This was also the theme of Ishmael, a terrible book wrapped around an interesting idea—that the native Americans practiced the right balance with the rest of nature.
The writing was awkward, lecturey, and belaboring points. I get it, it's an essay wrapped in something else, but something less palatable, not more. Like sister post, I often find that my taste wasn't great when I was younger, but this is one that I remember sucking even back when I read it. Still, the idea being explored is worthy. though only now am I trying to go mostly meatless.
I thought it was great when I read it in high school. Presumably if I reread it now issues of logic and style might stand out a bit more? I've found that for other books I loved a long time ago.