About book The Big Necessity: The Unmentionable World Of Human Waste And Why It Matters (2008)
I sometimes wondered where things go after the flush. Second of R George's book and just as interesting as the 90% of Everything. Focuses a lot on the 3rd world country (e.g., India) and it's challenge with waste management. Reminds me of my childhood (in another country) when some of my friends did not have indoor plumbing (and that was very normal). My lucky kids have no idea what it is like - not even sure if they've seen an outhouse on TV. George has few other books written - planning to read those too. I came across this book on the "underpinnings" list and expected it to be more technology about waste removal. There was some technology, a chapter on the history of toilets, a discussion of toilets in space and on the moon, but the bulk was the sociological and anthropological aspects of human waste. This was not quite what I expected--but it was enlightening to see how critical sanitation is to our world, and it is clear that it is neglected almost everywhere.This book is well written, which kept me going through some tough sections of the book. After (what seemed like) too many pages on the slums and poor rural areas of India I was wanting to take a shower and get some fresh air--but the writing kept the narrative moving along. All-in-all it was an interesting read.
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Great discussion of a human issue that is rarely addressed.
—Brittany
Stuff everyone should know in lively fluid prose. Read it!
—iansrobinson
