Super Short Summary

The Organic Machine by Richard White explores the history and environmental impact of the Columbia River, focusing on its degradation due to overfishing, dam construction, and pollution, and the subsequent effects on Native communities. White examines the river as an "organic machine," highlighting its energy dynamics and critiquing the commodification and overconsumption driven by capitalism, ultimately suggesting a potential for renewed human connection with nature. This book includes sensitive topics such as the systemic marginalization of indigenous voices and environmental exploitation.