Alien Invasion

Rating:
Summary: Alins! Aliens! Everywhere!
Review: Aliens abound in the US - maybe not bug-eyes creatures from space, but non-native, invasive plants and animals whose presence often has destructive effects on our environment.

From the European Starling to Dutch Elm Disease to fire ants and killer bees, invasive species can spread like porverbial woldfire and cause problems with very costly solutions. Not all non-native species are harmful, of course. Everything from Irises to wheat, apples, soybeans and rice originated outside the US. However, I strongly disagree with the author's charcterizing Dandelions as 'harmful'. This misunderstood plant, while unwelcome on most lawns, is edible (when not bombarded by pesticides), rich in potassium and has many medicinal properties.

That said, "Alien Invasion" is a passionate treatise, which advocates the elimination and control of harmful invaders. Its tone ("the sky is falling!") might seem melodramatic to some, but fear often is effective in raising awareness for the average person who may feel removed from the dangers or such terrestrial invaders. I don't agree with this tactic, but I understand the challenge the author has undertaken.
A highly recommended, thought-provoking read.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book that can instill hope in humanity's future
Review: The scope of this book, for reasons of practicality, is limited to the United States but the problem is undoubtedly endemic to the entire planet. Still the coverage is sufficient to recognize the root causes and these are described. Understanding is the only hope. If humanity can not see these "canaries in a coal mine" then we will see great suffering. So far the battle of reason and understanding against the psychosis that seems to plague humanity has yet to be turned. This book helps to turn us from a dash to oblivion.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book that can instill hope in humanity's future
Review: The scope of this book, for reasons of practicality, is limited to the United States but the problem is undoubtedly endemic to the entire planet. Still the coverage is sufficient to recognize the root causes and these are described. Understanding is the only hope. If humanity can not see these "canaries in a coal mine" then we will see great suffering. So far the battle of reason and understanding against the psychosis that seems to plague humanity has yet to be turned. This book helps to turn us from a dash to oblivion.