Debra: Thanks for the "World Without Us" tip. I've added it to my reading list.

I'm writing a much longer review of "Something's Fishy" for my fly fishing Web site right now.

Bottlemania has been read, and frankly, the review won't be wholly positive.

I found the book interesting but scattered; an indecisiveness on the part of the author marred the experience for me, and while she has done her research, she waffles on drawing much in the way of conclusions, and definitely soft-pedals some of Nestle's more egregious behaviors.

Then again, I'm embroiled in the battle against Nestle out here in California, so I've seen some of those tactics firsthand.

More as it gets written.

Thanks for your review of *Something's Fishy*, Tom. *Bottlemania* is on my "to read" list too. In general, I seek out "crusader" books, but often find that it takes me a bit longer to read them, as they require a different (more focused) sort of attention. Last summer, I read *The World Without Us* by Alan Weisman. His chapter on plastics in the environment definitely falls into the crusader category. I can honestly say that chapter caused me to change the way I do some things in my daily life (I no longer use plastic water bottles, I stopped using a certain kind of face wash--from the ostensibly environmentally conscious Body Shop no less!--etc etc). If those of us who have a deeper interest in the environment don't try to stay informed and articulate about the difficult issues, I don't think we can expect anything from the general public. But I agree that reading one essay a day is good. Or even less...whatever it takes to really absorb the material.

PS-if anyone is interested, *World Without Us* is scheduled to be out in paperback in early August.

I finished my review of Someting's Fishy by Ted Williams, and while it fired up my blood pressure in a couple places, it was well worth the read.

Knowing the background on what I'll call enviroscandals is useful, at least inasmuch as I'm willing to act on that knowledge.

Plus, there is some comfort to be found in the knowledge that somebody like Williams is out there exposing corruption and greed.

As a marketing writer for the past 23 years, I'm turning at least part of my attention to cause-based marketing, and at the very least, Williams serves as a model for what the committed - yet ethical - writer can accomplish.

In my review, I'm giving it two thumbs up.

I work as Director of Development for a Girl Scout Council in Southern California and although I read avidly on all sides of the nature spectrum, I would say that my focus leans toward books that demonstrate how participating in nature changes us for the better. It's not that I shun crusader books. It's just that I'm very clear on how I'm currently best positioned to make a difference. My best shot is to get kids to feel a sense of wonder and then ownership of even a tiny slice of wild. First children must discover and then connect. From here, they will be the next crusaders. My bigger fear is that so many children are so far removed from even playing in the dirt in their own backyards that this next generation won't feel the ownership that we do. Books play a huge part in this as well. So I read books that focus on nature and are readable to children as well.

I have been thinking a lot about "Last Child in the Woods" and "Biophilia". I have been remembering how much "Bambi" -- by Felix Salton, not Disney's bastardized version-- had an impact on me as a child.

As for this forum-- I just figured it was a place to see what everyone else was reading that got them fired up about nature, the environment, the wilderness. Doesn't make a difference what. We can all decide for ourselves if we wish to read it, but at least I'll have the opportunity to find out about the book. :-)

I certainly seek them out, Tom. I've restrained myself from discussing on this forum for exactly the reasons you have outlined. I wasn't sure whether this forum would be into it. Nature Calls... are we here to discuss what we love so much about inspiring nature writing or to condemn those that would threaten what we love so much? For me personally, I can't just be dreamy about something I am passionate about while watching it be consumed by greed. On this forum, I restrain myself, but I have found other forums that are more specific to the unpleasant side of all this. As far as such books go, I like to see an author's passion, and I think we should all take nature's destruction personally. We need nature. We are nature. I get frustrated with author's that lack the courage to point the finger. I can't read this stuff all the time. It is unpleasant and depressing, but it is important. I like to think of myself as a happy and pleasant person, but there is a time and a place for anger. It is warranted and it is appropriate. When places we love are assaulted, turning a collective blind eye is all that is needed for it to continue.

I'm in the midst of Ted Williams' Something's Fishy, and next up is Elizabeth Royte's Botottlemania.

Both are the work of crusaders; writers exposing environmental problems and those behind them.

Williams -- long known to readers of Fly Rod & Reel magazine -- is especially uncompromising. His well-researched articles hit hard, exposing not just those behind environmental depredation, but their motives and money sources.

His essays often unfold like noir crime novels, and while I enjoy reading them, I also find that one per day is enough.

Protecting the environment from those who would profit from its destruction is rarely pleasant work (for writer or reader).

And I suspect that books like Williams' won't see a fraction of the sales they should, in large part because they're not exactly relaxing reading.

Does anyone seek out "crusader" books, or do you shun them?