Obviously, me reading this in 2022 and this being written in 2003 - some stereotypical and prejudicial way of thinking is mentioned in this book so be warned if you do pick up this book.

I read this for my geography class and this book follows the author through Louisiana's coastland where he meets those severely effected by the wetland loss. He witnesses the traditions of shrimpers, learns about the culture of Cajuns, the native Houmas, and Vietnamese throughout south Louisiana. He also meets with professionals - conservationists, groups helping what little they can, politicians, and people who work in the oil field.

I think if you have no clue about Louisiana and it's rapid coastal land loss and cultural loss this is an easy read and can scratch the surface of both. Being over 20 years old, the language of this book is not the greatest but it does show how the people who live in the marshes and bayous of Louisiana are often seen as the lowest of the low. Being they all live off the land and provide for themselves with what's around them and mostly concerning themselves with the catch.

The biggest theme or message from this book is to find a way to prevent further land loss/cultural loss and the very real possibility of losing South Louisiana as a whole. The culture, the land, the people are all at risk. Louisiana's bayou has a rich history and it can literally be completely submerged by water in our lifetime.