World of Evergreen

Why you should use Evergreen to help teach sociology

"You do not want to put it down!" S.H., Tamaqua, PA
"Great book in helping me gain a sociological imagination." J.S., Blue Bell, PA

Ours is not a time of balance and civility: a fragile ecosystem is slowly and senselessly suffocating life; a brutal, power-crazed, leader continues to sacrifice zealous militias to feed his tremendous ego; a powerful, agenda-clad, "news" network is determined to redefine and corrupt history; and a vile, greedy, uber-capitalist sets wealth ahead of the public good at any cost. If you and your students think our planet is out of balance and in need of serious change, try experiencing the world of Evergreen with these same dark problems caused by a horrific cast in compelling societal contexts, plus more than a touch of cosmic upheaval and full-scale inter-species war! But be prepared to have your students ponder and explore formerly unimaginable possibilities for change, as this original, sociological odyssey holds revolutionary solutions for that ill-fated, far-away world - and, perhaps, our own.

Goose bumps and gumption about a world of portent

As an applied sociologist, my personal energy here is not only to write compelling and memorable fiction but also to write fiction which, by design, compels sufficient, civil energy to create and sustain needed social change. Solutions played out in this trilogy are designed to stretch the minds of our next generation of movers and shakers and have them ask, "Why can't we do that? Okay, some of that." So, after 24 years of engaging bright but vexed college students in classroom dialogue about matters of social injustice and, at a time when a desperate America cries out for a reigning ethos of civility, mutual respect and forward thinking, EG is written to give expression to these concerns. The birth of Gaia represents the birth of civility's reign - an allegory on dominion. It all starts in the book's preface with a provocative sonnet titled "Dominion."

What do my students have to say about Evergreen?

Evergreen: A Space-Time Odyssey was published in April 2009. Beginning in the Fall 2009, I've integrated the novel into introduction to sociology and social psychology courses I've taught on three college campuses in east-central Pennsylvania. At the end of each semester, as part of their final exam, I asked my students to respond to one of these two essay questions:

1. "This essay has you describe the applicability or relevance of Evergreen: A Space-Time Odyssey to material presented in this sociology course. Simply put, was the sociological book review of Evergreen useful in helping you to gain a sociological imagination?"

2. "After reading Evergreen, in your own words, what are the possibilities for change you believe I seek?"

The following excerpts taken from student exams, some brief and others extended, are provided with their permission. They offer insight not only into their thoughts about Evergreen and its significant impact on learning sociological concepts and principles, but into mine as well.

Sammi from Bethlehem, PA

Evergreen was one of my favorite parts of this class. After reading it, I kept comparing my life to it. Evergreen has changed the way I look at things in more ways than one. The story got me on the path of thinking how I could potentially change the future. I think a lot of times people get so caught up in their own glory that they start stepping on others to be more powerful. Examples of this were seen through the characters of Syrus and Thor. Those characters disgusted me and I don't want to be anything like them.

Evergreen expanded my sociological imagination by putting simple, yet powerful, ideas in my head, such as the role the SkyRails system can play in our society - not just theirs. I think the best outcome of reading this book would not only be the understanding I've achieved, but also spreading its ideas. This is why I've given my copy to my sister to read. The world of Evergreen has ideas that are ahead of its time. The book inspires a future that just seems to make sense.

Chris from Center Valley, PA

After reading the book, I believe Professor Ziner conveys how our society, or world for that matter, could easily face the same dangers faced in Evergreen. We could soon be lead entirely by uber-capitalists and politicians who may ruin our country instead of trying to fix the underlying structural problems that we have to face. Thor is one of the evils Evergreen has to deal with. If he took the time to address the huge problem with Project AiCORN, he would lose money. So, instead, he decides to risk the lives of innocent people. Sound familiar?

The main lesson we have to learn from this novel, I believe, is that our problem-solving strategies are not set in stone. Our society must learn how to efficiently and effectively make the necessary changes based on what confronts us - like in Evergreen - even though not everyone will agree on what needs to be done. There is a quote that my father used to say to me. He said, "You can't please one hundred percent of people one hundred percent of the time, so try to please the people who appreciate it the most."

Sharae from Bethlehem, PA

Evergreen takes your mind to a place between a fictional world and our own. It makes you question the different roles of people in your life, whether they are people you know personally and see every day, or people that you read about. All of the characters - Dr. Lane, Thor, Syrus, Gaia, Grog and Merton, or Q. Cumberpatch - are relatable to someone in your life that maybe you never really thought to analyze before.

