by Andrew Blackwell (Get the Book)In this extremely interesting travel journal, Blackwell details his experiences touring the world's most polluted places. Endlessly curious and forthright, he was determined to get as close as possible to international hot spots of nuclear disaster, mining, sewage, and trash. Few people would share Blackwell's dedication in approaching a place like Chernobyl (whose safe future is in serious doubt), yet no one will be able to resist his reports on the things he sees, the people he meets, and the bizarre discoveries he makes. From reflecting on the country's first gusher to embarking on a Gilligan's Island-esque voyage to the Pacific's floating garbage patch, Blackwell exhibits an extreme willingness to immerse himself in the moment while never taking anything or anyone too seriously. From asking necessary questions to nailing our economic and environmental hypocrisy (Americans don't buy electronics from China, he observes; we rent them and send them back to be torn apart ), the author proves himself time and again to be the sort of journalist who is both devastatingly hip and brutally relevant. This sort of environmental investigation cuts through partisan hype and serves as a vital link between adventure and ecological awareness. That Blackwell accomplishes it with humor makes his book that much more effective. --Booklist
