Books matching: environmental disasters
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- #1
The Marauders by Tom Cooper is a story set in Louisiana post-Katrina and the BP oil spill, portraying the struggles of the shrimpers and fishermen in the backwater swamps and bayous. The novel introduces a diverse cast of characters, including a one-armed pill addict searching for Lafitte's treasure, a young shrimper dealing with family conflicts, small-time crooks, and dangerous individuals like the Toup brothers. The narrative weaves together the lives of these characters, showcasing the impact of environmental disasters and personal tragedies on their livelihoods and relationships. The writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, sense of place, and interconnected storylines that create a compelling and immersive reading experience.
They came like specters from the dark maw of the bayou, first ghostly light in the fog, then the rasp of a motor: an aluminum powerboat scudding across lacquer-black water. From a distance the figures... - #2
'New Earth' in the series 'The Grand Tour' by Ben Bova explores a future where Earth is facing environmental disaster due to massive greenhouse flooding, leading to a group of explorers setting out for a planet called New Earth. The plot involves the explorers encountering unexpected intelligent life on New Earth, which looks exactly like humans but is far advanced technologically. As the story unfolds, the explorers must navigate complex relationships with the inhabitants of New Earth and work together to warn both Earth and the intelligent beings of an impending gamma ray explosion that threatens all intelligent life.
(Also, see 50 recommendations for the series The Grand Tour ) - #3
'Sahara' in the 'Dirk Pitt' series by Clive Cussler is an action-packed adventure mystery set in the Sahara desert. The story follows Dirk Pitt and his team as they race against time to prevent an environmental catastrophe caused by pollution threatening the world's seas. Along the way, they encounter villains, navigate through treacherous situations, and uncover historical mysteries related to the Civil War and a long-lost female pilot. The writing style is described as fast-paced, filled with action, and reminiscent of a Hollywood action movie, with larger-than-life characters and thrilling plot twists.
After traveling through the desert for days or weeks, seeing no animals, meeting no humans, civilization, no matter how tiny or primitive, comes as a stunning surprise. To the eleven people in the fiv...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dirk Pitt ) - #4
'A Friend of the Earth' by T.C. Boyle is a dark and engaging novel set in a near future where global warming has devastated the planet. The story follows Ty Tierwater, an eco terrorist turned animal caretaker, as he navigates a world filled with environmental disaster and personal loss. The narrative alternates between the past and the future, painting a bleak picture of a world on the brink of collapse while exploring themes of family, loss, and activism. Boyle's writing style is described as poetic and rich, drawing readers into a world where characters grapple with the consequences of their choices.
- #5
'The Back of the Turtle' by Thomas King is a novel that delves into the aftermath of an environmental disaster known as The Ruin. The story follows a diverse set of characters including a suicidal man who ends up saving a boatload of people, a young boy searching for salvage, an old sea dog and storyteller, an artist confronting the loss of her family, and a lonely CEO. Through their individual stories, the book gradually reveals the cause of The Ruin and how each character is connected to or affected by it. King's writing style is observant and expressive, capturing his characters' emotions through great dialogues and a mocking portrayal of the corporate world.
THE MAN STOOD AT THE BOUNDARY OF THE BEACH, IN THE shadows of the hanging cedars, and listened to the heavy surf run in from deeper water. The beach pitched up sharply here, the high sand soft and dry... - #6
'Hello America' by J.G. Ballard is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic America where the country has been devastated by pollution and environmental disasters. The story follows a group of European explorers who crash into New York's harbor and venture out to explore the continent, encountering absurd tribal populations and remnants of American culture. The book delves into themes of American values, civilization, and the impact of environmental choices, all presented in a satirical and dystopian manner.
The writing style of 'Hello America' is described as concise, enjoyable, and capturing the ambivalence towards American values. J.G. Ballard's narrative mocks stereotypes of America while exploring the country's past glory, present desolation, and potential future. The book is noted for its quick pace, engaging storytelling, and the eerie relevance of its themes despite being written in the early 1980s.
Paradise Falls: The True Story of an Environmental Catastrophe by Keith O'Brien tells the harrowing story of the Love Canal disaster in the 1970s. It focuses on how toxic waste, buried by Hooker Chemical, affected the health of an entire community. The book puts a human face on this tragedy, showcasing the struggles of residents like Lois Gibbs and Dr. Beverly Paigen against corporate negligence and government indifference. The narrative details the suffering of families due to illnesses caused by exposure to harmful chemicals and highlights the fight to bring attention to their plight.
O'Brien's writing style is compelling and very readable, making complex scientific issues accessible to a broad audience. He combines thorough research with personal stories, creating a vivid picture of the events that unfolded. The book also serves as a cautionary tale about environmental disasters and the power of grassroots activism. Readers find it hard to put down, as it not only informs but also evokes strong emotions. It is recommended for anyone interested in environmental issues and the impact of corporate actions on communities.
- #8
In 'The Rain' by Virginia Bergin, the world faces a catastrophic event where the rain becomes lethal, leading to a post-apocalyptic scenario. The story follows Ruby, a typical English teenager, as she navigates this deadly new world where water, in any form, can kill within minutes. Through Ruby's eyes, the readers experience the terror and challenges of survival in a world where one tiny bug in the atmosphere threatens the existence of the human race.
The book is written in a captivating and believable teen manner, portraying Ruby's teenage mindset and her evolution as a survivor amidst the chaos of a world plagued by deadly rain. The narrative skillfully balances the end-of-the-world storyline with Ruby's character development, offering a unique perspective on how a self-absorbed teenager copes with the sudden collapse of society.
There’s really no point going on about how things used to be. For one, I can’t bear to think about it – even though I do, a lot, and it makes me want to throw up with sadness. For two, it kind of does... - #9
In a world where no girls have been born in 50 years, humanity is on the brink of extinction due to climate change. The story follows Eve, the first female born in this dystopian world, who is raised to be the savior of humanity within a controlled environment called the Dome. As she navigates the pressure of choosing a partner from her Potentials, she starts to question her role and the society she lives in. The plot unfolds with Eve's growing realization and connection with Bram, the son of the technological mastermind behind the Dome, leading to unexpected twists and revelations about the world outside the Dome.
I love it here. Outside. Basking in the warmth of the sun. Heights don’t bother me, which is a good thing: I can’t remember a time when I didn’t live above the clouds in the sanctuary they built for m... - #10
In the book 'Monument 14' by Emmy Laybourne, a group of children and teenagers find themselves trapped in a department store in Monument, Colorado, after a catastrophic hailstorm and global weather disasters. They discover that a biological agent has been released in the air, causing different reactions depending on blood types. As they struggle to survive inside the store, the story focuses on their group dynamics, the challenges they face, and the need to fortify their location. The plot unfolds with a mix of survival, apocalyptic scenarios, and a strong emphasis on character development, particularly through the eyes of the main character, Dean.
The writing style of 'Monument 14' is described as engaging, fast-paced, and suspenseful. The book offers a blend of post-apocalyptic elements, group dynamics, and survival themes, creating a storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It explores themes of resilience, adaptation, and the complexities of human behavior in extreme situations, all set in a slightly futuristic world with a hint of sci-fi.
Your mother hollers that you’re going to miss the bus. She can see it coming down the street. You don’t stop and hug her and tell her you love her. You don’t thank her for being a good, kind, patient ...