I am not a nonfiction kind of gal. The main reason I read is to be entertained. I did, however, enjoy this title. Melville was entertaining, informative, and realistic. I enjoyed myself, while learning something about energy.

Traveling over 3,900 miles, Melville and his college buddy, visit the solar-powered Google headquarters (WOW); the National Ethanol Council; the wind turbines of MN; the National Renewable Energy Lab; an "eco-friendly" Wal-Mart (joke); and, the world's largest geothermal heating system (impressive and an Army facility no-less). ( )

Shades of Bill Bryson, travel, environmentalism and humor are elements of this journey of two dudes in a vegetable oil powered car.

This book will undoubtedly open some eyes since many people probably do not realize that a diesel engine can run on used (waste) vegetable oil from fast food restaurants. In the book, two guys named Greg and Iggy set out to drive their grease-powered Mercedes station wagon from Vermont to Berkley, CA. Along the way they take a few side trips and investigate other ways of saving the environment. The book is a quick, eye-opening read. ( )

Not quite finished with this book, but have enjoyed it immensely. I like his choice to intersperse chapters of the journey with chapters on the results of his "errands" - sidebar questions raised by issues encountered along the way about energy and sustainability.
More on this when I finish the book - but the first word is : Great! ( )

An absolutely fantastic book recommended by the librarian that I work with at the school we both work at. Just a great story about a couple of thirty something guys who drive a bio-diesel converted Mercedes diesel from Vermont out to California. In addition to the hilarious stories from their excursion, the author also presents some compelling potential solutions for moving away from our heavy reliance on fossil fuels for our energy needs.

A very quick read with a powerful message...I highly recommend Greasy Rider! ( )