Silent Spring

This right here is why my e-reader will never replace my library. Nothing beats the feel or the smell of an old book. It’s been stepped on 
(based on the wonderful shoe print on the front cover), written in, spilled on, and read by who knows how many other people (It was first stamped back in ’89, which means the first person to read it did so before I was born. I know that’s not that long ago, but it is to me). It has that wonderful musty book smell that makes my heart swoon, before it makes me sneeze.

I got “Silent Spring” from the university library a few weeks ago, even though it had been on my to do list for at least a year. Every environmental studies class always come back to Rachel Carson and the role she played in starting the environmental movement. It seemed like one of those books you just have to read.

Even though she wrote about pesticide use that was happening 50 years ago, her writing and criticism were still incredibly relevant today. Although her examples were outdated and we may no longer spray everything from plants to our children with DDT, her criticism of our lack of caution with chemicals still rings true. 


“Silent Spring” is one of those books that will always be relevant in modern society in one way or another. Even though this is not a book I would ever say everyone should read, if you are interested in pesticides, the organic farming movement, or the history of the environmental movement, I would highly recommend her book. For everyone else, I highly recommend finding an old book on something you are interested in. Not only will you gain a new perspective on something you thought you knew well, you will have the pleasure of reading an old, well-loved book.