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cdemi12's review against another edition
funny
informative
3.5
I learned a lot about expected and unexpected pests. Pests aren’t created equal. Rural and urban pests could act completely different, even if they’re the same species. The author delivers this knowledge with humor and enthusiasm. I enjoyed following her trips around the world to learn about the pests, and I appreciate her respect of indigenous knowledge.
spacewhombus's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this, another favorite for the year for sure! The author covers all kinds of pests, including rats, snakes, mice, pigeons, elephants (yes!), cats (yes again!), coyotes, sparrows, deer, and bears, although she mentions various others throughout (cane toads, raccoons, rabbits, etc.). I have way too many highlights in this book to count, and learned tons about each of the animals she mentioned as well as the history of their habitats and domestication.
She covers the history of how these animals came to be considered as pests, which often enough simply meant that at one point humans had a use for them, whereas now we don't, but the animals have remained in our spaces. The definition of a pest itself is varied and fuzzy, and she is great at showing how the context is what makes the pest.
One thing I also really loved was her dedication to non-Western and non-global North perspectives in her research, and she interviewed many indigenous communities about their historical relationships with the land and animals. The complexity of humanity's relationship with the natural world they live in was really well documented in this book, and Brookshire also celebrates the animals for their ability to thrive in such a changed and urban landscape.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this to any animal lover, or even anyone curious about the "pests" that seem to be overrunning their city. It definitely made me more aware of the everyday wildlife I encounter while living in a big city.
I adored this, another favorite for the year for sure! The author covers all kinds of pests, including rats, snakes, mice, pigeons, elephants (yes!), cats (yes again!), coyotes, sparrows, deer, and bears, although she mentions various others throughout (cane toads, raccoons, rabbits, etc.). I have way too many highlights in this book to count, and learned tons about each of the animals she mentioned as well as the history of their habitats and domestication.
She covers the history of how these animals came to be considered as pests, which often enough simply meant that at one point humans had a use for them, whereas now we don't, but the animals have remained in our spaces. The definition of a pest itself is varied and fuzzy, and she is great at showing how the context is what makes the pest.
One thing I also really loved was her dedication to non-Western and non-global North perspectives in her research, and she interviewed many indigenous communities about their historical relationships with the land and animals. The complexity of humanity's relationship with the natural world they live in was really well documented in this book, and Brookshire also celebrates the animals for their ability to thrive in such a changed and urban landscape.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this to any animal lover, or even anyone curious about the "pests" that seem to be overrunning their city. It definitely made me more aware of the everyday wildlife I encounter while living in a big city.
zenithharpink's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
3.5
I had to reset my expectations in order to properly enjoy this. I was expecting an etymological analysis of the word "pests." Insisted this is a collection of anecdotes. At times sad, this was very readable. The author did a good job of laying out multiple viewpoints without judgement. The humor was off-putting.
I recommend to those interested in the topic, or even those looking for a diverting nonfiction read.
I recommend to those interested in the topic, or even those looking for a diverting nonfiction read.