With all of this talk about how much damage we have done to the planet and how everyone is trying to become green, have you ever wondered what would happen if we just disappeared? Would the world recouperated? Would it be better off without us? Would the planet return the the healthy wild?

In a series of chapter-long essays that focus on specific areas of discussion Weisman answers those questions. From talking about nature retaking areas like Manhatten and the Panama Canal to what would happen if we were not around to deal with our nuclear power plants and weapons caches, he does a wonderful job of presenting just enough informaiton to keep the reader interested.

Many of the essays are accompanied by photographs, maps, or other graphics to help the reader fully understand what is being discussed.

The main discussion highlights the dangers we really have presented to the world around us whether it is through species extinction, polution, deforestation or other means. At the same time, it is also interesting to see how quickly the wild would reclaim most of what we have done.

It is clear that Weisman has done his research. Besides citing a number of specialized resources, he also includes information from interviews with specialists in the various areas being discussed. He also turns to history's examples of past disappearing cultures to provide some of the answers of what might happen with nature's reclamation of the planet.

It definitely leaves you with an eerie feeling about the horrible things we have done as a species and wondering what we can do to make amends. It is clear that Mother Earth can repair the damage on her own once we are gone, but it would be helpful if we started helping her out a bit now.