Books play significant role in our life. Through reading books, we can improve our standard of living, learn a life lesson, or get encouraged when depressed. Today I would like to introduce two environmental-related books, Walden and Silent Spring, that had huge influences in American History.

Henry David Thoreau, a famous American essayist and naturalist, wrote his widely known book ?Walden? during his stay at self-built log house at Walden Pond. Through his book, Thoreau specifically demonstrates solitude, beauty of nature, plenty of free time, and no daily disruptions. Although Thoreau?s message of conservation and appreciation of nature did not influence his society as much during his life time, later half of 19^th century. During such era America faced the consequences of poor environmental management. World Wide Walden?s claim that the many of the birds of New England were extinct and that the ?need for wood to warm homes, fuel the stream engine, and make way for farms left the forest depleted or destroyed.?

Now that Americans see the problem, they began to especially notice Walden and its message of valuing our nature. In response, the first Audubon Society, one of America?s largest and most influential birds and wildlife protection organization, was founded in 1896. In West coast, America?s one of the most well-known environmentalist, John Muir, began to start national park system with President Roosevelt after his recognition of California?s beautiful Yosemite valley. He ?could not allow the loos of such an irreplaceable landscapes? (Worldwidewaldens) and thus convinced President Roosevelt to start national control to preserve America?s beautiful nature. In addition, John Muir found Sierra Club, a powerful environmental organization still influential today.

Another book, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, is claimed to have ?influenced the environmental movement as nooone had since 19^th century?s most celebrated [author], Henry David Throeau.? (The New York Times) It is a significant environmental conservation book so crucial that it is covered in most of the history class. The courageous author accuses the reality of environmental pollution from DDT to American public. Already a famous author from the wonderers of the ocean, Mrs. Carson talked about pesticides that cause huge problem to both human and animal from DDT. When the book was published, America once again started huge environmental movement. Following Carson?s view of technological innovation easily ruining the nature system, President J.F Kennedy asked Science Advisory Committee to research Carson?s research, which supported her argument. Then American government found the Environmental Protection Agency and many other sub-departments to effectively protect our environment even today.