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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “Such an important book. I found the book to contain more information than the movie.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “I read this ... Gore makes a lot of assumptions and generalities, and bases his stats and predictions on computer models which are based on speculation. The "hockey stick" graph is in error. Not all mountain glaciers are shrinking. Some are growing. The earth goes through cycles of warming...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“I'm a Green Nerd. ”
Beverly M wrote this review 3 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A great book that really shows the awareness of how the Earth is affected by global warming.”
Katherine P wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“What worked for you?
Nikki Reale wrote this review Sunday, November 15 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I found this book to be surprisingly interesting. Al Gore provided the reader with simply explained facts about different environmental issues and used pictures, charts, etc. to aid in understanding the concepts. I was truly intrigued by the honesty and sincerity of the issues presented in this book. Al Gore certainly made me think more about the serious environmental issues that are endangering the world.
What didn't work for you?
I found some of Al Gore's points to be redundant and I sometimes felt that he was scolding the reader. While he was certainly honest in his opinions, I felt he could've touched on some of the skepticism that people feel about environmental issues.
What one thing will you remember about this book a year from now?
I will remember how vividly Gore presented the information to readers. He did an excellent job of using pictures and charts to further explain the information he provided. I think he did an outstanding job of presenting the information to readers in a nonthreatening, easy-to-understand way. He didn't sugar-coat anything, but he didn't overuse scientific jargon either; he really explained things in a way that young readers could easily understand. ”
“Overall Reaction
Suzanne S wrote this review Tuesday, November 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Wow. For me, this was a particularly eye-opening book. As someone who has only vague knowledge of the current state of the environment with respect to global warming, I really appreciated the opportunity to read this book. Gore does an excellent job of plainly stating the facts, and backing them up with evidence that is visible through the use of vivid pictures, maps, charts, and other graphics. I can imagine that this book would serve as an excellent tool for an interdisciplinary lesson that covers ground within the literature, social studies, and science subject areas. As a teacher, I might spend time with students discussing the use of pictures, maps, charts, and other graphics – this would be an excellent way for explicitly teaching students to understand how to read and glean information from these tools. For students functioning at lower reading levels, this book would also provide an opportunity to assist these students in developing their comprehensions skills, as each page clearly depicts the author’s enormous message in so few words. I also found it interesting how the author makes a point of refuting specific points of debate among critics who wish to ‘hush’ the issue of global warming as a result of their political and economic agendas. In this way, the reader can acknowledge Gore’s aim to present the issue in a manner that is as factual and objective as possible. I think what I liked most about this book is its passion – this is the sort of work that provokes readers to take an interest in the world around them, and take action – even if on a very small scale – to do their part in helping solve the problem of global warming. Having read the piece from the NY Times after reading the book, I thought that the article provides an interesting extension of Gore’s work that isn’t exactly touched on in the book. Through this article, we understand that the damage that has been done to the environment has real and complex consequences beyond the immediately obvious: global warming is a threat to national security, and therefore is potentially an social and political crisis as well. The demands of humanitarian relief emergencies due to inclement weather will be so great that we will be taxed in multiple ways.
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“Don´t miss it! We are at the same boat.”
GIPA R wrote this review Sunday, November 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book was one of the most interesting nonfiction children's books I have read. Al Gore presented real, shocking facts in a manner that appeals to the upper elementary and middle school aged child. The pictures were strong and grabbed attention. I was shocked to see the differences in glacier coverage of Earth and how drought ravaged country of Africa. The charts and graphs were an additional perk. Many textbooks use charts and graphs and children overlook them. Because the text wasn't overwhelming, most kids would probably read the charts and graphs. The material was age appropriate. I liked that it presented facts in a way that did not make people feel guilty but rather felt more like a call to action to improve our planet.
Jamie C wrote this review Friday, October 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This book has high literary merit and would hopefully be appealing to children. ”
“An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore
JoAnna G wrote this review Tuesday, October 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Grades: none (find something better)
Overall Reaction:
While I am not politically minded at all, I happen to be married to a very political man. My aversion to this book was just because I didn’t think it would be interesting, but I was extremely surprised when I was jokingly threatened with divorce, if I so much as cracked the cover. After some research of my own, I’ve come to find out why. I’m not arguing the existence of global warming or some effects because I’m NOT a scientist nor do I play one on T.V., but I have a hard time buying a plot of land in Florida from a man wearing alligator shoes. Did Gore bother to tell us that his electric bill is over $30,000 per year? Or that while he’s urging us to conserve, conserve, conserve and buy a hybrid car, he’s still flying all over the world in his own private jet instead of doing his part and flying with the masses? Oh, here’s a good one… did he mention that he owns the company that gets “carbon offsets”. The same company he claims to pay in order to offset his extreme usage of electricity. (Click here for link) No, he somehow forgot to tell us those things. I’m not big on double standards. I also don’t believe our students should be taught “Inconvenient Untruths”, as documented by the article I’ve linked. If we are going to teach our students about global warming and what is occurring, there are many other ways of doing so. In fact, check out this website to look at all sides of the argument and what one school did. Again, I’m not saying I don’t believe in global warming, but as teachers we need to get all of the facts and figures before we present incomplete and impartial information!
