BookShelf

The BookShelf features monthly reviews of the latest environmental and energy books of interest to journalists, as well as an occasional question-and-answer in which published authors offer insight into the motivations behind their work and provide advice to environmental reporters and writers.

For questions and comments, or to suggest future BookShelf reviews, or to offer to review a book, email the SEJournal BookShelf Editor Tom Henry at thenry@theblade.com.

Public

February 28, 2018

“Yellowstone Migrations”

A photographer undertook an artistic and scientific odyssey that was inspired by an ancient migration now imperiled by human encroachment. His new volume tracks the mythical journeys taken by pronghorn, mule deer and elk through the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. BookShelf reviews Joe Riis’ “Yellowstone Migrations.”

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“Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer, and the Corruption of Science”

A hard-nosed account of Monsanto and its controversial and popular herbicide Roundup comes in a new book by a former wire service reporter, who pieced together documentation and fact-finding from over 20 years to make a case there was a dangerous cover-up. BookShelf reviews Carey Gillam’s “Whitewash.”

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“The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea”

A new book on the Gulf of Mexico earns kudos for the balance and passion of its tone, as well as for its historical storytelling about this important ecosystem and the overfishing, oil spills, hurricanes, explosive growth and poor land-use decisions it faces. BookShelf reviews Jack Davis’ “The Gulf.”

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January 16, 2018

Between the Lines: In Trump Era, Author Ponders What TR Would Do

The environmental legacy of past presidents tells us much about the current White House, whose occupant author Douglas Brinkley calls "a used car salesman of the worst kind." In this "Between the Lines" Q&A, the historian talks about what we can learn from TR and FDR, the future of the environmental movement and the role of journalists.

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November 7, 2017

"Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats”

A new book on "Big Chicken" dissects how common practices of the U.S. poultry industry are harming our air, water and health — and why Europe does it better.

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"The Death and Life of the Great Lakes"

A look at an acclaimed new work by journalist Dan Egan on the environmental state of the Great Lakes finds much to laud. But our BookShelf editor and long-time Great Lakes reporter Tom Henry sees important weaknesses as well, such as when the comprehensive compendium of environmental challenges tackles Lake Erie’s algae crisis.

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September 19, 2017

Between the Lines: On ‘Writing the Book You Can’t Not Write’

The latest 'Between the Lines' features an interview with environment reporter Meera Subramanian about her debut book, “A River Runs Again: India’s Natural World in Crisis.” Her approach to a challenging topic, her faith in the power of stories, her search for a new model of development and her advice for other writers.

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July 18, 2017

“Where the Water Goes: Life and Death Along the Colorado River”

Writer David Owen's “Where the Water Goes: Life and Death Along the Colorado River” tells the story of the Colorado, while exploring water issues ranging from drought and climate degradation to cross-state and cross-border legal complexities.

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“Hot, Hungry Planet: The Fight to Stop a Global Food Crisis in the Face of Climate Change”

Author Lisa Palmer tackles a question many experts in the natural and social sciences are also pondering: How can we feed a growing world population in the coming decades when climate change is stressing global food production systems?

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“Climate of Hope: How Cities, Businesses, and Citizens Can Save the Planet”

The new book “Climate of Hope” by ex-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Sierra Club chief Carl Pope concludes that, despite partisan obstacles, we have made progress in fighting the planet’s warming.

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