Review by almhere -- Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas

[almhere]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Heaven and Earth" by Arturo Riojas.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas explores the idea of alien interactions with humanity. These interactions occur in modern times. But the story touches on many of the common points of conjecture, including Area 51 and ancient construction of the pyramids.

Another main theme explores the effect of environmental contamination on humanity. The focus is on heavy metal poisoning generally, and cadmium poisoning most specifically. The book discusses cadmium sources, including fertilizer. It also touches on policy options for managing these contaminates. Details about cadmium poisoning are listed at the end of each chapter. These bulleted lists point out known contamination sources, as well as health effects.

The story focuses on a space scientist and her friend. Their relationship develops throughout the book. Two CDC employees complete the group, with one a senior government official and the other a data analyst. The race of aliens has a place in the character lineup, as well. The reader gets glimpses into the social structure and history. Several individuals have a prominent place in the story, interacting with the people.

I gave the book 2 out of 4 stars. The idea behind the story is an exciting topic to explore. But the story tackled too many topics, leaving it unable to explore any of them in full. The style also leaned too heavy on stereotypes and clichés, leaving the characters flat and the story line predictable. Environmental contamination and alien interactions are both engaging subjects. But there are a lot of points to be made about both, and the book was not able to smoothly integrate them all. The book even took a side journey to discuss poverty, but the abrupt change of focus may leave the reader feeling unbalanced.

This single-minded focus on cadmium as the main contributor to most common health problems also felt a little preachy. The messaging seemed to repeat dire warnings without the solid argument needed to convince the reader. There are many sources of environmental contamination that emit dangerous chemicals and metals. The cadmium contamination discussion in this book seemed outside of this broader context.

The book also included a lot of references to the San Francisco Bay area that a tourist might find helpful. These details sometimes distract from the flow of the story. But people familiar with the Bay area may enjoy coming across these local references.

I did enjoy the idea behind the book. But a more consistent focus on one topic may have been easier to digest.

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Heaven and Earth
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[kdstrack]

Thanks for your comments on this book. You have some valid thoughts about cadmium and other contaminants. Nice job.