Bill McKibben

For centuries, humankind has taken nature for granted, treating it as invincible and as a wilderness apart from man. This text argues that if the world is to survive, we have to rethink this relationship.

In light of climate change warnings, more families are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and help prevent disasters like rising sea levels, wildfires, and increasing global temperatures. In this compelling book, the author of The End of Nature and Falter argues for a solution with sociological, population, and environmental benefits: having fewer children. The earth is becoming dangerously overcrowded, and if more families chose to have only one child, it would make a crucial difference toward ensuring a healthy future for ourselves and our planet for generations to come. But the environment alone may not persuade most people to consider having just one child, as 80% of Americans have siblings. Powerful stereotypes about only children--that they're spoiled, selfish, or maladjusted in some way--still persist. McKibben, the proud father of an only child himself, debunks these myths, citing research about the many emotional and intellectual strengths only children possess, including higher test scores, higher levels of achievement in school, and greater development of positive personality traits like maturity and self-control. At once a powerful personal argument and an accessible exploration of what overpopulation could mean to human life and environmental sustainability, Maybe One is a provocative yet well-reasoned opening to what has become important and lasting debate.

The Adirondack State Park is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Parks combined. The park's 6 million acres offer plenty of diverse and scenic terrain for bicycling. In addition to tours in the famed and rugged High Peaks region, where New York State's tallest mountains predominate, the authors lead you to routes along the gentler roads of the park. They meander around scenic lakes and through pine forests, pointing out a variety of wild and unspoiled vistas along the way. Many rides also lead to hiking trails, swimming holes, and fishing spots along secluded streams. Tours range in length from 15 to 80 miles and offer adventures for cyclists of all ages and ability levels. Each tour includes: Easy-to-read map Mileage and directions Landmarks and natural highlights Historical anecdotes Bike shop listings