The book is also about deviance in a good way in that its message is to stand up for what you believe is right and good. Conformity is not always positive and news media are not always true or insightful. Evergreen contains just the honest, real, and imaginative thought and communication that people need.

David from Allentown, PA

To me, even though Evergreen is a world far from our own, it speaks loudly of our societal problems. For one thing, I saw the message of the power of the media and the hold they have on our lives. We are constantly being controlled by some form of media campaign, and sadly enough most of the time we are ignorant of the truth. I also see a message about the need for a "greener" Earth. It would be incredible if we could adopt a form of public transportation like Sky Trans that would be independent of oil and not create pollution, both CO2 and sound wise.

Mackenzie from Coopersburg, PA

Evergreen uses "Thor" in the story to represent the evils of corporate America and illustrates how the way things are run should be changed. Thor has a vicious, take no prisoners, kind of attitude toward everyone he comes into contact. He reminds me a lot of Syrus in many ways. They are both ruthless in nature. On the other hand, Gaia represents a savior in their world - like Jesus would be to people on Earth. By introducing her, I think the book is pointing out that the world needs Gaia's principles. People have strayed far from a common morality (like what is taught in religion) and are so concerned with worldly, material things that they forget what our nation was founded on. I think that is something Professor Ziner believes could hold a possibility for change.

I loved Merton because I feel he represents the children in the world. When Gaia tells him to speak his mind and to be inquisitive, Professor Ziner is stating that there should be more children getting involved and asking more questions because that is the only true way to learn things in life and create change. Evergreen tries to encourage this to help make societies run smoother in the future.

It is a fun book to read which made it more interesting and enticing (I bet for all age groups!), but at the same time makes you think about what your viewpoints are as well. Overall, I loved this book and found it to be very interesting in all aspects. It was truly one of the books that I actually finished and it left me wanting to know more and left me in thought which not a lot of books do anymore.

Jaime from Allentown, PA

Evergreen, I believe, seeks a semblance of social and technological order along with a leader that has the good of the people at heart. If people had that leader, we, the people, would follow. We seek and live our lives for the good of ourselves, sometimes not even thinking of the good of our own families. I feel that Professor Ziner is Dr. Terre Bristol-Lane. He would sacrifice himself for the good of the people - like he did when he saved that guy's life in the Sheraton dining room. Thank you for taking time to teach us and share your work with us.

Note from Professor Ziner: I'm no Terre Bristol-Lane (but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn one time).

Elizabeth from Bethlehem, PA

While children are still young, adults must be the engineers for social progress. People like Dr. Lane and Mr. Cumberpatch found in Evergreen are champions for advancing the health of society. They demonstrate that people must do what is right even when it is inconvenient or even dangerous. There are people like Dr. Lane and Cumberpatch in this world, and it is unfortunate that we hear so little about them. Take, for example, Milton and Catherine Hershey, the founders of Milton Hershey School (MHS) in Hershey, PA. Like Dr. Terre Bristol-Lane, who made the best of the worst situation, so did the Hersheys. Not only did they create this school, they also made sure that, during the Depression, those who lived in town and worked in the factory did not suffer. While my life did not turn out ideal, I am certain that it would have been much worse had MHS not existed. The Hershey's saw that everyone could have a bright future, which is exactly what Dr. Lane and Q. Cumberpatch see, and it is through their work that it has become possible.

Syrus and Thor represent all that is self-serving and dark in the world. They exhibit what happens when power goes awry and what an inflated ego is capable of when it goes unchecked. The U.S. is in the throngs of a Thor-type executive and his name is Tony Hayward, head of BP. The Gulf coast is under siege. Livelihoods are lost and animal wildlife is drenched in oil, suffocating from its weight. In some areas, life is beyond repair. Yet, Mr. Hayward's concern for how his company ruined the U.S. land and sea-scape extends only to how it has affected his life. Similarly, Thor's concern about artificial intelligence (AI) technology is how it will affect his bottom line and his status within the community, regardless if lives are at risk.

The actions of people like these are what call others to action. People have the right to be angry, they have the right to be disgusted, but they must take action, otherwise what they feel is futile. Dr. Lane and Q. Cumberpatch have answered the call. Niles Jaden III answered the call also, risking his life to enter into a world to find answers that have yet to be discovered. When possibilities present themselves, one must not hesitate to seize it.

