Take a photo of a barcode or cover
intertidalkendy's reviews
183 reviews
The High Seas: Greed, Power, and the Battle for the Unclaimed Ocean by Olive Heffernan
informative
medium-paced
5.0
I received a free copy of this title from Greystone Books. Thank you Greystone and the author!
“The High Seas” by Olive Heffernan is a wonderfully informative dive into the complexities of the high seas and conservation for this incredible part of the planet.
The book expertly delves into issues such as mesopelagic fisheries, deep sea mining, climate intervention efforts, pollution, and climate change. The author does a fantastic job connecting each issue together, highlighting the circumstances of the threats, and related policies to better understand the issues of management of the high seas.
“The High Seas” ends with a resounding call to action, urging readers to advocate for meaningful ocean protection measures through systemic change. Voting is a huge aspect of environmental protection measures.
If you are interested in marine biology, fisheries, environmental science, climate change, or environmental policy, I highly recommend you pick this up! And even if you aren’t interested in those specific topics but want dive into the complex world of conservation, give this book a read!
“The High Seas” by Olive Heffernan is a wonderfully informative dive into the complexities of the high seas and conservation for this incredible part of the planet.
The book expertly delves into issues such as mesopelagic fisheries, deep sea mining, climate intervention efforts, pollution, and climate change. The author does a fantastic job connecting each issue together, highlighting the circumstances of the threats, and related policies to better understand the issues of management of the high seas.
“The High Seas” ends with a resounding call to action, urging readers to advocate for meaningful ocean protection measures through systemic change. Voting is a huge aspect of environmental protection measures.
If you are interested in marine biology, fisheries, environmental science, climate change, or environmental policy, I highly recommend you pick this up! And even if you aren’t interested in those specific topics but want dive into the complex world of conservation, give this book a read!
The Strange Life Cycle of an Octopus by Anna McDougal
4.0
Great children’s book about octopus! Easy to understand and wonderful images to immerse kids in the underwater world of octopuses.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water by Amorina Kingdon
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
“Sing Like Fish” is a captivating exploration of the often overlooked symphony of sounds beneath the waves. Amorina Kingdon delves into the role that sound plays in marine environments and with flora and fauna, from the behavior of sound in water to the fascinating discoveries we are beginning to understand.
Kingdon provides the historical context of the science behind sound and hearing underwater, incorporating fish, mammals, invertebrates, plankton, and even marine plants, she reveals that the ocean and its inhabitants are far from silent. From mysterious sounds underwater that are still trying to be identified to the noises from critters like the cusk eel, readers are plunged into a vibrant auditory world throughout the ocean.
I was most intrigued and grateful for the inclusion of kelp and plankton in the discussion of underwater sound and impacts. Kingdon explains how kelp forests, beyond their ecological importance, serve as acoustic buffers. The loss of kelp forests means more than just a loss of habitat - it’s a loss of a dynamic acoustic buffer.
The disparity of research funding for acoustics is also given a spotlight in this book. Less charismatic, or species of non-industry interest, are often not given the same access to funding for research, even when they are still important species to understand.
Most importantly, the book explores how our understanding of underwater sound can be applied in conservation efforts. Sound is continually increasing in the ocean, as Kingdon highlights the alarming increases in shipping noise doubling every decade from 1960 to 2010, and how this impacts marine life. Noise pollution isn’t just a threat for marine mammals, but impacts plankton in the water column, invertebrates burrowed in the sand, and other species. While unseen, sound has far-reaching consequences. Kingdon highlights the importance of understanding sound and how applying that knowledge to marine policy and regulation is a vital step in conservation efforts.
“Sing Like Fish” is not just a scientific account but a call to action. Amorina Kingdon’s prose and thorough research invites readers to appreciate the acoustic wonders of the ocean and recognize the urgent need to preserve this aspect of the natural world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in marine science, conservation, and bioacoustics! Dive deeper into the intricate life beneath the surface of the ocean!
“Sing Like Fish” is a captivating exploration of the often overlooked symphony of sounds beneath the waves. Amorina Kingdon delves into the role that sound plays in marine environments and with flora and fauna, from the behavior of sound in water to the fascinating discoveries we are beginning to understand.
Kingdon provides the historical context of the science behind sound and hearing underwater, incorporating fish, mammals, invertebrates, plankton, and even marine plants, she reveals that the ocean and its inhabitants are far from silent. From mysterious sounds underwater that are still trying to be identified to the noises from critters like the cusk eel, readers are plunged into a vibrant auditory world throughout the ocean.
