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276 reviews for:
The Secret Life of Animals: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discovering a Hidden World
Peter Wohlleben
3.68 AVERAGE
276 reviews for:
The Secret Life of Animals: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discovering a Hidden World
Peter Wohlleben
3.68 AVERAGE
Do you know what, I would've absolutely loved this if I'd read if as a teen. The anecdotes are sweet and it's always a fun surprise when Peter mentions yet another type of animal he has owned and cared for.
It wasn't what I was expecting, which was probably a bit more of a scientific and factual exploration into this topic. The chapters are very short and skip from anecdote to anecdote with a few references to studies in between. Peter gives away what he thinks of scientific exploration towards the end when he says something like, we can spare ourselves the boring science study. There are also a couple of times when he mentions what science says and then immediately disagrees with it and provides an anecdote as evidence. The claims could be made with more sophisticated arguments, but overall probably just a subheading that indicates its more of a musing on how lots of animal behaviours might be caused by similar emotional experiences might give readers a clearer idea what the book is about.
It wasn't what I was expecting, which was probably a bit more of a scientific and factual exploration into this topic. The chapters are very short and skip from anecdote to anecdote with a few references to studies in between. Peter gives away what he thinks of scientific exploration towards the end when he says something like, we can spare ourselves the boring science study. There are also a couple of times when he mentions what science says and then immediately disagrees with it and provides an anecdote as evidence. The claims could be made with more sophisticated arguments, but overall probably just a subheading that indicates its more of a musing on how lots of animal behaviours might be caused by similar emotional experiences might give readers a clearer idea what the book is about.
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I had hoped for more informative content from the book, but Wohlleben's exploration of ecological topics is not particularly groundbreaking for readers who have delved into this subject before or just watched few nature documentaries on the BBC. Nonetheless, Wohlleben's writing style makes for an outstanding reading experience.
It is evident that the author has a deep affection for nature and its various inhabitants. This is apparent in the way he describes his observations, which are infused with a sense of wonder. Unlike a scientist, who may view amazement as an irrelevant factor intervening his inquiry, Wohlleben captures and puts this sense of awe into words. I believe he has successfully achieved this in his book.
It is evident that the author has a deep affection for nature and its various inhabitants. This is apparent in the way he describes his observations, which are infused with a sense of wonder. Unlike a scientist, who may view amazement as an irrelevant factor intervening his inquiry, Wohlleben captures and puts this sense of awe into words. I believe he has successfully achieved this in his book.
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
A light, quick read packed with adorable and poignant stories about animals and the scientists studying their feelings and thoughts. Not an in-depth account, but heart-warming!