Jesse from Allentown, PA

There are multiple parallels between Evergreen and our world. It is obvious that Professor Ziner sees the need for a good deal of societal change. His novel brings up many sensitive topics that need to be addressed. Environmental concerns came up repeatedly. Quigley's invention called "Sky Rails" suggests a movement away from the status quo. As a society, we need to devise a way to reduce our dependency on foreign oil. In light of recent events this issue is becoming more pressing. Yet, very few people seem willing to accept this fact and do something about it.

Professor Ziner also would like to see a change in media. The media in Evergreen is controlled by Forge, and it has eerie similarities to Fox News. Fox News is not the only option on television, but it is the most controversial. Dr. Lane feels the same way about Forge Simulcast Network (FSN) and, with good reason, doesn't like it at all. Civility is a primary theme in Evergreen. Multiple examples of incivility were seen throughout the story. Even the book's preface made you think.

I believe Professor Ziner wants to influence children so they will decide to be more civil. By initiating this change in children through a novel, society as a whole may become more civil over time. Evergreen could be a catalyst for societal change if it takes off. The book considers very important issues, and I believe further installments in the Evergreen trilogy will focus on resolution. In my opinion the topic of the environment and our over consumption of natural resources is the most important. We are systematically destroying our planet and allowing corporations to do so behind the guise of the free market. We need to enact a set of rules that makes it unprofitable to be environmentally irresponsible. The book has the ability to positively influence future generations to act in the best interest of others instead of themselves, and that is a topic I can support.

Nicole from Easton, PA

Evergreen is a book about change; changes that could take place in the real world. The character of Niles, who comes from the modern city of Jaden, can be seen as the instrument for change. Gaia represents a leader who also has the power to make changes happen. Although she can become violent to protect her agenda, she doesn't promote violence as a way of life. She represents civility. Maybe someday the respect and decency she shows to other inhabitants of her world can be echoed in our world as well.

Thor and Forge Enterprises, representing the greed and incivility in Jaden, represent the same things in America and the world. Thor uses technology to make himself rich without regard to what it does to people and the planet. Our country's reliance on oil is a similar issue. Earth is being destroyed. Project AiTOM is an AI-based system of transportation that would help the citizens of Jaden. This same model could be used in America to ease our dependence on oil and address many urban problems at the same time.

Overall, the book displays the power of independent thinking. Young adults and children alike can read this book and learn that the "status quo" isn't always right and that going against what is normal can be challenging and rewarding. To me, Dr. Lane is the most powerful character in the book. She stands up for what she believes in, even if that means trouble for herself and her family. She is a "leader" that young adults can look up to. Hopefully, she can be an example for the leaders of tomorrow in our world.

Kendra from Nazareth, PA

I can't begin to list how many different ways Evergreen parallels problems found in our own world. Yet, in Evergreen, solutions to these problems are found. Getting these plans into action, however, will compete with Forge Enterprises - the largest corporation on that planet. For Dr. Lane and Mr. Cumberpatch, this means that "thinking outside the box" is the only way to develop new and better ways to do things. On our planet, we can see the damage the past has done (pollution, corporate greed, etc.) and not a lot of inventive ideas are being used to fix these problems. I believe this issue is one that Evergreen expresses to seek change in.

Michael from Palmerton, PA

After reading Evergreen, I believe Professor Ziner is reminding us of some of the sins of our past and brings to mind the needs required to better secure our future. In reference to the sins of our past, passages include "troops still engaged in insect butchery," and "the arriving troops gloat over their opponent's massive numbers of causalities." Upon reading those lines, I reflected to times of war but more specifically to the holocaust. This word association was possibly caused by the lack of respect demonstrated towards the members of the insect world by Syrus' army or because I related the term "butchery" to that of the treatment of Jews, to name some, who perished during the control of the Third Reich.

Another example Professor Ziner brings to our attention is that of the need for democracy versus the rule of a dictatorship. Gaia states to Syrus, "for centuries you justified fear, death and mass extinction to expand your reign," and on the following page she continues "your hunger for power and thirst for war were all that mattered to you." For me, these statements can only bring forth the actions and results of former dictators in Europe and more recently Central Africa, Darfur, and the Middle East, specifically Iraq. Most recent accounts of the gassing of the Kurds in the mid 1980's within the Northern reaches of Iraq as well as the death, rape and carnage of central Africa reminds us of the "fear, death and mass extinction" that is spoken of and referenced within those pages.

