Plastic, by Susan Freinkel

Time for some non-fiction! I am very glad I picked this to read; it's enlightening, well-researched, and well-written. Freinkel decides to examine humanity's relationship with plastics, from inception to end-of-life, through seven everyday objects. She uses these objects to explore the history of plastics, their chemistry, uses, recyclability, and several other themes. Her synthesis of current research is thorough, and though she clearly leans towards lessening the impact of plastics on our lives and our environment, she does give unbiased attention to studies and viewpoints that are less anti-plastic than our current social norm. Freinkel is a good writer, too, which always helps in non-fiction. I really enjoyed this book and encourage others to read it in order to learn more about this ever-present material in our lives.