I was most intrigued and grateful for the inclusion of kelp and plankton in the discussion of underwater sound and impacts. Kingdon explains how kelp forests, beyond their ecological importance, serve as acoustic buffers. The loss of kelp forests means more than just a loss of habitat - it’s a loss of a dynamic acoustic buffer.
The disparity of research funding for acoustics is also given a spotlight in this book. Less charismatic, or species of non-industry interest, are often not given the same access to funding for research, even when they are still important species to understand.
Most importantly, the book explores how our understanding of underwater sound can be applied in conservation efforts. Sound is continually increasing in the ocean, as Kingdon highlights the alarming increases in shipping noise doubling every decade from 1960 to 2010, and how this impacts marine life. Noise pollution isn’t just a threat for marine mammals, but impacts plankton in the water column, invertebrates burrowed in the sand, and other species. While unseen, sound has far-reaching consequences. Kingdon highlights the importance of understanding sound and how applying that knowledge to marine policy and regulation is a vital step in conservation efforts.
“Sing Like Fish” is not just a scientific account but a call to action. Amorina Kingdon’s prose and thorough research invites readers to appreciate the acoustic wonders of the ocean and recognize the urgent need to preserve this aspect of the natural world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in marine science, conservation, and bioacoustics! Dive deeper into the intricate life beneath the surface of the ocean!
The Cure for Drowning by Loghan Paylor
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What a beautiful book and story! I loved it
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Animal death, Deadnaming, Death, Death of parent, Pregnancy
Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another five star book from Andrew Joseph White.
“Compound Fracture” is a poignant portrayal of the complexities within rural conservative states as well as a stomach-turning thriller. AJW intertwines information on poverty, autism, drug addiction, police oppression and other themes, through a gripping, suspenseful plot that you can’t put down (I finished this within 24 hours of starting!). They are heavy handed themes, yes, don’t expect lyrical subtlety in with these topics. They are there and loud and obvious. I felt that the challenges of coming out are addressed in a beautiful way, with parents who don’t quite understand but are trying.
This book is also an important reminder that villainizing conservative towns/states oversimplifies societal issues in these areas, and puts down LGBTQ+ people who live there.
I finished this book with tears in my eyes and ready to re-read it again and again. Thank you AJW.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
“Compound Fracture” is a poignant portrayal of the complexities within rural conservative states as well as a stomach-turning thriller. AJW intertwines information on poverty, autism, drug addiction, police oppression and other themes, through a gripping, suspenseful plot that you can’t put down (I finished this within 24 hours of starting!). They are heavy handed themes, yes, don’t expect lyrical subtlety in with these topics. They are there and loud and obvious. I felt that the challenges of coming out are addressed in a beautiful way, with parents who don’t quite understand but are trying.
This book is also an important reminder that villainizing conservative towns/states oversimplifies societal issues in these areas, and puts down LGBTQ+ people who live there.
I finished this book with tears in my eyes and ready to re-read it again and again. Thank you AJW.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Deadnaming, Death, Gun violence, Transphobia, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Outing, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Fatphobia, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Such a great book! Loved Lei’s character development.
Excited for book 2!
Excited for book 2!
Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All Life by Jason Roberts
informative
slow-paced
4.0
“Every Living Thing” offers a profound exploration into the history of classifying life on earth, with a primary focus on Linnaeus and Buffon.
The book is dense but is ab excellent dive into the history of taxonomy. Reading this just perfectly coincided with the recent news of a speciation proposal for two ecotypes of killer whales in the North Pacific, which stirred up lots of talk about speciation and taxonomy.
The author takes readers through the lives of both Linnaeus and Buffon, and following their deaths continues to trace the notable names as the science of classification moved forward to what we know today. Through this, the author does touch on the issues with varying classification systems and ways of thinking, especially the use of Linnaeus’s classification of races to inform racial pseudoscience and white supremacy. One thing that wasn’t touched on much but would have been a good addition is the intersection of these classification systems and colonization.
As I read, I found myself gravitating more to Buffon’s perspectives. Seeing nature as fluid is more intuitive but science has benefited from being able to (mostly) neatly categorize life. The book does a great job explaining these nuances and just why classification has been beneficial (an example being how speciation can help with conservation work today).
The interwoven religious issues to Linnaeus and Buffon’s work was very interesting and something I hadn’t thought much on. Buffon was impressive for defying the dominate religious beliefs regarding nature.
