Book Review

Part of my fascination with the outdoors isn't just the mountains, lakes, glaciers and meadows that make up a pretty picture. There's also an underlying curiosity about "How did that get there?" and "Why is that like that?" When I was in college, going for a degree in journalism, I was required to take a science class. I figured, "Hey, I like the outdoors, I'll take geology." I spent the next several years in as many geology classes as I could fill my schedule with - even considered changing my course of study, until I looked at the math and chemistry requirement to get a degree in geology (Ugh! No good for a right-brainer). So settled for the journalism degree, and squeaked out a minor in geology.

Because of this love of geology, and the natural workings of our planet, I recently read Simon Winchester's Crack in the Edge of the World. This is a fascinating account of the mechanics of California's San Andreas Fault, and the cause and effects of the disastrous 1906 earthquake that leveled San Francisco. This is far from a dry science textbook, as Winchester also tells the detailed story about the birth of San Francisco, and it's original intent to be the "Paris of the West Coast." And learn how, as in all things lately, the greatest fuel for catastrophe is American politics. A very entertaining and informative read, I would recommend this book for anyone that has an itch for geology, history, and a sprinkling of good 'ol natural disaster.