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miguelf's review against another edition
4.0
The earlier chapters on the history of the conservation movement were fairly interesting and informative. I actually enjoyed the later chapters with the more recent efforts as Nijhuis lays out a very convincing argument on more recent conservation efforts.
pharmdad2007's review against another edition
4.0
Terrific look at the impact we have, both intentionally and inadvertantly, on the animal life of our planet. Well written.
melgonvyn's review against another edition
4.0
An epic journey through time learning about the evolution of conservation
This took me back to my Ecology, Evolution and Conservation classes at University, but interestingly covered some of the lesser known figures and moments in history in between the more notable ones. I really enjoyed discovering the transformation of the concept of conservation from the start of naming and classifying species, all the way to the modern notion of population biology.
It delves very deep into the topics presented, but they are told as short-stories to make each subject get the attention it deserves. I always find it fascinating to connect the dots between all these events happening through time that helped shape ideas and beliefs of today. It makes you wonder how this field will grow from here in the future..
I think the examples selected made perfect sense, and highlighted some of the major matters of debate such as “why protect an animal?”, “how does it affect us, humans?”, “are we really responsible for extinctions?”, or even “what actions can be taken?”.
Highly recommend this book to give a good perspective on the current situation of biodiversity loss across the planet and how we got to this point, in a more educational, factual, and contextual narrative rather than from an eco-extremist point of view.
Special thanks go to the netgalley team and the publishers for providing this ARC. I appreciate the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.
This took me back to my Ecology, Evolution and Conservation classes at University, but interestingly covered some of the lesser known figures and moments in history in between the more notable ones. I really enjoyed discovering the transformation of the concept of conservation from the start of naming and classifying species, all the way to the modern notion of population biology.
It delves very deep into the topics presented, but they are told as short-stories to make each subject get the attention it deserves. I always find it fascinating to connect the dots between all these events happening through time that helped shape ideas and beliefs of today. It makes you wonder how this field will grow from here in the future..
I think the examples selected made perfect sense, and highlighted some of the major matters of debate such as “why protect an animal?”, “how does it affect us, humans?”, “are we really responsible for extinctions?”, or even “what actions can be taken?”.
Highly recommend this book to give a good perspective on the current situation of biodiversity loss across the planet and how we got to this point, in a more educational, factual, and contextual narrative rather than from an eco-extremist point of view.
Special thanks go to the netgalley team and the publishers for providing this ARC. I appreciate the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.
skylacine's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Definitely an interesting book about wildlife conservation, I just wish the focus was more on the endangered animals themselves and less on the people surrounding them.
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/2023/03/book-review-beloved-beasts-by-michelle.html
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/2023/03/book-review-beloved-beasts-by-michelle.html
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Minor: Racism
leahbargnesi's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
carrie_anns's review against another edition
5.0
I think this is my favorite book that I've read for my Conservation Nonfiction Graduate Seminar this fall. Excellent storytelling, well-researched, and full of new-to-me information! I appreciated the historical insight into the conservation movement. The insight provided here focuses on big names, but it also includes key players who are often overlooked in science courses-- women, minorities, and those from the global south. I also appreciated the author's ability to acknowledge the complexity of these issues while also presenting hope for the future.
kinreadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Very balanced narrative on the reality of the conservation movement. Nijhuis is a great writer and journalist. She provided new perspectives on conservation heroes/villains I thought I already knew well and also brought up some challenging questions. I felt the strongest chapters were towards the end but this also were the areas I was more interested in and/or new less about.
Read in a reading group with a bunch of wonderful PhD/MS students studying wildlife and people in some way/shape/form. Highly recommend a reading group to continue the conversations!
Read in a reading group with a bunch of wonderful PhD/MS students studying wildlife and people in some way/shape/form. Highly recommend a reading group to continue the conversations!