Overall, I think this is a great read to dive into the history of taxonomy and fields of biology (& even genetics!)
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
The book is dense but is ab excellent dive into the history of taxonomy. Reading this just perfectly coincided with the recent news of a speciation proposal for two ecotypes of killer whales in the North Pacific, which stirred up lots of talk about speciation and taxonomy.
The author takes readers through the lives of both Linnaeus and Buffon, and following their deaths continues to trace the notable names as the science of classification moved forward to what we know today. Through this, the author does touch on the issues with varying classification systems and ways of thinking, especially the use of Linnaeus’s classification of races to inform racial pseudoscience and white supremacy. One thing that wasn’t touched on much but would have been a good addition is the intersection of these classification systems and colonization.
As I read, I found myself gravitating more to Buffon’s perspectives. Seeing nature as fluid is more intuitive but science has benefited from being able to (mostly) neatly categorize life. The book does a great job explaining these nuances and just why classification has been beneficial (an example being how speciation can help with conservation work today).
The interwoven religious issues to Linnaeus and Buffon’s work was very interesting and something I hadn’t thought much on. Buffon was impressive for defying the dominate religious beliefs regarding nature.
Overall, I think this is a great read to dive into the history of taxonomy and fields of biology (& even genetics!)
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
Whales and Dolphins by Tom Jackson
0.0
"Whales and Dolphins" a disappointing read that falls extremely short of a wonderful dive into the world of cetaceans. From first page it felt…off. I truly wonder if it is written by AI or is just so poorly written, and understood, that it seems to be AI.
The imagery throughout the book is not always the highest quality, with one image of killer whales being a poorly photoshopped image of captive killer whales Katina and Kalina plastered onto a wild backdrop. One “image” of a narwhal is not actually an image, but a 3D drawing. A few other orca images are also of captive orcas Katina and Wikie. It would be ideal for a book to use photos of wild whales when discussing wild whales. Some dolphin, pilot whale, and beluga whale images are also from captive facilities. An image of a humpback whale is even misidentified as a blue whale, a baleen whale identified as a sperm whale, and a bottlenose dolphin as a rough toothed dolphin. This undermines all credibility of the book. Inaccurate information regarding different species in the book also tarnishes the credibility.
I do not recommend this book and if you are a reader looking for an informative and actually enjoable red about cetaceans, along with great images and illustrations, I would suggest looking at, “Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porposises of the World” by Mark Carwardine and/or “Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises” by Erich Hoyt.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author
The imagery throughout the book is not always the highest quality, with one image of killer whales being a poorly photoshopped image of captive killer whales Katina and Kalina plastered onto a wild backdrop. One “image” of a narwhal is not actually an image, but a 3D drawing. A few other orca images are also of captive orcas Katina and Wikie. It would be ideal for a book to use photos of wild whales when discussing wild whales. Some dolphin, pilot whale, and beluga whale images are also from captive facilities. An image of a humpback whale is even misidentified as a blue whale, a baleen whale identified as a sperm whale, and a bottlenose dolphin as a rough toothed dolphin. This undermines all credibility of the book. Inaccurate information regarding different species in the book also tarnishes the credibility.
I do not recommend this book and if you are a reader looking for an informative and actually enjoable red about cetaceans, along with great images and illustrations, I would suggest looking at, “Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porposises of the World” by Mark Carwardine and/or “Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises” by Erich Hoyt.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author
The Incredible Octopus: Meet the Eight-Armed Wonder of the Sea by Erin Spencer
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
"The Incredible Octopus" is an educational deep dive into the fascinating world of octopuses. This book is captivating and full of incredible art and information for young readers. The art and photography are a highlight of the book, with the art often helping show diagrams of what is being outlined.
This book serves as an amazing educational resource, covering topics ranging from octopus anatomy to some of the basics of invertebrate zoology. The book also delves into various aspects of octopus biology, behavior and different species from around the world. I absolutely loved the creative approach the author took to explaining complex concepts, such as chromatophores, in a way that young readers can understand and appreciate.
“The Incredible Octopus” ends with an emphasis on conservation, not only raising awareness about the challenges facing octopuses and the ocean but also empowering readers to take action. By ending with a message of conservation and practical steps readers can take to help, the book instills a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the natural world. I am so grateful the author concluded the book this way! The author also provides additional resources and suggestions for readers to keep learning and exploring the world of octopuses and marine life.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!