Carbon Diaries

Author: Saci Lloyd
Ages: 15+
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary: In the year 2015, after some horrific storms have swept the world and left the UK particularly vulnerable, many governments begin talking about carbon rationing. The UK has volunteered itself for the experiement, hoping to cut down on their carbon emmissions by 60% immediately. This means that every citizens' usage is monitored closely by the government. Laura Brown writes about how the carbon rationing experiment is affecting her daily life at home and in school, and how it affects her garage band and her dating.

Thoughts: I was definitely intrigued by the idea for this book. The weirdest part while reading it, was that I kept thinking that this novel was a story about the future. Sure 2015 is the future, but it is a future that is right on our doorstep!

The steps Laura's government take are drastic, but the situation is dire as we see throughout the year in her diary. The weather is wild and unpredictable. And the people are wild and unpredictable, as would likely be any citizens put under such stress.

The events in the novel seem pretty realistic, even if it is all a little didactic. But the situation really is a learning experience for everyone so it kind of works. It is an interesting look at a very possible near future, and makes me want to start composting. And yet this seems like the kind of book that a teacher could recommend with moderate success, rather than the type of book a teen would recommend to a friend.

Note: This novel is written in UK English so some of the language is a little confusing, but there is a translation glossary at the back of the novel.