Quick Take

A prominent seafaring environmentalist and researcher shares his shocking discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean, and inspires a fundamental rethinking of the Plastic Age and a growing global health crisis. In the summer of 1997, Charles Moore set sail from Honolulu with the sole intention of returning home after competing in a trans-Pacific race. To get to California, he and his crew took a shortcut through the seldom-traversed North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, a vast "oceanic desert" where winds are slack and sailing ships languish. There, Moore realized his catamaran was surrounded by a "plastic soup." He had stumbled upon the largest garbage dump on the planet-a spiral nebula where plastic outweighed zooplankton, the ocean's food base, by a factor of six to one. In Plastic Ocean , Moore recounts his ominous findings and unveils the secret life and hidden properties of plastics. From milk jugs to polymer molecules small enough to penetrate human skin or be unknowingly inhaled, plastic is now suspected of contributing to a host of ailments including infertility, autism, thyroid dysfunction, and some cancers. A call to action as urgent as Rachel Carson's seminal Silent Spring , Moore's sobering revelations will be embraced by activists, concerned parents, and seafaring enthusiasts concerned about the deadly impact and implications of this man made blight.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Plastic Ocean: How a Sea Captain's Chance Discovery Launched a Determined Quest to Save the Oceans

Introduction

"Plastic Ocean: How a Sea Captain's Chance Discovery Launched a Determined Quest to Save the Oceans" by Charles Moore is a captivating and thought-provoking book that exposes the shocking truth about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the devastating impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and planet. In this article, we will delve into the author's background, analyze the views of readers, and summarize the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Charles Moore

Charles Moore, the author of "Plastic Ocean," is a prominent seafaring environmentalist and researcher. He is known for his groundbreaking discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which has sparked a global movement to address the plastic crisis and save our oceans. Moore's extensive experience at sea, combined with his passion for environmental conservation, makes him an ideal narrator for this urgent and eye-opening book.

Analysis of Views

Enlightening and Scary: Readers found the book both enlightening and scary, as it presented scientific information in a layman's terms that was not difficult to understand. The book effectively conveyed the vastness of plastic pollution in the ocean and its harmful effects on marine life and human health.
The Plastic Age: Moore's revelations about plastics contributing to various ailments, including infertility, autism, thyroid dysfunction, and cancers, added to the urgency of addressing this global health crisis. The book highlighted the pervasive nature of plastics in our daily lives, emphasizing the need to take action to prevent further marine debris and clean up existing pollution.
Factoids and Impact: While some readers found the book heavy on factoids, they appreciated that Moore provided overwhelming evidence to support his claims. The inclusion of scientific research and first-hand experiences made the book a compelling read that left readers feeling inspired to take action.
Upsetting and Eye-Opening: Many readers found the book upsetting, as it exposed the destruction of our oceans by plastics. They appreciated the author's unflinching honesty in presenting the devastating consequences of our actions. The book served as a wake-up call, inspiring readers to change their behavior and make a positive impact on the environment.
Inspiring and Actionable: Moore's book inspired readers to take action by reducing their use of single-use plastics, supporting environmental charter schools, and advocating for responsible production and disposal of plastics. The book encouraged readers to become more aware of their consumption habits and make conscious choices that align with their values.

Reasons for Recommendation

Important Message: Readers highly recommend "Plastic Ocean" for its crucial message about the plastic crisis and its impact on our planet. The book effectively conveys the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and inspires readers to take action.
Well-Written and Researched: Moore's writing style was praised for its clarity and ability to present complex scientific information in an accessible manner. Readers appreciated his thorough research and the inclusion of first-hand experiences that added depth to the story.
Inspiring Call to Action: The book serves as a call to action, motivating readers to make changes in their lives that contribute to a more sustainable future. Moore's personal journey as a sea captain who became an environmental activist resonated with readers, inspiring them to join the cause and make a difference.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Dry Writing Style: Some readers found Moore's writing style dry and overwhelmed by minutiae, which made it difficult to engage with the book from the beginning. The constant fluctuation between present tense and past tense also contributed to reader frustration.
Lack of Personal Connection: A few readers felt that Moore's writing lacked personal connection or emotional depth, making it challenging to fully empathize with the author's experiences or connect with the story on an emotional level. This may have contributed to their reluctance to continue reading.

Conclusion

"Plastic Ocean: How a Sea Captain's Chance Discovery Launched a Determined Quest to Save the Oceans" by Charles Moore is a powerful and thought-provoking book that exposes the devastating impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and planet. Through his personal journey as a sea captain turned environmental activist, Moore presents compelling evidence of the urgent need to address plastic waste and protect our oceans for future generations. While some readers found the writing style dry or lacking emotional connection, the majority agreed that this book is an essential read for anyone seeking knowledge about the plastic crisis and its implications for our world. With its enlightening message, well-researched content, and inspiring call to action, "Plastic Ocean" leaves readers with a renewed sense of responsibility and hope for a sustainable future.