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49 pages 1 hour read

Elizabeth Kolbert

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History (2014)

Elizabeth KolbertNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Elizabeth Kolbert

The Sixth Extinction

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert, the author explores the history and impact of various species' extinctions, arguing that human activity is driving a current sixth mass extinction. By traveling globally and examining past and present examples, Kolbert highlights the connections between human actions, such as industrialization and deforestation, and the alarming changes in ecosystems, ocean chemistry, and climate, presenting evidence and interviews with experts to underscore her thesis.

Informative

Mysterious

Unnerving

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

83,628 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction eloquently combines scientific rigor with compelling narrative, warning of the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Critics laud its engaging prose and thorough research, though some argue it leans heavily on alarming scenarios without offering concrete solutions. Overall, it’s a critical and accessible look at humanity's impact on the planet.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Sixth Extinction?

Readers drawn to The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert appreciate insightful, well-researched narratives on environmental science and natural history. Similar to fans of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time, they seek compelling stories about humanity's impact on Earth's ecosystems and urgent conservation issues.

4.3

83,628 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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