Holy fuckballs… Every now and then a book comes along and just punches you in the face.
POW! Right in the kisser!
(Sorry, I had to).
The World Without Us is one of those books. I’ve seriously explained this book to about twenty different people to try and convince them to read it. Weisman undertakes the almost unthinkable task of answering the question, “What would happen if all humans just suddenly disappeared *POOF* from the planet?”
Well other than Mother Earth, Father Sky, and all the billions of animals heaving a collective sigh of relief…. A lot actually. And it wouldn’t take as long as you might think.
Weisman illustrates about a bajillion fascinating points in TWWU, and I seriously could not put it down. Did you know that if power cut off in NYC, within TWO WEEKS the subway system would be COMPLETELY filled with water–thus weakening the foundation of all the skyscrapers and causing a relatively imminent collapse? SAY WHAAA??
Or, that it is hypothesized that Africa is the only continent with so many “mega” mammals (elephants, rhinos, etc…) left alive because humans originated there and those species had a chance to grow immune to our disgusting disease-ridden bodies?
Or, that if you cut an 18 inch hole in the roof of your home, it would only take ten years for the building to fall apart!?
Prepare to be amazed, educated, and more than a little depressed. One of my favorite books all year.
Just read the damn thing, ok?
(Oh, and stop using body scrub with little plastic exfoliating beads in it).
5 days after tomorrow of 5
Cracking Spines 