The hard science parts are certainly ambitious. The author goes into such topis as oceanic physics, as well as science of the atmosphere

The book’s strength is the presentation of coal mining, it’s benefits & destroying the environment. The struggles of coal miners are presented in a clear manner

How Beautiful We Were is, in a word, fatalistic. The villagers are fighting a lost cause,– The David vs. Goliath story slowly morphs into a nuanced conflict.

Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power by Steve Coll is a compelling book about one of the biggest, most powerful and influential American companies ever created. One aspect of this book is fascinating; the other is a disturbing to realize the sway a private entity has over the affairs of the union.