wallabystew's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging informative reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

jlgg's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced

4.75

amelyy's review against another edition

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informative slow-paced

2.75

claireviolet's review against another edition

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5.0

“The song of the dodo, if it had one, is forever unknowable because no human from whom we have testimony ever took the trouble to sit in the Mauritian forest and listen.”

every time i think of this quote i cry. by far the most powerful book i read for my undergrad wildlife coursework.

donasbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

If I had not been listening to an audiobook as a complement to my read, I don't think I would have made it through. THE SONG OF THE DODO is a deeply depressing book, and so foreboding I needed days to stop ruminating. It isn't what Quammen says in this book that scared me. He goes on page after page, after section, after historical era describing the eradication of animal species, sometimes whole ecosystems. All the while, looms the shadow of society, springing up unobstructed-- thriving. But Quammen never places blame or points a finger, as though to say-- this is not a question of morality. It's more practical than that.

He walks the reader along and describes an Earth we would inherit if such obliteration of ecodiversity continues unchecked. But something else he leaves unsaid-- an answer for this problem. He sees his place as to describe-- not prescribe. Quammen doesn't want to save us from ourselves.

Rating:

rainynook's review against another edition

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4.0

A bit long, but a classic read for those interested in conservation, natural history, exotic & some extinct species, and why they became that way, as well as some human history (Aboriginal people & their horrific treatment in Tasmania & Australia, for example). Very interesting to read about Alfred Lord Wallace (who is considered, along with Charles Darwin, the co-discoverer of natural selection.) I was glad I read the whole thing, but it doesn't have a straight narrative, and does jump around among subjects.

mariesreads's review against another edition

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4.0

So rich and informative, and sobering.

jhrcook's review against another edition

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adventurous informative medium-paced

4.25

Quammen presents his venture into understanding island ecology and evolution with an engaging series of vignettes as he traveled the world. Anyone with an interest in the history of biology will find the topics and information in this book interesting and valuable. It’s a long book, but the topics are so variable, it never felt stale nor boring.

nawis's review against another edition

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5.0

A bit overlong (600+ pages of main text) for the subject matter, the book was nevertheless entertaining and full of interesting anecdotes about some major scientists involved in the study of island biogeography and conservation biology. While organized somewhat thematically, the structure occasionally leads to repetition or seemingly aimless or belabored digressions that could’ve been edited out to make the book more concise. Despite these flaws, the book is a compelling mix of science/natural history, travel, and biography, delivered in casual yet observant prose, supported by a rich bibliography. A worthwhile read for someone with a strong interest in the topic.

cryo_guy's review against another edition

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4.0

I read this for a science class back in college and I remember enjoying it pretty well.