Rust, mold, mildew. Corrosion, erosion, collapse. Writers have imagined a thousand ways in which humanity will end, but no one has ever offered such a well-researched and startlingly specific idea of what happens after as Alan Weisman’s engrossing book, The World Without Us.
The World Without Us presents houses, cities, museums and monuments–the man made environments we imagine will last centuries after we are gone–as fragile, perishable creations that endure only through our constant vigilance and care. We are ants, ever building, patching, pumping, and shoring-up our constructions. Without us, the passage of decades would wear down even the greatest cities, bury them in greenery, or wash them away like sandcastles in the rain.
This book is a must for anyone who reads or writes sci-fi. I just started reading, and only 6 chapters in, it has reshaped the baker’s dozen of post-apocalyptic futures sitting in limbo on my hard drive. This book rocks. Get it, read it, love it. The World Without Us
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Bettie, this book looks a LITTLE SCARY, but it’s actually the kind of book I was really craving a little while ago, so I really appreciate the recommendation.
I saw him on an interview with Jon Stewart ages ago but had forgotten about it. Picked it up at my library yesterday. FASCINATING stuff. Thanks for the rec.
Carolyn Jean,
It’s riveting, yet, strangely, not creepy.
Carrie,
I saw that same interview ages ago and rushed to my computer to put the book on hold at the library. I was number 15 or something, and I finally got it just last week.
The librarian said it’s always a problem when nonfiction books do well on the interview circuit because they never order enough copies ahead of time. He seemed rather angry at Jon Stewart.
“He seemed rather angry at Jon Stewart.”
*snicker*
I have a new must have for anyone who writes historical fiction. “The Humble Little Condom: A History.”
What a fascinating-sounding book! It’s gone on my wishlist.
Oh, I kinda pimped you again. I’m so embarrassing myself here. I swear I don’t usually turn into a slavering fangirl.
OMG! Lorelie, I have to read that. Thanks!
Thanks, Heather!! I always appreciate pimpage. And, no, you couldn’t be a slavering fan girl. You’re so reasonable, and you don’t abuse exclamation points at all.
Not generally what I read, but I checked out Amazon and now it’s on my list at the Sony store.