In reference to securing our future, I believe Professor Ziner is attempting to remind us of the fragility of the natural world around us. Quigley Cumberpatch has developed an energy efficient and resourceful mode of transportation, the Sky Tran, which will better utilize transportation while being clean, efficient, safe and quiet. Beyond moving people it can be used for emergency services such as fires and medical emergencies as well as to support commerce by assisting with construction work - and do it without the pollution that we are so accustomed too. In contrast, we witness the Forge Industry rail system that "is noisy, dangerous, and dirty." This concept is later refined in the novel when Gaia states, "peaceful coexistence is made possible when individuals come to understand and respect the gifts provided by nature in relation to one another."

The message of balance, while diverse, is referenced multiple times throughout the novel. "Balance," as a paradigm within Evergreen, is a model of equality between the land, its inhabitants, and the shared natural resources that are available. Some changes or amendments that may be sought to support this balance could be within religion, government and the controlled utilization of our natural resources.

Tina from Center Valley, PA

After reading Evergreen, I believe we need Sky Trans! If we think outside of the box now, we can have a brighter future where these problems no longer exist. I believe we can accomplish the challenges and ideas set forth in Evergreen. It all starts with teaching children about the importance of maintaining civility and showing them a better way to follow in the future. We can get there if we try hard enough.

Nancy from Slatington, PA

Will our young people bring about the changes we need? I am not sure. We have to remember that they are taught by us and our actions. I am not sure if there are enough innovative teachers to change their thinking and this is critical to make a change in our society. I know that young people are open to new and exciting ideas and are excited about what they see as their future. Without innovative teachers and leaders, I think they will fail to change our world. It is very hard to make changes without someone to guide you. We can teach them about the injustices in our world and what we can do to correct them, but they must have role models to help them step outside the current norm and make new ones.

Angela from Easton, PA

Upon completing Evergreen, I am pleased to say that I have come away with a very exciting view of that world and our own. Although the land of Evergreen was all made up and the characters were imaginative beings, the plot paralleled our world today extremely well. Through the many interactions with the animates and even the inanimates, we are able to see glimpses of what we deal with today. Unfortunately, not all that was seen was good, as many things the reader was presented with were dark and sullen. But, from the first pages of the novel, we are able to see that the book is one of adventure and possibilities for change. We cannot live in a world filled with Thors or Syrus'. Instead, we need to see more Gaia's and Dr. Lanes. Under the guidance of leaders like these two individuals, our country and maybe one day our world has the ability to be amazing. Until that can happen, we will also continue to suffer from environmental and cultural "imbalance."

T.A. from Easton, PA

Evergreen speaks to civility quite often so I gather this is something Professor Ziner feels strongly about. The book shows the need for civility in the world of Evergreen. America is also suffering greatly from incivility. We see an increase in poor leadership, office politics, workplace violence, illegal business practices, insufficient health benefits, unprofessional conduct, and discrimination - to name a few examples. The media makes it much easier for people to be uncivil towards each other. The internet and text messages make it so that people do not have to face each other directly when treating one another poorly - it adds a buffer between people. Working in law enforcement, I have seen an increase in harassment by communication crimes. That is, an uncivil exchange in the past was usually personal and private. Now it is done on social network sites for everyone to see.

The decline in civility that we see in America is, in part, the result of our children mimicking the incivility of the adult world. To build civility into our society, we need to begin with the next generation. To increase civility, we need see a change in moral and religious views. According to Professor Ziner, Evergreen aims to "stretch the minds of the next generation." Problems found in the world of Evergreen, I think, are the same as they are in our world and the solutions are the same, too - we need to regain civility and be forward thinkers. The task of getting our nation to do this, however, is the challenge. I value Professor Ziner's book because it has a purpose. If everyone would just be a little bit more civil the world would be a whole lot better.

Maurisa from Blue Bell, PA

In Evergreen, I had an opportunity to view the world and my place in it a lot differently. Understanding the impact that my life of technology and drain on resources can have on the environment as a whole has changed the way I look at the world. I was able to use my sociological imagination and develop a plan for me that was not as taxing on the environment. This plan comes with the understanding that Earth is not just ours to continue to use as we want and that though it comes with great resources, we must respect these resources and not take them for granted. The resent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico points to what this amazing book has shown me - how our needs can play a detrimental role on our environment.

