Well written and well organized. Subject matter progressed in a logical fashion. Diagrams, photos, and inserts were helpful as well as appendices and glossary. I think after reading this I will be more aware of my environment; weather, landscape, flora, fauna, and why things appear as they do.
Only one star because it was terribly boring to read, even for a text book. The diagrams could be confusing some times. The only redeemable thing it had was an abundance of pictures. Without them no one would know what the text was trying to explain...
There was also a definite "go green", tree-hugger feel to the book. It brought up mineral depletion, human-caused erosion, and things along those lines in every chapter. There were even a couple of chapters focusing solely on human effects on animals, plants, and yes, rocks... Don't get me wrong, I am all for watching our use of the planet, but I felt like if it were up to the authors of this book, we need to exterminate those confounded humans before the earth disintegrates under our feet!!! I guess its a necessary evil, I mean... it could be worse right?