I loved The Mona Lisa Vanishes, and was so excited to see another title by Nicholas Day. Day has a way of writing and informing but in a way that just feels like a story. And since stories are how we learn and interpret our world, this is perfect! I had never heard of Mount Tambora, nor the impact it had across the world. Day takes us through events leading up to the volcano, the direct impact it had in 1815 and 1816, and even how our world continues to be impacted today. Not only is this a story of something that happened in history, but it is a warning for today. As Day points out, everyone noticed the climate change caused by a volcanic eruption (though they didn't know that was the cause) because it all happened very quickly. But now, it's easier to ignore or deny climate change as the changes are happening gradually. Yet the impact could be the same. He shares this message without preaching, but rather with facts and information. The narrative style of this nonfiction makes it accessible to the reader, and engages them at the same time. This will definitely be a title I add to my library!

I absolutely loved the voice Nicholas Day had writing The Mona Lisa Vanishes. Because of that I was very excited to read another book by him. A World Without Summer is a more serious read though the writing voice is as enjoyable. I knew nothing about Tambora's volcanic explosion or how it impacted the world for several years after. I was especially surprised by Mary Shelly being affcted by Tambora and that her writing Frankenstein occured during this time period. This is a book about the hearbreaking loss of life and nature as well as a thought provoking look into society. The author asks of us, as readers, some very important questions about society, the value of life, and what will we do with the future that is in our hands. I highly recommned this nonfiction book. It may just encourage readers to explore some of the historical connections.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book. This book quite literally started with a bang, then lava, a tsunami and a world of change. The first part of the book was quite fascinating and a piece of history that I was not aware of. It became tedious with the repetitive descriptions of the storms and famine in each part of the world that read the same. I was also curious if Mary Shelly and the Bicycle had any real connection to the events of Tambora's catastrophic eruption. I would have liked to know more about the people that survived on the island and what they went on to do. I had higher hopes for this book since I really enjoyed The Mona Lisa Vanishes.