This novel focuses on one basic, yet hotly debated question: are there animals that have a conscious being with complex thoughts such as the ones that humans have? In order to answer this question, the author of the book goes to various different places throughout the world, conducts many different experiments, and draws conclusions based on his data. There were several different facets of this novel that I enjoyed, such as the wide variety of experiments conducted, the in-depth biological information that the reader is given to digest during each interview with respected biologist in each of their fields, and the elaborate imagery used by the author while describing his ventures in so many different places. I enjoyed the wide array of experiments that Dr. Jeremy Narby conducted because it kept the book interesting, as well as providing a more stable basis for his hypothesis. I also enjoyed the dialogue that the author included from his discussions with the experts in their respective fields. At times it can be difficult to take in, but it is worth reading over an extra time if necessary in order to grasp the point that the author is presenting. I found that more often than not, the information is an accumulation of several people's career studies. The imagery used is just as fascinating as the information that is presented. One event that sticks out vividly in my mind is when the author is talking about his experience with a group of biologists studying macaws. Dr. Narby describes the macaws as they jump off of the edge of the cliff, then glide down in a massive flock to eat the clay at the bank of a nearby river. I would recommend this book to people that enjoy nonfiction books and learning about animals.
Questions:
1. How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic?
Before reading this book, I had a conservative view on its subject. However, it opened my eyes to the possibility that many of the animals that we share this planet with might not be as "stupid" as we think. It is quite possible that they make conscious decisions based on previous experiences. One of the experiments conducted in the book is a test aimed towards proving that butterflies actually see in color. The scientist interviewed in the book and who is accredited with the discovery has experimental data that supports his theory that the butterflies make conscious decisions based on the color of the flowers (i.e. whether to pollinate). If it is possible for butterflies to be "intelligent", then why wouldn't it be possible for many other animals to be so as well?
2. If the author is writing on a debatable issue, does he or she give proper consideration to all sides of the debate? Does he or she seem to have a bias?
Throughout the book, the author makes an apparent effort to maintain his objective view of the topic. In order to do so, he explains the "classical" views shared by many previous scientists, and even scientists of today that will be skeptical until there is concrete proof that his hypothesis is correct. He also explains their rationale, but respectfully refutes it and supports his own views. There is no apparent bias in my opinion.
Word Count: 503
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