Scan barcode
askhualrak's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Colonisation, and Racism
alexauthorshay's review
3.0
I was hoping for a more science-focused book, going into the genetics and lineage of the raccoon. There is a bit of that, but this is almost more of a social history. What the raccoon has meant to humans over the ages, how their image in our society has changed, lore they feature in. It was still interesting history to learn, and the text is accessible rather than dense/academic in tone, and there are many illustrations throughout. There was just a little too much focus on specific people (mainly politicians, and mainly American) for me, with the raccoon imagery in relation to them being relevant enough but not inherently about the raccoon itself.
eurydiec's review
5.0
“Civilization is a facade; the world belongs to the raccoons.”
A detailed account of the cultural impact of raccoons over their history ranging from their significance in pre-colonisation America to their use in political campaigns and, more recently, media in general. The discussion of the creature’s interaction with racial stereotypes and Minstrel shows was unapologetic, and made for an interesting read. Living somewhere currently absent of these charming and hated animals, I enjoyed reading the prospect of 61% of the world potentially filled with raccoons.
A detailed account of the cultural impact of raccoons over their history ranging from their significance in pre-colonisation America to their use in political campaigns and, more recently, media in general. The discussion of the creature’s interaction with racial stereotypes and Minstrel shows was unapologetic, and made for an interesting read. Living somewhere currently absent of these charming and hated animals, I enjoyed reading the prospect of 61% of the world potentially filled with raccoons.
gr33nb00ks's review
4.0
Everything you need to know about raccoons!
From evolution through politics and pop culture this book covers it all. I would love to have more of this series on my shelf- although I’ll admit this one I purchased because of the author specifically :)
From evolution through politics and pop culture this book covers it all. I would love to have more of this series on my shelf- although I’ll admit this one I purchased because of the author specifically :)
sr_marshrat's review
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
The ecologist in me cringes just a little at some passages in this book that are by turns a bit melodramatic or bleeding-heart. But, honestly, this was otherwise a practically perfect read. Easy narration style, a perfect balance of summarized facts and anecdotes, and fabulous art/culture examples throughout make this book both informative and enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Minor: Racism and Racial slurs
More...