The story of carbon—the building block of life that is, ironically, humanity’s great threat .
It could be said that all of us are a ... read full description
It could be said that all of us are a ... read full description
reviews
Jul 19, 2011
Amanda
rated it: 
So I know the author -- he was a couple years ahead of me on the Columbia Spectator. I found this book at the SFO bookstore before boarding a red-eye to New York, and figured it was appropriate reading for a cross-country flight. It's one of the better non-fiction science books I've read recently, right up there with "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." Eric does a good job of explaining complex chemical reactions in lay language; the concepts are never dry or obtuse. The book i
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Sep 07, 2008
Ashley
rated it: 
Science heavy. Informative. I appreciated this wasn't a preachy environmental book that threatens an apocalyptic ending as a result of our ignorant continuation of self indulgence. Instead it explains what carbon is, how it was formed (lots of earth origins info) and the result of our continual use of it. It also makes some interesting arguments regarding how resistant humans are to changing their lifestyle for the sake of future generations, and some ways to make it economically rewarding t
More...
Mar 04, 2009
Dave
rated it:
an interesting perspective of carbon, its place in the universe, Earth, life and our society
Oct 22, 2008
marcali
rated it: 
Wonderful, wonderful science read worth owning (forget the gimicky subtitle).
Cosmology, physics, chemistry, ecology, climate -- it's all here, woven together to explain our world -- how it happened and where it's going.
Cosmology, physics, chemistry, ecology, climate -- it's all here, woven together to explain our world -- how it happened and where it's going.
Feb 04, 2009
S. R.
rated it:
Outstanding. Even-handed, well-researched, accessibly written and full of illuminating observations. Carefully avoids preaching or hyperbole but still takes current situation very seriously and from a thoughtful, scientific point of view.
Dec 28, 2008
Bill
rated it:
The author, Roston, makes technical information quite understandable. His frequent references to historical context is especially useful, I think.
Chapters 6 through 9 are outstanding for biologists.
Chapters 6 through 9 are outstanding for biologists.
Jan 31, 2012
Jan 10, 2012
Jan 02, 2012
Dec 29, 2011
Dec 26, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 16, 2011
Dec 16, 2011
Nov 03, 2011
Sep 28, 2011
Sep 04, 2011
Jul 31, 2011
Jul 31, 2011
Aug 29, 2011
Jul 24, 2011
Jun 30, 2011
Jun 26, 2011
Jun 15, 2011
Feb 07, 2011
