Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman (2008, Hardcover)

Tom Friedman's excellent book is much more than a compilation of his NY Times columns. It's a highly readable, well documented analysis of the state of the planet -- enconomically and environmentally -- and a call to action by the federal government and all Americans.

Thomas L. Friedman is just that good. I mean, if you have read any of his other books then this one will appeal to you just as much. I would still argue that the Lexus, and the Olive Tree is his best book, but this particular book is very timely and entertaining.

Supremely good book. I've bought numerous copies to send to friends & relatives for Christmas.
A wealth of facts and expert opinions that all add up to an inescapable conclusion - it is in the economic interest of the United States and every American to immediately adopt a radically new energy strategy. Get away from petroleum dependency. Incentivize investment, R&D and applications to create a new energy industry (in the same fundamental way that the US military funded the creation of the internet).
Globalization and underlying demographic factors (China & India) mean that the clock is ticking - very soon the "emerging markets" will produce, consumer and pollute as much as we in the USA and the industrialized world are doing.
Oh, and global warming is here and it just might be too late for the USA (alone) to innovate our way out of the impending catastrophe.

The book was totally fine and in tip top condition, but the shipping was soo slow that I didn't need the book anymore.

Friedman is the perfect idealist and optimist in his book. He thinks that everything will be fixed if we can just get money in the right places and people to think about what they are doing to the environment. However, he doesn't seem to consider the amount of influence lobbies in Congress have. I think that lobbies are a much bigger influence and deserve more to be written about them. But, most of the ideas that Friedman brings up are good, such as being able to turn off your A/C online.

I bought this for a class on environmental writing. I would have liked to have read Lost Mountain by Eric Reece, but my professor didn't let me.

I really liked how I did not have to spend over 15 dollars for the same book if I bought it from school.

extremely happy with the book
super fast delivery
will recommend to anybody
the book is almost brand new
in excellent condition

This book is very readable and goes beyond his description of Global Warming to articulate what some of the reasonable ways to deal with the problem of Greenhouse gases might be. As such it is very constructive and optimistic.
On the other hand I have just finished the book "Climate Change" by Roy W.
Spencer who argues the flip side of the global warning hypothesis. Although this book is somewhat cynical it does show the need for a real discourse before we commit the wealth of the US to solve the "problem". I recommend you read both.
Thomas Davidson

Tom Friedman is one of my favorite authors. He has this unique ability to explain complicated topics in easy to grasp terms using great images from life. This book is a great corollary to his "World is Flat" that came out few years ago. "Hot, Flat and Crowded" has some ominous warnings in it that needed to be heeded by leaders and nations especially the USA and actions needed to be taken with the seriousness they deserve. This book is a must read for all those concerned about the environment.

Paul Veliyathil

I liked the book as I like all of Friedman's work. He has a good understanding of the world today and some of the things that need to be done to make it better.

Recommended reading

I purchased this book as a christmas gift for my father. I have not read this book myself so I don't think I can give an accurate review on the book itself.

Very fast delivery as well as smooth transaction! Book was as described! Very happy with purchase! Thank you!!

Good information, but it NOT objective. However, objectivity is not the author's intention. Very interesting and enlightening. Bought the book after seeing Friedman on book review program on cnbc.

i took a little bit longer than i expected until the item arrived. but the condition of the item is great.