About a Mountain by John D'Agata

The book is an intricate exploration of the complexities surrounding Yucca Mountain in Nevada, proposed as a site for nuclear waste storage. It weaves together a narrative that is part investigative journalism, part philosophical reflection, and part personal anecdote. The author delves into the political, environmental, and ethical questions posed by the potential storage of radioactive material, while also examining the broader themes of human fallibility, the limits of knowledge, and the transient nature of truth. The narrative is punctuated by the story of a Las Vegas teenager's suicide, which serves as a poignant counterpoint to the monumental issues concerning the mountain, highlighting the interplay between the monumental and the intimate in the landscapes of the American West.

The 8494th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 84

Since this book was first published in 2010, there is a penalty of 57.6%. The age adjusted score is 35.62.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.