Take a photo of a barcode or cover
intertidalkendy's reviews
183 reviews
In Common With by Bill Wilkerson
informative
slow-paced
3.0
As someone who is invested in fisheries and marine policy, this is a great book. I liked how the author demonstrated years of his own experiences and relationships with First Nations, government, industry folks, and fisheries. I was also glad to find that the book really highlights why First Nations are untrustworthy of non-Indigenous people in the fisheries space (and outside of fisheries but the primary focus in the book is fisheries or fisheries adjacent). Sadly this issue is still prevalent which makes this aspect of the book really standout as these issues are continually pervasive in policy spaces.
All that said, it was so incredibly packed of information and so slow, making it quite an unenjoyable read. I have read books that communicate policy and the “behind-the-scenes” parts of fisheries work without being so convoluted. This is why the rating is what it is. I’ll likely buy the book when it’s published because I think it is a wonderful ressource for fisheries policy understanding and will be recommending it to my colleagues who also are interested or work in policy as well, but I don’t think anyone outside of that interest, or who don’t already have a decent understanding of policy, would enjoy this book as a weekend read
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to the publisher and author!
All that said, it was so incredibly packed of information and so slow, making it quite an unenjoyable read. I have read books that communicate policy and the “behind-the-scenes” parts of fisheries work without being so convoluted. This is why the rating is what it is. I’ll likely buy the book when it’s published because I think it is a wonderful ressource for fisheries policy understanding and will be recommending it to my colleagues who also are interested or work in policy as well, but I don’t think anyone outside of that interest, or who don’t already have a decent understanding of policy, would enjoy this book as a weekend read
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to the publisher and author!
The New Fish: The Domestication of Salmon and the Strange Events That Followed by Simen Saetre, Kjetil Ostli
informative
medium-paced
4.0
“ The New Fish” is likely my favorite book on salmon aquaculture. I’ve read about 5 books that either focus a large portion of the book on the topic, or are completely about salmon farming.
If you want to read about the salmon farming industry, with a primary focus on Norway, media surrounding the industry, and the systemic issues of the industry, this would be the book for you!
The writing is concise, engaging, and at times philosophical, which I really appreciate given the topic at hand. I love how they interview and share perspectives from lots of different people. I also particularly like how the labeling of “activist” by the industry has affected researchers and Indigenous people. It’s also important to outline and include the colonial aspect of salmon farming and the negative climate impacts of industry practices.
They don’t end with the message, “get rid of aquaculture altogether”, as that is not realistic nor helpful. The book outlines the issues of the industry, from systemically silencing and scaring critics to the biological issues of farms like lice and viruses. One thing I do wish they had included was a bit about land-based salmon aquaculture or information about improvements in the industry/suggested for the industry. I think this could’ve been a good chapter near the end of the book.
If you want to read about the salmon farming industry, with a primary focus on Norway, media surrounding the industry, and the systemic issues of the industry, this would be the book for you!
The writing is concise, engaging, and at times philosophical, which I really appreciate given the topic at hand. I love how they interview and share perspectives from lots of different people. I also particularly like how the labeling of “activist” by the industry has affected researchers and Indigenous people. It’s also important to outline and include the colonial aspect of salmon farming and the negative climate impacts of industry practices.
They don’t end with the message, “get rid of aquaculture altogether”, as that is not realistic nor helpful. The book outlines the issues of the industry, from systemically silencing and scaring critics to the biological issues of farms like lice and viruses. One thing I do wish they had included was a bit about land-based salmon aquaculture or information about improvements in the industry/suggested for the industry. I think this could’ve been a good chapter near the end of the book.
A Whale of the Wild by Rosanne Parry
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was great! I work in Southern Resident killer whale conservation and absolutely love to see these whales & their plights being talked about more.
Even though the book is fiction, readers will learn about aspects of SRKW & other orca ecotype cultures & behaviors. And I love how at the end of the book the author includes lots of educational information on orcas, the Salish Sea, & threats to wildlife.
Even though the book is fiction, readers will learn about aspects of SRKW & other orca ecotype cultures & behaviors. And I love how at the end of the book the author includes lots of educational information on orcas, the Salish Sea, & threats to wildlife.
Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing a Backbone by Juli Berwald
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
I learned a lot about jellyfish & very much considered myself a jellyfish aficionado! So much knowledge in these pages. It’s always a wonderful experience to read how passionate someone is over a more overlooked animal. I could tell just how much the author loves jellyfish in the way she describes the biological and science-y side of these creatures, but doing so in a way that is approachable and understandable to any reader.
I also loved how she makes sure to emphasize that the questions for conservation/environmentalists can be to all-encompassing when jellyfish are different species, in different ecosystems & oceans. Broadstroking isn’t helpful & there is sooooo much to learn still from jellyfish!
I also loved how she makes sure to emphasize that the questions for conservation/environmentalists can be to all-encompassing when jellyfish are different species, in different ecosystems & oceans. Broadstroking isn’t helpful & there is sooooo much to learn still from jellyfish!
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Bad Mormon by Heather Gay
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
As an ex-Mormon & RHOSLC fan, my hopes were high but fell flat. I like how the book is written & it was a fun read, just not very compelling.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Cooling the Tropics: Ice, Indigeneity, and Hawaiian Refreshment by Hi′ilei Julia Kawehipuaakahaopulani Hobart
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Orca: How We Came to Know and Love the Ocean's Greatest Predator by Jason M. Colby
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This book is very blunt, reminding readers that without captivity, global affection for killer whales likely would’ve taken longer & many whales would’ve continued to be killed as they were seen as nuisances by settlers. The book postulates that, in a way, those killed in the beginning of the captive industry were small in comparison and worth it since captivity shifted perspectives.
That sentiment is a bit hard for me to swallow seeing that the deaths from the captive industry had such an impact on SRKW genetic biodiversity, as research now shows, & is a contributing factor to their struggle. But even without captures, orcas were shot at and killed. How long would they have persisted had capturing not occurred & how many would’ve died in comparison? My hesitation to appreciate that truth but still understanding it to be true coexist. I live with that bit of discomfort but still yield that yes, captivity was/is monumental not just in my life, but to these animals, even when it harmed them.
It is undeniable that captivity shaped killer whale understanding, research, and conservation. But many no longer see captivity as beneficial even with this history, as it isn’t a justification for the industry. Now folks can whale watch or watch a documentary. People can learn about wild populations & make an impact by supporting wild conservation directly.
That sentiment is a bit hard for me to swallow seeing that the deaths from the captive industry had such an impact on SRKW genetic biodiversity, as research now shows, & is a contributing factor to their struggle. But even without captures, orcas were shot at and killed. How long would they have persisted had capturing not occurred & how many would’ve died in comparison? My hesitation to appreciate that truth but still understanding it to be true coexist. I live with that bit of discomfort but still yield that yes, captivity was/is monumental not just in my life, but to these animals, even when it harmed them.
It is undeniable that captivity shaped killer whale understanding, research, and conservation. But many no longer see captivity as beneficial even with this history, as it isn’t a justification for the industry. Now folks can whale watch or watch a documentary. People can learn about wild populations & make an impact by supporting wild conservation directly.