Clever writing makes ‘End of the World’ fun

  MOHAMMAD ALAVI UCLA Professor Scott
Sherman poses with his new book "It’s the End of the World
As We Know It, and I Could Use a Drink."

By Amy Shen
Daily Bruin Contributor

In a world that often seems to be on the path toward
environmental destruction, the future sometimes looks hopeless.

In his first published novel, “It’s the End of the
World as We Know it, and I Could Use a Drink,” UCLA Writing
Professor Scott Sherman provides the hope and humor, so often
missing from the realm of ecological activism.

Sherman will hold a book presentation on Wednesday where he will
read excerpts, engage in dialogue, and answer questions from the
audience.

On the surface, the novel is a parody of a detective story about
a young man (who’s name just happens to be Scott Sherman) on
a mission to save the world. More specifically, he is on a quest
for the solution to the environmental crisis. The novel is a work
of both fiction and non-fiction, cleverly weaving important
information about the current environmental situation into an
enjoyable, page-turning adventure story.

Supriya Bhat, a fourth-year political science student, enjoyed
both the educational and entertainment aspects of the book.

“A lot of times you get books that are all non-fiction and
they’re really dry and boring,” Bhat said. “Even
though you want to know about a topic, sometimes this stops you
from going further. Then some books are purely entertaining and you
don’t really get an idea of what the author’s message
is. Scott Sherman has both of those elements in his book, which
make it really great.”

Between the devastation of the ozone layer and rainforests,
toxic waste and the changing global climate, it seemed to Sherman
that the environmental movement had been overwhelmed with doom and
despair.

“The environmental movement tends to be so serious,”
Sherman said. “It was depressing to read about all the ways
that the world’s ecosystems were collapsing … It seemed
like it really was the end of the world!”

Instead of merely complaining about the negative aspects of the
global situation, however, Sherman decided to take a firm, active
stance in the fight to save the environment.

“I wanted to see if there were actual, practical solutions
to the environmental crisis,” Sherman said. “So I
traveled around the country, interviewing brilliant women and men
who were creating new visions of an ecologically healthy
future.”

The novel began as an educational textbook; however, after
countless revisions, Sherman decided to give it a little twist.

“I wanted to make a book that people would enjoy reading
““ a book that would be fun and exciting, and also a book that
would be full of hope,” Sherman said. “My book is about
solutions to the environmental crisis, not just another litany of
doom.”

Alejandra Domenzain, a second-year master’s student in
urban planning and Latin American studies, was intrigued by the
novel’s various layers.

“On one level, it’s an ecological thriller ““
jolting our sense of responsibility, introducing us to
environmental pioneers, and tantalizing our imaginations with
alternative visions for human development,” Domenzain said.
“On another level, it’s a gripping commentary on modern
American society ““ revealing the potential for revolutionary
ideas to re-create our very identities and realities.

“And beneath all this, it’s a book about writing
itself ““ the power and limitations of the vehicles we use to
communicate, educate and inspire,” Domenzain continued.
“None of these big philosophical phenomena hit you as
you’re reading ““ you’re too absorbed in the
suspense of where the story is taking you next.”

Although “It’s the End of the World As We Know It,
and I Could Use a Drink,” strikes a powerful chord in the
hearts of environmentalists and social activists, the novel also
appeals to a wider audience because of its humorous and adventurous
plot.

Above all, Sherman emphasizes the idea of hope for a better
planet and a better future. At its heart, the novel is a powerful
and masterfully crafted presentation of the most innovative
solutions to the environmental crisis. It serves as a reminder that
everyone can make a significant difference in the current
environmental situation.

“I was thoroughly entertained by the story the whole time
I was reading it,” Bhat said. “But at the same time, I
was learning things and it was something that inspired me. I
thought, “˜The environmental crisis isn’t helpless.
There really are things that we can do.’ I seriously
couldn’t put it down.'”

Some readers found the novel, so informative, inspirational and
enjoyable that they begged for a continuation to the story.

“When you get to the last page, you don’t want the
ride to end. You’re ready for a sequel,” Domenzain
said. “Above all, you wish you could sit down with Sherman
over a couple of beers to plan the regeneration of the world as we
know it, and to laugh at the one we’ll have to endure until
then.”

SPEAKER: UCLA Professor Scott Sherman will
present his new book on Wednesday in Public Policy 1234 at 4
p.m.