Power To Save the World: The Truth About Nuclear Energy

Editor's Pick for October 30, 2007

by Gregg Sapp, Science Lib., SUNY at Albany -- Library Journal, 10/30/2007 3:50:00 PM

Cravens, Gwyneth. Power To Save the World: The Truth About Nuclear Energy. Knopf. 2007. c.464p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-307-26656-9. $27.95. SCI

Sometimes a convert makes the most ardent missionary. Such may be the case with novelist and science writer Cravens. Initially biased against nuclear energy because of its commonly perceived risks, she changed her mind when introduced to the scientific facts. Cravens found that scientists who understand nuclear energy most clearly are almost universally in favor of its expansion, arguing that it has a far greater safety record than conventional energy sources and that fears of radiation accidents are either unfounded or exaggerated. Thus, guided by nuclear scientist and environmental enthusiast Richard "Rip" Anderson, Cravens embarks upon a "Nuclear America Tour," wherein she is introduced to the history, science, potential, and facts of nuclear energy. Systematically, she becomes converted to the notions that there is more ambient radioactivity in Denver than in Chernobyl, that well-designed nuclear plants are safer than coal-fired ones, and that probably the surest way to mitigate global warming is by investing in nuclear energy. Her presentation of these arguments is lucid and convincing, and her prose is lively and colorful. To be fair, she does not go out of her way to seek or quote contrary opinions, but those arguments have been put forward in a variety of other sources. This is a sensible and important contribution to the dialog. Recommended for all science collections.