Overshoot

by Mona Clee

Eighty-year old Moira Burke had expected life to end with nuclear war--simply and quickly. But by 2032, global warming had become the real threat. and a bold new experiment called "the green man" had become the only hope. .

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1998

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the worst-written book I ever wanted to like. The characters were cardboard, the plot didactic. I consistently wanted to punch the narrator in the face. Many other writers have addressed the themes of this book in more interesting and compelling ways: see, for example, Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake trilogy, Octavia Butler's Parable books, or pretty much anything by Sheri Tepper, e.g. The Family Tree. I only finished it because two of my friends read it in book club and said it was good, and I kept hoping I would get to the good part.

[Steve Scanlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moira is eighty years old and tells us of life in the year 2032. The Greenhouse Effect has played havoc with the planet; extremes of heat and rainstorms ravage and destroy. Food is scarce and those who have some measure of comfort and security are outnumbered by the homeless and starving masses.

Moira's depiction of her present existence is peppered with accounts of her life before this period and the cultural, political and social changes she has witnessed.

Clee's portrait of life in the new future is unsettling given that we constantly see the abuse and misuse of our resources in our everyday lives. World governments still have trouble agreeing to levels of decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Clee paints a picture of the future where too little was done too late.

While bleak at times, Clee offers some hope of eventual salvation. An enjoyable and well written tale.

PS The day after I finished this book I heard a report on the radio stating that scientists predict an increase in global temperature of 6 degrees Celsius over the next one hundred years.

[Shannon Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review on the Shannon A. Jade Books blog!

My Overshoot Top 3:
- Well-researched, planned, and reasoned environmental message
- Incredible understanding of the present and future (despite being published in 1998)
- Memorable and powerful

[Tina Olah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was kind of terrifying, since some of the environmental predictions mentioned within are already coming true. As for the plot itself, overall I enjoyed it, but the ending felt super cheesy and unrealistic.

[Nancy Tice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always love this book. It spoke to me when it first came out, probably because the protagonist is my age. It may not be for eveyone, but I found it aspirational and in another way, scary prescient.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/2 ✨

Though the writing is a bit challenging at times. It’s also at the same time, prophetic; having been written in 1995. It’s a clear, terrifying view of what may be earths future; a look into environmental shifts, in nature, and the effects on Us. I’m glad to have read this, and hope others do too.
… the writings on the wall, so to say.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this many years ago (90's) and recently picked up a copy in a used bookstore to read again. This story had stayed with me & with our current changed weather patterns, remains a frightening reminder of what may lay ahead for all of us. Too bad Mona Clee is no longer writing cause I would love to read another of her books. Still have "Branch Point" to read though.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent, excellent novel about climate change, our wanton destruction of the planet, and the impending demise of our species. One group comes up with a drastic remedy. I related far too much with the protagonist who was from Texas, relocated to San Francisco, and who speaks with a sarcastic humor in a wry voice. Really enjoyed it.

[Macha · Rating 2 out of 5]

two and a half stars. badly written, poorly conceived, and full of factoids and unexamined assumptions. also, the narrator is a lot more marysuishly dislikeable than the writer imagines. i think that last half star is for the cover.

[Karla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing - the message came first, not the story. It was like a leftist/environmentalist/pagan version of the Left Behind series.

[Tressa]

One of my favorite books.

[Marian Weaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't care how much society has deteriorated in the wake of ongoing eco-catastrophe. Nobody - but nobody - uses the word 'verily' in a non-ironic way anymore.