Reviews

I love Wohlleben's books and the voice they choose to narrate it. It's like sitting with a wise old forest-grandpa who is chalk full of knowledge about the natural world. I've always known that animals clearly have emotions and thoughts and the ability to learn, etc, but this book did a lovely job of explaining it all clearly and convincingly.

I challenge folks who don't every think about the emotional/mental lives of animals or their worth as living beings to read this book and see if their mind changes.

seclement's review against another edition

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5.0

This is a book that many people will read and shout about it not being "scientific" or "anthropomorphising animals". He has become a very unpopular author in academia because he captures people's attention and their imagination, and people don't like that he tangles emotions, evidence, and metaphor. I appreciate his books for what they are, which is excellent narrative that makes you think differently about the things you take for granted. As for whether this is science, he says repeatedly, and so does the forward, that this is not his wheelhouse....that, of course, despite that he is more scientifically qualified than the majority of authors of pop sci. He doesn't claim to be presenting the reader with undisputed truth, and he is clear about where science does and doesn't offer insights. A lot of these questions, by his admission and by clear fact, can't even be answered at this stage. But if you want a book that will make you think about the interior world of animals, what we can and cannot know, and where our stories meet studies, then this book will give you a wealth of material for contemplation. For thinking not for memorisation, citation, and recitation. That is what this book is for. And he is a masterful writer.

gloobub's review

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informative inspiring fast-paced

4.5

illustriousnewt's review

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medium-paced

3.0

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