This Moment on Earth

Environmentalism isn’t dead; it’s just being reborn,” declares the Massachusetts senator and his philanthropist wife. The individuals and groups that the couple profile embody a no-nonsense spunk that defies tired old tree-hugger stereotypes. Deirdre Imus, a children’s health advocate and wife of recently dethroned radio personality Don Imus, successfully pressured public schools in the New York City area to switch to nontoxic janitorial products. An apple grower in Washington State forced industrial dairy farms in her community to stop contaminating the water supply with fecal waste, while residents of Louisiana formed “bucket brigades” to test air quality in their towns. The citizen success stories, especially as voiced by three-time Audie winner Dick Hill, never fail to inspire, but unfortunately the authors veer into conventional public policy polemics just when their grassroots journey begins to hit its stride. Granted, their conclusions about failed leadership in the current political climate stand on solid scientific ground, but a little more focus might have rendered a more cohesive listening experience. Simultaneous release with the Public Affairs hardcover (Apr.)