E.B. from Coopersburg, PA

"Dominion" is not a word I hear spoken in my social circles, yet we live it daily. If we take the word to mean "authority over" we can apply it to countless situations, circumstances and even people. When I had initially read the preface to Evergreen, which is titled "Dominion," I smiled to myself and thought "I don't kill any creature unless it attacks me." Then, one day, I was walking to class from the library along the sidewalk. I noticed that many ants were darting across it and that I must have stepped on some. What was I going to do? I moved onto the grass so it would be less apparent if I stepped on something (or someone).

Evergreen is a world filled with technology like our own. The book is relevant because it parallels ways in which we experience dominion here on Earth. It could be from your boss, parent, society or even strangers. Thor has dominion over the city of Jaden; Dratch over the park, Terre over her family, and the Golem, via Gaia, probably over everything. All of us can even find similarities between Syrus (one of the main bad guys) and people we know. Evergreen is relevant to our course because it not only shows the underdog fighting for what is right in many different social and cultural contexts, it also shows how powerful beliefs or ideologies can be either in accomplishing or harming a greater good.

Jennifer from Coopersburg, PA

Many values are conveyed through Evergreen. Through the characters and their adventures, we experience a lack of civility and over-abundance of dominion that mirrors what appears in our own society. In the very beginning, we learn through the Golem's prophecy that life on Evergreen is without balance. The Golem suggests that the city of Jaden, the more modernized part of the world, is part of this problem. Golem states that if balance is to be maintained in Evergreen, no animate may rule over another, resources must not be taken advantage of, and mother nature must not be made filthy.

In Evergreen, human beings place more value on themselves than on other living things. Their weaknesses include being uncivil, egocentric, materialistic and sometimes violent towards one another. Syrus and Thor embody the lack of civility and abuse of dominion in our world. Any person who is willing to kill for power or wealth (or both) could be viewed as a Syrus or Thor. Power and money often cloud logic. We live in an individualistic world. Whenever there are individuals with power and wealth, there will be individuals who serve under them. It's those who abuse that power for their own benefit who become like the villains in Evergreen. Dr. Bristol-Lane and Gaia, our main heroes, represent hope and progress over such dominion. This message of hope, change, justice, balance and civility triumphing over dominion are the key messages in the story of Evergreen. What I also like about it is that it's laying out a philosophy and plan of action for the next generation.

Theresa M. Moore, Founder, Antellus Books, Sherman Oaks, CA provides an insightful, in-depth analysis of the story (September 28, 2009)

Evergreen is about prophecy and its fulfillment. The characters are fully-rounded and well described, and have personalities which anyone would find synergy with. Ziner weaves an allegory of what he calls "dominion"; that is, the struggle to be recognized as the dominant species in the face of overwhelming natural and cultural changes. Much of the story centers around a character called "Gaia", whose adventures take her through a metamorphosis from a small and meek creature into a multiform to be reckoned with, accompanied by her loyal friends along the way. (I am reminded somewhat of "The Wizard of Oz"). The main thrust of the story is about the lack of civility between species and that their interactions, wars and abuses are signaling the advent of a natural event called "Kaleija", a cosmic change in the universe similar to our Global Warming. Life out of balance threatens to hasten its arrival, and all are affected. Gaia is recognized as a powerful symbol of both change and stability in a world overrun by inter-species tensions.

The illustrations (one at the outset of each chapter) are both fanciful and evocative of the work of Shaun Tan but in black and white; pencils with very well-placed elements and a modern twist. Trees are fairly uniform and so are the mountains, something like fractal geometry but without the obvious repetition. I am especially taken with a picture of a laboratory and scientists working as seen from the interior of an aquarium, with a fish seemingly suspended in mid air and an octopus watching the men with singular focus. Across the aisle we see a rat doing the same thing from behind cage bars. It is all an illustration of the interaction between humans and non-humans; and a warning that our arrogance as the "dominant" species is judged as contradictory among our fellow beings. From my own experience I learned long ago that each animal has its own distinct personality and way of interacting with its environment, and that our incivility to them stems from ignorance and cultural habit.

I would recommend that you read this book, not only for its engaging fantasy elements but for its importance as a work of allegory and thought-provoking cultural science.