The Story of More

How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here

By: Hope Jahren

Narrated by: Hope Jahren

The essential pocket primer on climate change that will leave an indelible impact on everyone who reads it. “Hope Jahren asks the central question of our time: how can we learn to live on a finite planet?" (Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction).

“Hope Jahren is the voice that science has been waiting for.” —Nature

Hope Jahren is an award-winning scientist, a brilliant writer, a passionate teacher, and one of the seven billion people with whom we share this earth. In The Story of More, she illuminates the link between human habits and our imperiled planet. In concise chapters, she takes us through the science behind the key inventions—from electric power to large-scale farming to automobiles—that, even as they help us, release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere like never before. She explains the current and projected consequences of global warming—from superstorms to rising sea levels—and the actions that we all can take to fight back. At once an explainer on the mechanisms of global change and a lively, personal narrative given to us in Jahren’s inimitable voice, The Story of More is “a superb account of the deadly struggle between humanity and what may prove the only life-bearing planet within ten light years" (E. O. Wilson).

©2020 Hope Jahren (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“[Hope Jahren] leads us on a journey across time and space, outlining thoughts and beliefs from Mesopotamia to her tiny Minnesota hometown. Along the way she discusses the impact of everything from population growth to Norwegian fishing to nuclear power. She takes this approach in order to present climate change as a result of broader dysfunctions having to do with consumption habits that, she says, don’t even make us happy.... It’s an argument that contrasts with the recent spate of climate books, which opt to pummel readers with facts and guilt. Jahren, who first came to prominence with the best-selling memoir “Lab Girl,” instead writes delicately, like the whispery scrape of a skate tracing a figure on the ice.” —The New York Times Book ​Review

“If there’s one book all of us should read about the state of the environment, it’s this one.... [Jahren] pulls off the feat of presenting climate change without emotional baggage through accessibility and humor.” —The Washington Independent Review of Books

“Hope Jahren asks the central question of our time: how can we learn to live on a finite planet? The Story of More is thoughtful, informative, and—above all—essential.”—Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction

Should be required reading

Loved this book. Profound and well read by the author. Organized well and backed with research. Easy to understand. I wish more people would read.

Excellent story - & it's ours!

Although the subject of climate change is not easy reading for anyone who cares about the world they're leaving behind for their children and future grandchildren, this book tackles it accessibly, from a very human culture centered point of view.

Excellent!

Great book, and a timely reminder of the 21st century's most important issue. A must-read!

Turns everything into Wonderful story

And although authors narrating their own books usually don't do well, she does fabulous and is so pleasant to listen which helps given the gloom of what's happening. (should consider narrating more!)

I loved it!

I wanted more! This book was an easy to listen to guide to the changes that have happened with key factors of our Earth's consumption and growth over the past few decades. Inspiring with actionable advice to become part of the solution.

Hard Truths, but not without Hope

This was one book I was determined to finish before year’s end. I’m glad for these kind of milestones, as it got me off my stall. Why did I stall? I think because it’s easier to turn to bright shiny fun things (like Historical Fiction, my Brain Candy) than it is to digest hard truths. But we should all do hard things, if not once a day or once a week or month, certainly, then, once a year. So finish, I did. And I’m glad, for I’ve begun dedicating at least one yearly goal to doing something in reducing my footprint. Thankfully, Jahren leaves some well thought out ideas on how to do that, another reason to finish the book before the New Year. Or to read now, if you haven’t.

Well done, and thank you, Hope Jahren. Great reading, too.

Wake Up Call with Call to Action

The title pretty much says it all. This book made me look at society's handling of resources in a deeper light.

As a marketer it has inspired me to discover new ways to help push the cause forward. How? By working only with companies attempting to create products with renewable resources.

fantastic clarity!

This book is exactly what a skeptical world needs now. Will relisten several times and recommend for those who question the science.

College Reads Choice

The Story of More is our college's opening convocation book for 2021. That means all students and faculty read and discuss and have a talk back with the author.

I find it to be a great choice, infinitely readable, and the most vital subject for our dialogues in and out of the classroom.

Excellent How, So-so Where

Food descriptions are educational and heartfelt. Energy is less so. Getting billions to cut back is a pipe dream.