. But really nicely designed and makes for engaging, easy reading about a tough subject.
circlepines's review against another edition
2.0
After taking an environmental chemistry course, I picked this up for some light review. Emphasis on "light"...
An Inconvenient Truth is a quick, slick read clearly targeted at a lay audience unfamiliar with environmental science or environmental politics, but anyone who has any familiarity with those issues will probably finish the book before they have a chance to get bored. The pages have the layout and graphic appeal of a magazine: lots of photos, graphs, and slogans, with little text. The before-and-after photos of how global warming has impacted various areas of the world are striking, as are the charts -- I didn't catch any glaring inaccuracies, although data are not always presented well.
The book is clearly written by a politician, so be prepared to flip past the extensive documentation of Al Gore's ego as it pops up. That said, when he's not talking about his family and his political career Gore makes his point well, drawing on a compelling mix of scientific studies and human-interest stories without distortion or scare-mongering. I can see how this would be an effective call to action for someone who has never thought about global climate change. Anyone who has -- whether skeptic or believer -- should skip Gore's 101 and pick up a different book.
An Inconvenient Truth is a quick, slick read clearly targeted at a lay audience unfamiliar with environmental science or environmental politics, but anyone who has any familiarity with those issues will probably finish the book before they have a chance to get bored. The pages have the layout and graphic appeal of a magazine: lots of photos, graphs, and slogans, with little text. The before-and-after photos of how global warming has impacted various areas of the world are striking, as are the charts -- I didn't catch any glaring inaccuracies, although data are not always presented well.
The book is clearly written by a politician, so be prepared to flip past the extensive documentation of Al Gore's ego as it pops up. That said, when he's not talking about his family and his political career Gore makes his point well, drawing on a compelling mix of scientific studies and human-interest stories without distortion or scare-mongering. I can see how this would be an effective call to action for someone who has never thought about global climate change. Anyone who has -- whether skeptic or believer -- should skip Gore's 101 and pick up a different book.
nationofkim's review against another edition
5.0
i have this strategically placed on my coffee table to lure unsuspecting visitors.
matthewabush's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent read. I believe it is real and hope that the human race can get its act together.