Cartoon lover says:

I have been reading this book, and am mostly through it – enough that I feel that I can render an opinion on this.

First, please note that I subscribe to the theory of peak oil – it’s a question of when, not if – and ecological

living.

Having said that, the book frankly lacks focus and is somewhat sophomoric in its approach. It seemed less focus on life when energy is no longer affordable and more on promoting a certain view of how things should be. Really, he spends very little time writing and more time giving massive blocks of internet references that seemed to have passed his filter of political correctness than utility. For example – he talks about home power generation, and then appears to have ignored an all-purpose website – Home Power magazine -for reasons unknown, other than perhaps the magazine doesn’t pass his concept of correctness (after all, it is available at Barnes and Noble). Another case in point – heirloom seeds. A very good idea – but his one source is some kind of communal seed outfit. A fast internet search shows a dozen or so outfits from Burpee on down. I’d prefer working with someone who actually tests their seeds in multiple environments.

Most of the book seems focused on socialized/communal living. For example, he promotes the idea of cohousing – which is fine – but his example is the N street housing complex in Davis California, which adapts the idea a couple of steps further where everyone proceeds to eat in communal settings. There are many other examples that can be found that may be more palable to ones living rather than be forced to come under someone’s else’s idea of political correctness.

Indeed, he talks about Cuba as a shining example of a country that has passed through Peak Oil, and how wonderful life is there now – ignoring one very obvious fact that Cuba has milder weather than most of the US – at least I am not aware of Havana having snow storms – which makes life much easier. And I didn’t need a paragraph on how the US doesn’t allow travelers to visit Cuba in a book about survival after peak oil.

Indeed, one of the things he promotes is moving to smaller communities – 5000 people or so. Somewhat elitist – I’ve run into many, many people who can barely keep food on the table and a roof on their heads, and somehow I cannot see them packing up into a beat up old car and driving to sunnier climes to an uncertain economic future.

Finally, he shows little imagination about how life may really be like when the crunch does hit. For example – one of the things he talks about is using the internet for communications after peak oil starts rippling through the economy. An interesting concept, given that there is a debate among people in information technology as to whether or not the internet is a massive energy hog. Certainly having to run multi-terabyte server farms 24/7 cannot be done with 300 watts.

This is not to say that the book won’t get you thinking at least – it will – but some of the insitutional reviewers indicated that it was a blueprint for living after peak oil – I’d call it less of a blueprint and more of a sketch – with many details omitted and not well thought out.

One other thing – he promotes three big ideas – they are using compact flourescent bulbs, planting a garden, and biking to work – and all I can say is – “Duh”.
Rating: 2 / 5

D. Morley says:

This is the scout’s handbook–for grown ups. A best buy. It’s not just for peak oil prep, but also for coming climate and economic changes. Effects of all three changes are already evident, and they’re bound to increase soon.

A comprehensive (growing, preserving, and eating food, and dealing with waste; water; pet care; transportation) and far-reaching book (bartering; population; societal cycles). I also liked the tips on changing our individual behaviors that increase global problems.

By providing lots of online links to accessible information instead of filling space with lists and dense text, Winter used page space efficiently–organizing the layout and text for easy access.
Rating: 5 / 5

Metta says:

I really enjoyed Mick’s Peak Oil Prep. First, it is extremely clear and easy to read. Second, it provides simple, inexpensive and practical advice on what we can do, individually, to make a difference. Third, it can be read as a reference book or as a straight read. Reading nonfiction is often a chore for me, as I usually lose my thread of thought when I lay fact-based works down; this book has such short, independent sections that putting it down and picking it up again is a delight, rather than a chore. This is also aided by the sense of humor throughout the book. Thanks for a fun and useful book to guide us through the rough times. CGY
Rating: 5 / 5