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bonesandmountains's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun read! I can't say I knew about half of the species here mentioned, but now I know that even the smallest of insect can be responsible of the most heinous act :,)
(I'm joking. They are just trying to survive. It's not their fault if they do so through truly despicable means)
(I'm joking. They are just trying to survive. It's not their fault if they do so through truly despicable means)
7seventythree3's review against another edition
5.0
Nice cover and great title. It reads sort of like a field guide, with drawings, and interesting tidbits about some insects in history. I read it all the way through although it could be referenced by insect or chapter.
Having been raised in a household full of field guides and nature books (father was in college studying Entomology) one can hardly blame me for my unusual interest in insects and arachnids. I’m not entirely sure who else would like this book other than my dad. I found the morbid details satisfying. The "Zombie" chapter is probably my favorite.
The only things I didn’t like: It was very short, no actual photos of anything - bugs or diseases, and the fact that I didn’t think of this first.
Having been raised in a household full of field guides and nature books (father was in college studying Entomology) one can hardly blame me for my unusual interest in insects and arachnids. I’m not entirely sure who else would like this book other than my dad. I found the morbid details satisfying. The "Zombie" chapter is probably my favorite.
The only things I didn’t like: It was very short, no actual photos of anything - bugs or diseases, and the fact that I didn’t think of this first.
absynth's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.75
I would've liked more detail, and also the info about 'American' colloquiums is incorrect, but the bug facts are lit.
trib's review against another edition
4.0
I have no recollection of why I bought this. It must have been one of those "people who bought X also bought Y" things on Amazon. Nonetheless, a good fun read which touches on a little of the science (Amy Stewart freely professes she's no scientist early on), a lot of the crawling, flying and slimy things that make human life a little more challenging, and does it with a touch of good humor and a strong intent to inform.
I've no idea whether Stewart has a great editor or whether she's something of a comic genius, but the section/chapter names are fantastic - “She’s Just Not That Into You” for the beasties with weird and often horrifying reproductive lives, “Fear No Weevils” for those infesting our food, and “Have No Fear” for those that are the subject of some human phobias.
As a kid (and still subconsciously as an adult) I was fascinated by all the things that creep and crawl. It's astounding I didn't end up bitten, stung, infested or otherwise damaged. I still enjoy learning about these things and Amy Stewart's book does a good job of being informative while providing some good storytelling and recounting interesting anecdotes along the way.
Oh, and the illustrations are weird and beautiful.
If you're at all into creepy-crawlies, I'd say give it a read. But don't come looking for hard science.
I've no idea whether Stewart has a great editor or whether she's something of a comic genius, but the section/chapter names are fantastic - “She’s Just Not That Into You” for the beasties with weird and often horrifying reproductive lives, “Fear No Weevils” for those infesting our food, and “Have No Fear” for those that are the subject of some human phobias.
As a kid (and still subconsciously as an adult) I was fascinated by all the things that creep and crawl. It's astounding I didn't end up bitten, stung, infested or otherwise damaged. I still enjoy learning about these things and Amy Stewart's book does a good job of being informative while providing some good storytelling and recounting interesting anecdotes along the way.
Oh, and the illustrations are weird and beautiful.
If you're at all into creepy-crawlies, I'd say give it a read. But don't come looking for hard science.
cindyjac's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve always loved bugs but now have developed a healthy respect for their superpowers. There are so many quotable moments in this book (if bugs are your thing). Justin Schmidt created a sting pain index with description like this: 4.0. Tarantula Hawk: …a running hairdryer has been dropped into your bubble bath.” And one more quote, “any creature with a name like hominivorax- eater of man- is best avoided.”
ja3m3's review against another edition
4.0
Takeaways - never go barefoot outside, drink wine in the summer not beer to avoid mosquitos, wash all your fruit & veggies and char burn all meat. I am officially grossed out.
wannabekingpin's review against another edition
4.0
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skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: A hundred of the most dangerous, nasties, and most annoying bugs, with short but informative descriptions on where and how they got discovered, what’s their behaviors like, preferred diet and living spaces, relatives, and, of course, their relation to us. Some are wrongly accused. Others are still underestimated. If you’ve a phobia, this book might not be for you.
My Opinion: A very interesting book, short and informative on the topic of varied bugs/insects. From the venom level (whether you need to seek help immediately), to the levels of pain (at times ripping off the limb is preferable to the pain of the bite). Plenty of interesting history too, not just of armies having troubles with these many-legged beings: de Sade’s adventures with the Spanish Fly, destroyed French grapes, bookworms and their preferred diets. Easy to read, well structured.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: A hundred of the most dangerous, nasties, and most annoying bugs, with short but informative descriptions on where and how they got discovered, what’s their behaviors like, preferred diet and living spaces, relatives, and, of course, their relation to us. Some are wrongly accused. Others are still underestimated. If you’ve a phobia, this book might not be for you.
My Opinion: A very interesting book, short and informative on the topic of varied bugs/insects. From the venom level (whether you need to seek help immediately), to the levels of pain (at times ripping off the limb is preferable to the pain of the bite). Plenty of interesting history too, not just of armies having troubles with these many-legged beings: de Sade’s adventures with the Spanish Fly, destroyed French grapes, bookworms and their preferred diets. Easy to read, well structured.