The Revenge of Gaia ; James Lovelock

The Revenge of Gaia ; James Lovelock.

About the Author: - James Lovelock is author if more than 200 scientific papers and is the originator of the Gaia Hypothesis. He has written three books on the subject. He worked wholly as an independent scientist but retained links with universities in the UK and USA. He has been described as ‘one of the great thinkers of our time’(New Scientist) and ‘one of the environmental movements most influential figures’(Observer).

The discussion was opened by asking whether the book was loved or loathed. This elicited a strong response from some members, who said that they loathed the book.

Even though this was the case a lively discussion followed and the views can be summarised as follows;

Style: - The style of writing did not engage the members, it was described as ‘facts being thrown at you’ many had the sensation that they were reading the words and not absorbing what was being described. Members who selected chapters to read did not feel as if they missed out on any part of the book and had obtained sufficient understanding of the concepts of Gaia. The members concluded that the book resembled an academic essay.

Many of the claims were recognised by many of the members as being theories that had been debated in the forum of ‘Global Warming’ However the outcomes and timescales that were presented should be viewed as a possibility. The writer himself had even admitted to changing his own view point in the chapter that related to renewable energy and had transferred his allegiance form that of an opponent of nuclear powered power stations to that of an advocate. Members of the group concluded that the book raised more questions regarding the subject matter of global warming and felt that the conceptual claims may have been over simplistic.

Interestingly some members had considered what had triggered the writing of this book. It transpired that this was the third book on this theme by this author. It was likened to a faith or belief and the author wanted to spread the word.

Most of the members would not have ordinarily chosen to read this book and would not necessarily have been attracted to it. Although the book was not considered an enjoyable read, people generally felt a sense of achievement and it had also become a talking point within families. At the meeting the book fuelled the conversation for an hour and ten minutes and it was apparent that it had caused people to think quite deeply about the concept and the possibilities that fell out of it. This level of debate shaped the recommendation that the book should be seriously considered as recommended reading for GCSE.

Next Book: The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies

The Very Beginning

It was in early April when the first idea of creating a Reading Group was uttered, needless to say this took place as the end of a bottle of a very delicious, chilled Chablis drew near.

The group membership was quickly agreed to be friends and neighbours from within Poets' Corner. Within minutes there were twenty names on a list. The next day the idea was 'market tested' by posting letters through letter boxes and two days later many had responded with enthusiasm.

During the days that followed, the internet was searched for strategies and guidance on the setting up and running of Reading Groups. Many of the groups that we researched were either all men or all women groups and one thing we were both agreed on was that our Reading Group should consist of both men and women and this was already reflected in our membership.

Very soon the date was set for the inaugral meeting and our invitations were keenly accepted.

The first meeting was hosted and the following was agreed:

Purpose :-

• Expand our reading choices


• Enlighten members with new ideas and perceptions


• Encourage the reading of books


• Encourage the exchange and debating of views


• BE GOOD FUN AND GENERALLY SOCIAL!

It was decided that the groups should meet every six weeks, hosted in rotation and the current host will direct the discussions and guide the strategy of the group up to the next meeting. It was felt that this would enable even the slowest of readers (me) to finish the book in good time. It was jokingly suggested that the book be between 350 - 500 pages long - which as it turns out is an excellent idea!

The strategy for the first group was for the host to facilitate the selection of the next book by proposing two or three books, one of which the group will choose to read before the next meeting so that each member will read the book ready for discussion at the next meeting.

We had not considered any books to offer for the first session and before we knew it many of our friends had run into their own homes and returned with so many and such a range of books that it was decided to put the choice to the vote.

The books that were put forward for reading were:

• The Time Travellers Wife -Audrey Niffenegger


• Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell


• The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon


• The Almond Picker - Simonetta Agnello Hornby


• The Interpretation of Murder - Jed Rubenfeld


• On Green Dolphin Street - Sebastian Faulks


• The Revenge of Gaia - James Lovelock


• The Game - Neill Strauss


• Thirteen Moons - Charles Frazier


• The Road - Cormac McCarthy


• The Testament of Gideon Mach - James Robertson


• The Rise of Political Lying - Peter Oborne


• The Chilling Stars, a new theory of climate change, Henrik Svensmark & Nigel Calder

The book with most votes was The Revenge of Gaia, James Lovelock

and next time you will read what we thought of it!