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.

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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

“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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“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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“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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June 20, 2017

Between the Lines: Forged in Fire — Author Follows the Flames, and Fights Them, To Cover the Changing Nature of Wildfires

The global rise of large-scale, intense and devastating wildfires is the subject of a new book by award-winning photojournalist Michael Kodas, who spoke with SEJournal's book editor about what makes these new fires so different, what role climate change plays and how he joined firefighters amid the flames.

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April 18, 2017

"The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate”

BookShelf takes a peek into the hidden life of trees, to understand how biologists believe plants may communicate and even assist others that are struggling, and what that may mean for modern forestry.

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“Canoes: A Natural History in North America”

Canoes have long been part of North America’s cultural fabric. And a hefty new book, rich in visuals, tells the story of this unique mode of transport, which brings us closer to nature and despite changes in materials has remained essentially unchanged.

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BookShelf

January 16, 2018

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

November 7, 2017

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

"The Death and Life of the Great Lakes"

September 19, 2017

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

July 18, 2017

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

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

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

June 20, 2017

Between the Lines: Forged in Fire — Author Follows the Flames, and Fights Them, To Cover the Changing Nature of Wildfires

April 18, 2017

"The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate”

“Canoes: A Natural History in North America”

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