Coming Clean is the book I've been searching for. Billed as the "information, inspiration and tools we need to jump-start a clean energy future," it did not disappoint. The author, Michael Brune of the Rainforest Action Network, takes a comprehensive and global look at the problems created by America's dependence on fossil fuels and thoughtfully examines the alternatives. Although the book covers a lot of ground, it never bogs down. It assesses the true costs of oil and coal, discusses how pay-to-play politics and the current international banking system perpetuate the use of fossil fuel, and then examines alternatives. Chapters are devoted to developing better transit solutions, building better cars, finding appropriate uses for biofuels, integrating sun and wind energy into the grid and leveraging conservation for all it's worth.

One of the most inspiring things about this book is its focus on success stories. Although Brune paints a bleak picture of America's current energy policy and the political system that spawned it, he always reminds readers that change is possible and backs up the assertion with stories of his successes in stopping rainforest destruction in the Amazon basin and around the world. He is a firm believer that true change arises out of grassroots activism and his enthusiasm is catching. I finished the book with a long list of things I want to do, things I want to speak out against, and things I want to learn more about.

I liked the format of this book as well as the content. Compelling facts are set out in "pass it on" sidebars. Each chapter includes suggested actions for individuals wanting to make a difference, ways to for activists to make their views know, and suggested reading, viewing and web links. ( )