The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert: The Most Terrifying Non-Fiction Book

“The Sixth Extinction” revolves around the existing environmental crises and the ever nearing possibility of a new extinction disaster created by humans- coming together to form what might be the most terrifying non-fiction book. 

In an age where the topic of climate change and species extinction is still thought of as a problem of the future, The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert attempts to show us that the threats to the environment- and the possibility of a Sixth Extinction driven by humans is a part of our present

So, let’s take a deep dive into “The Sixth Extinction”, see what it’s about, why it’s so famous, and most importantly, if this book is worth your reading list. We’ll answer all these questions and perhaps a few more- with of course NO SPOILERS. 

Spoiler-Free Summary

Simply put, “The Sixth Extinction” is a  thoroughly explains how species extinction actually occurs and how it’s occurring right now. 

Kolbert mainly focuses on the working of evolution and extinction and how our knowledge on these subjects came to be, especially across the first half of the book. 

Moreover, the author has extensively researched for this book by travelling to different habitats all across the world and exploring how small scale and large scale extinction events actually unfold- whether it be through a culmination of undesirable environmental factors, inability to evolve and adapt, disease, major natural events,  or most importantly- human activity.

Along with the current situation, it also explores the history of the creatures that call our planet home and the history of our own species and our function in the global ecosystem since we arose and how it has changed with the development of technology. 

So, is this book for you?

“The Sixth Extinction” stands at around 300-350 pages. It’s more of a carefully built up case study rather than a book that aims for direct emotional appeal. 

The book itself is quite lucid and easy to understand, mostly explaining its content in quite a simple manner. However, it’s quite important to note that it is structured like a scientific case study, and hence spends most of its time building up concepts and ideas throughout before actually putting forth any arguments. 

As a general reader, even though it’s not considerably long, the book starts feeling rather dreary around the 100-150 page mark. In a way, the very distinction that makes the book unique also seems to have a side effect. 

This is because the actual ideological resolution and payoff happens in the later, concluding sections of the book. If you’re a patient reader, then you’ll certainly enjoy it as the conclusion for the book actually feels quite great if you’ve read it in it entirety.

Conclusion

“The Sixth Extinction” largely leans towards the analysis of the issues faced by our ecosystems today rather than the solution perspective, and it actually accomplishes its purpose as a book. Even without direct emotional appeal, it has a deep impact on the reader, which also gives it the feel of a “nonfiction thriller” of sorts. 

Moreover, really analysing and understanding our current global situation through the book makes you think and interpret the events of our time, which is why, with no exaggeration, I can call this one of the most terrifying nonfiction books I’ve read so far. 

As a reader, I can easily give this book a rating of 

8.5/10