Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Adventures in Volcanoland:
Big mountain go boom sometimes.
Quick synopsis:
A science travelogue by a seasoned volcanologist.
Fact for Non-History People:
The continents move at about the same rate of toenail growth.
Fact for History Nerds:
Radium is a million times more radioactive than uranium.
My Take on Adventures in Volcanoland:
It is important to be honest with yourself as a reviewer. When you don’t connect with a book, you need to be able to answer the question, “Why?” I ran into this with Tamsin Mather’s Adventures in Volcanoland. Why didn’t I connect with it? Well, simply, it’s all my fault.
I want to be clear that this is a well-written book with impeccable science and an author passionate about her subject. Mather travels to various places of volcanic activity and discusses what the places look like, the history of the volcano, and the science behind it. This is categorized as a science/travel/nature book and this is exactly how it should be marketed.
All that being said, what’s my damn problem? I wasn’t honest with myself about my relationship with science which can be charitably described as “frenemies.” If a book is about 30-40% science, then I’ll have a good time. Once you cross that 60% threshold though, you lose me. This book is heavy on the science and does not disguise that fact.
Quick rant, I hate it when people leave a bad one sentence review to the effect of, “I wish this book was more like this.” The author gets to choose the subject and how to tell it. I think reviews should tell a reader if the book is well-written and effectively accomplishes the mission the AUTHOR sets. For Adventures in Volcanoland, Mather nails it. I am just not the target audience for this particular book.
Ok, enough rambling. If you are a science nerd and have even a passing interest in volcanoes then you will love this book. Mather does a fantastic job and that is why I am rating this book highly. If you are like me and can get overwhelmed by the science, then choose this one with care. I still wouldn’t tell you NOT to read it. I would just caution you to know what you are getting into.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and HarperCollins.)
Verdict:
For science nerds, a must read. Buy it here!
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