<DIV>From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wal-Mart Effect comes a fascinating journey into the secret life of water, a book that upends everything we think we know about the most vital substance in our lives.</div>
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. For the past 100 years, the developed world has enjoyed a cheap, safe, and abundant water supply, but Fishman (The Wal-Mart Effect) warns that everything about water is about to change—how we use it, how we share it, and how we value it. In an engrossing, globe-trotting narrative, he introduces the reader to people already grappling with water shortages—Patricia Mulroy, Las Vegas's no-nonsense water czar known as the best water manager in the country; the inhabitants of a neighborhood in Delhi who line up twice a day for water they must carry home. Since water cannot be created or destroyed, the challenge we face is not so much about water scarcity but rather how we can use it more equitably and protect it—the meaning of "clean" has a wholly new connotation in an era when we can pollute water in new ways with residues of medicine and plastics. Fishman notes that some of the most innovative ways of conserving water are coming from big businesses, including IBM, which has cut the water use in its microchip production 27% in the past eight years. A comprehensive, remarkably readable panorama of our dependence on—and responsibilities to—a priceless resource. (Apr.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review
"A timely warning about the dwindling global water supply." ---Kirkus
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By Glenn Ostle
Format:Hardcover
As an editor in the pulp and paper industry, I'm aware of what our own industry is doing to use less water and recycle and reuse the water that it does use. But this book has given me a much broader view of the water issue thanks to Mr. Fishman's clever writing, excellent research, and fascinating stories drawn from his global travels. He has achieved the seemingly impossible by writing an entire book about the single topic of water, and making it fascinating reading. I'll never look at or think about water the same way again, and I've already found myself looking for little ways in which I can reduce my use of this precious resource.
This should be required reading for everyone.
Glenn Ostle
Editorial Director/Associate Publisher
Paper360 magazine
This should be required reading for everyone.
Glenn Ostle
Editorial Director/Associate Publisher
Paper360 magazine
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A whole book about water? Really?
We all know water is precious and important in our lives, but like most U.S. citizens, I used to take safe, clean water for granted.
Never again after reading "The Big Thirst." The book is compelling and fun to read, serious and hopeful.
Charles Fishman is a great storyteller and writer. With humor and facts, he identifies and explores vital issues as he travels to Las Vegas, Australia, India, UAE and beyond. He presents ideas, information and critical issues in a thoughtful and calm manner.
This important and book changed the way I think about water, and has lessons for individuals, communities and policy makers.
I no longer feel numbed by water worries; I even feel hopeful. And I keep thinking about my relationship with water, including why a body of water makes me so happy, and why some fountains are amazing and others are just annoying (you know the type). This book will keep me (and others) thinking and talking about water for a long time to come.
We all know water is precious and important in our lives, but like most U.S. citizens, I used to take safe, clean water for granted.
Never again after reading "The Big Thirst." The book is compelling and fun to read, serious and hopeful.
Charles Fishman is a great storyteller and writer. With humor and facts, he identifies and explores vital issues as he travels to Las Vegas, Australia, India, UAE and beyond. He presents ideas, information and critical issues in a thoughtful and calm manner.
This important and book changed the way I think about water, and has lessons for individuals, communities and policy makers.
I no longer feel numbed by water worries; I even feel hopeful. And I keep thinking about my relationship with water, including why a body of water makes me so happy, and why some fountains are amazing and others are just annoying (you know the type). This book will keep me (and others) thinking and talking about water for a long time to come.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Mark Belmont
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Truly entertaining stories that accomplish what few books of this type do: provides a stern warning without attempting to frighten. The book takes a hard look at some very dire situations but also provides some specific examples of places around the globe that have figured out an answer. Charles Fishman has crafted an impressionist painting that can be seen as a business book, a political book, a human drama, or a primer on the science and economics of water. The book takes the reader on a worldwide tour, from the splashy hotels on the Vegas strip to the poorest slums of India and lots of places in between.
No matter your expectations, this book will exceed them.
No matter your expectations, this book will exceed them.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
REQUIRED READING
This is an eye opening view of the world of water that doesn't rely on the usual tropes. Fishman explains fully why water is a local issue and gives examples of how a range of... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kierk Ashmore-Sorensen
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Compelling Description of Water Resources and Global Water Policies
Charles Fishman, longtime newspaper reporter and author of the bestselling book The Wal-Mart Effect, has published an excellent book about the water resources we so frequently take... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jay Lehr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent!!
This book should be required reading for every american.
In the United States we take fresh tap water and wastewater disposal completely for granted. Read more
In the United States we take fresh tap water and wastewater disposal completely for granted. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Douglas B. Nurock
5.0 out of 5 stars
intriguing!
very intriguing book. It will really make you think. I had to buy it for my water water everywhere class, but I still really enjoyed the information presented.
Published 2 months ago by Jessica Heering
5.0 out of 5 stars
good
excellent
nineteen more words not required, all i need is my personal opinion of this product still need more words. this form is why more products are not reviewed
nineteen more words not required, all i need is my personal opinion of this product still need more words. this form is why more products are not reviewed
Published 2 months ago by Joseph W. Smaltz
4.0 out of 5 stars
Watching Water more Carefully
I learned so much about water and its use and abuse all over the world from reading this book. An outstanding fact for me is the disrespect that people - in countries that provide... Read more
Published 2 months ago by karen vanek
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book for a big topic
This is a important book on a very important topic. It is well researched and reads nicely. Living in Atlanta, GA, the comments about water shortage are real, but not realized by... Read more
Published 2 months ago by James W. Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
This is a very interesting book, full of great information. It is a scary, but important read for impending issues.
Published 2 months ago by Gordon Z Gund
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read
Very informative. As a local in Las Vegas, I was always very curious about our water management. there are well over twenty large hotel/casinos in las Vegas, and it's is... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Chef702
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Big Thirst
I had gotten this book from the library and decided I really wanted to own it. It is excellent. The book itself was in perfect condition and came in good time. Thanks
Published 3 months ago by Anneli M. Levy
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