Staycation

This one was a little slow to get through. Expect to read it more as a scientific and historical retelling of stories, not quite like an emotional narrative. If you stick it out until the end however, the emotion finally hits you as all of the combined accounts finally come together to show you the overarching theme of the uncontrollable and majestic power the Mississippi holds.

The author really does his research in this one by traveling and collecting real grievances from families and workers who have been tortured by the untamable Mississippi River throughout history. He explores the economy aspect of infrastructure around the river and ways we have handled it until today. Kelly presents the question of whether we are actually equipped to continue fighting a force of nature so strong, and offers possible solutions to failing construction if we choose that route.

Coming from a part time Ecology 101 adjunct professor, this could be a good one for students to read in their spare time to really get a grasp of the economic vs. ecological balance we have to maintain on this planet.