Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

[forestofglory]

Continuing to review non-fiction here. This book took me just forever to read because I didn't really like it at all. It is full of anecdotal evidence and nostalgia. Also it has white middle class suburban sensibility that I didn't enjoy. To finish it I ended up skimming in several places. The basic premise of the book is that children are healthier and happier if they play in nature, and that back in the lovely 50's kids used to play outside more. I have problems with nostalgia about the 50's -- I think the 50's in the US where not a great time to be alive, and I am skeptical of anyone who thinks otherwise. So in general I found the book not very convincing and a bit shallow. Which is shame, because I dislike disagreeing with people who want to take care of nature.