Mongo: Adventures in Trash
by Ted Botha
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 38)
Read in January, 2006
recommended to Julia by:
Powells.comrecommends it for: New Yorkers, bargain hunters, people hoping for unexpected treasures as they go through life
In decorating his first New York apartment from scratch, author Botha offers words to live by in New York regarding furniture acquisition: "The streets will provide." Combine that sentiment with the more astute general observation that "great wealth makes great garbage", and you have the premise of the whole book.
Botha initiates you into the day-to-day life and motivation for various strata (yes - a hierarchy exists even in trash collecting) of 'mongo' hunters. Mongo is...more
Botha initiates you into the day-to-day life and motivation for various strata (yes - a hierarchy exists even in trash collecting) of 'mongo' hunters. Mongo is...more
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This book chronicles "collectors" in New York City, collectors of trash, that is. The author profiles the different kinds of collectors in NYC - from the "can men" who collect aluminum cans for survival to the preservationists who collect pieces of the City's architectural history. It's a pretty fascinating look at what people actually throw away. Anyone who can't bear to see things thrown away or who has picked something out of the dumpster should read this book. If you have...more
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Read in January, 2005
I read this book about the same time I read The Art and Science of Dumpster Diving. I guess I tend to get on a topic, and keep reading, until I come up with another weird topic to pursue. This book chronicles the enterprising scavengers who find treasure in trash in New York City. From antique dealers, to soda can collecters, from anarchists to book sellers to the homeless, there is a wide range of people who make all or part of their living off the discards of NYC. An unusual, but really in...more
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Read in May, 2004
A witty, inspiring look into the habits of folks who collect trash and comb through refuse. Some people do it for fun, some for profit, some for food, some to create art. This is a slim book, but one rarely feels that Botha isn't giving his subjects their due. It's a fun fast read and it'll have you checking the trash for treasures on your way home from work.
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Read in March, 2008
An intersting look at the different strata of dumpster divers in and around Manahattan. It was layed out well and provided a glimpse into a lifestyle that is as foreign to me as living in China. Unfortunately, the ending was pretty weak; the author tried to make some sappy 9/11 connection. It should really only be 2.8 stars at most.
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I love trash! If anyone is ready to squat a warehouse, buy a truck and troll the streets of NYC let me know. I am in. It is fun and tragic to read about the desperate search to salvage a tiny bit of our vast trashed wealth.
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Read in March, 2007
A entire book about trash. It was fascinating to see different views on trash and people who collect it.
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Read in February, 2008
Very interesting look at dumpster diving and various kinds of collecting in/around the NYC area.
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