The hyperlinks didn't come through so here they are:
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=54528
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3310137/Al-Gores-nine-Inconvenient-Untruths.html
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=62598”
“ Since taking an environmental science course in high school and watching the animated version of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax during our first class, I possessed an interest in environmental issues. Although I was not really certain what to expect from An Inconvenient Truth, I found it to be a quick read that presented many intriguing facts. Accompanied by brief captions or explanations, the captivating, colorful photos truly depicted how much the environment has changed over time. The photos and graphs are what pulled me in, compelling me to move through the text quickly in order to explore the topics more deeply. One image that was particular striking was that of the contrast between Haiti and the Dominican Republic (p. 146-147). Nothing has been done to safeguard the forests of Haiti and as a result, 98% of the forests have been destroyed. On the other hand, as a result of a forest protection plan, the Dominican Republic has demonstrated its concern for their environment, allowing it to flaunt miles of rich, green forests. Minus the short explanation, this picture is truly “worth a thousand words,” indicating to the reader how much impact we have on our world and what the consequences are of our behavior. I also enjoyed how, after a deluge of not-so-encouraging facts, Gore ended on a hopeful note presenting the idea of crisis, as not only something dangerous, but a time of opportunity. He presented the benefits of technology and how its advances can fight global warming. Even though this was an adapted text intended for younger readers, I wished there had been additional data and information, perhaps at the end, or in the form of a bibliography. That way, classroom discussions could be enhanced with supplemental materials. In addition, I feel like the data and statistics in the text would be more credible if further documentation concerning their sources had been provided.
Heather R wrote this review Tuesday, October 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
In terms of the New York Times article entitled, “Climate Change Seen as Threat to U.S. Security,” I felt as though it shed light on little known, or rarely talked about, consequences and challenges that result from the changes in climate. Never have I ever seriously considered how environmental changes could impact U.S. security so strongly. Obviously, disasters that are incurred due to climate changes will cause harm to people and the landscape, but I learned how mass migration, sickness, damage to military bases and the need for additional emergency relief could take a toll on U.S. military. Echoed in An Inconvenient Truth, this article advised the necessity of paying now, instead of later.
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“Shannon MacMillan
Shannon M wrote this review Tuesday, October 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
EDR 515
Overall reaction to An Inconvenient Truth
Honestly, I felt that this book was not very good. I was surprised at the lack of text, statistics, and research that went into writing the book. I feel that there was no new information that I learned from the book. It discussed global warming as something that everyone in the world needs to fix, not just our governments. However, it suggested few ways that individuals can help to change the effects of global warming. Since Al Gore was writing about global warming and showing his concern for our planet, I really would have expected more from him in regards to data to back up the information he provided in his book. I also expected many more suggestions about what we can do as residents of the planet to help fix the problems stated in the book.
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“I found An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore to be a stepping stone of a book on Global Warming. I think that it does a good job of introducing global warming to someone that has not read or researched the topic. I think the best part of the book is the pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words and there are many vivid pictures in this book. At first, I didn’t want to give this book a chance because of the controversy around Al Gore taking such an active interest in global warming and because I am a Republican, and you know how we feel about Al Gore. But, I was pleasantly surprised at the book, and really I took it for what it is worth. It is a great introductory to global warming and I feel like after reading this book combined with and my background knowledge on global warming I feel comfortable discussing the topic. I also think that the book is a great jumping off point for further research on this topic. Again, what I most appreciated were the vivid pictures of the earth and the devastation that could occur if the issue of global warming isn’t addressed seriously. I was also touched by Al Gore’s turning point, and the story of his son getting hit by a car. After reading that part I understood more why Al Gore has become such an activist. I think this book coupled with the NY Times article depicts that global warming and its effects are obviously a serious concern and politicians and people around the word need to recognize it. ”
Lisa C wrote this review Tuesday, October 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
