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lubinka's review against another edition
4.0
A delightfully silly bag of useless (at least for me), but interesting facts, presented with such humour that this turned out to be one of the books I mostly enjoyed this year. Despite all the gross details about the habits of those animals (literally), it was impossible not to enjoy the flair with which many of the discussed species were named. Highly recommended for a quick, fun reading.
cgalvi's review against another edition
4.0
Funny, relatable AND a bibliography. What more could one ask in a science book?
vacantbones's review against another edition
4.0
The Wasp That Brainwashed the Caterpillar is a fun, fascinating book about some of evolution's most marvelous experiments. It is a great introductory level read for those interested in nature, and I've found that it sparks many conversations when used displayed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but I will say that my deduction of one star comes as a result of the author's humor - now, don't get me wrong! I laughed a lot throughout the book, and I completely understand how important it is when marketing a nonfiction book to use something like humor as a means of appealing to the general public. However, at times, it felt a bit too much, like the author was trying to cram a witty line wherever possible. Again, the problem isn't that the book is funny, just that the humor can feel forced at points throughout the book.
4 stars, full of fun facts to absolutely spoil dinner parties with.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but I will say that my deduction of one star comes as a result of the author's humor - now, don't get me wrong! I laughed a lot throughout the book, and I completely understand how important it is when marketing a nonfiction book to use something like humor as a means of appealing to the general public. However, at times, it felt a bit too much, like the author was trying to cram a witty line wherever possible. Again, the problem isn't that the book is funny, just that the humor can feel forced at points throughout the book.
4 stars, full of fun facts to absolutely spoil dinner parties with.
ambrose_7's review against another edition
3.0
Really nice little book, tons of crazy and bizarre facts I’ll be spouting to people I know for the near future. I’ve always been fascinated by animals so I know a lot of the widely known facts about the oddities and cool things about them. That’s why I really liked this book because either I hadn’t heard about the animals at all previously or I got a much more in depth look at what I knew about them and better understood them. The evolution beliefs spliced intermittently was enjoyable too. The author tried very hard to be humorous, but it didn’t take away from the book substantially and he was funny sometimes which helped balance that.
elizabethww's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
lacyk_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Fun-sized chapters about creatures with some unbelievable adaptations. The title really says it all. I didn’t digest this book all at one time: I’d read about two or three animals in between other books, starting a year ago? More? I don’t remember the early ones very well, but I’m hopeful that some of these uniquely evolved animals will stick with me. Life finds a way, and this book is full of examples of how nature makes it work.