Book Reviews
At New Edition we not only sell books! Everyone here loves to read, discuss, and even have their opinion heard about what they've been reading. We've set up this book review page to allow our staff post their thoughts and reviews about all the latest releases as well as the classics and a few personal favourites as well.
We also have the ability for everyone to drop in and comment about our reviews and the books to get your own thoughts!
Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid
Written by Wendy Williams
Reviewed by Matthew
/ 5
Throughout history Cephalopods have captured the imaginations of scientists, artists and writers alike. Why have these invertebrates had such an impact on our bipedal terra firma way of life? Well you need only read Wendy Williams' “Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid” to feel inspired yourself. This engaging and exciting book explores some of the history of the squid, touching too upon the octopus and cuttlefish in a straightforward, slightly anecdotal manner that manages to include all kinds of facts that are simultaneously intriguing and terrifying.
Considering how long ago this group of animals split from us in the evolutionary tree, it is truly remarkable how much we still have in common; from the mechanics of neurons to the biological manufacturing of dopamine (some squids have dopamine in their ink, it is speculated that it makes their predators 'high' and forget what they were doing). It is these and other common traits that have made the squid an invaluable asset in medical research for many years, without them (and their enlarged axon) neurological science would not be as advanced as it is today. Then there are the traits that set us apart, seemingly bizarre characteristics that the world of sci-fi would struggle to invent, the astounding colour changing properties of the chromatophors, the regeneration of limbs and body parts, blue blood (isn't that just creepy?!) and the list goes on.
Williams manages to engage you, astound you and disturb you all at once; a very clever thing when you consider that this book has exceedingly more questions than answers, this is not a fault of the writing or Williams but rather a lack of research done in the life of these amazing creatures. These days the burning question is what intelligence these animals have and how do we measure it? The brain structure of Cephalapods are decentralised, the squid has its wrapped partly around its throat and in the head while the octopus has its brain spread between the head and throughout its eight limbs.
This book explores the work and stories of marine scientists in pursuit of the answers weaving in the history of the Cephalapod. The writing style here suits the general pop science audience and while one could be critical of the way ideas seem to be broken up and jump from one to the other, it is more of a device to avoid alienating the reader who does not want cold figures forced to them. If that is your thing then you will still be pleased with this book, the facts are there, hidden in the stories, making it a wonderful treasure hunt with numerous rewards.
“Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid” says it all in the title, a wonderfully vibrant exploration of the deep dark underwater world of some very very distant relatives. $29.95
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The Sound of A Wild Snail Eating
Written by Tova Elisabeth Bailey
Reviewed by Freya
/ 5
When I told my Mum I was reading a book about a snail and that I was growing more and more appreciative and amazed by their anatomy and daily life she was not convinced. My Mum, like many people with a vegetable garden, detests snails and I believe this book to be the perfect gift for such people. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating begins with a strange, crippling sickness that author Tova Elisabeth Bailey catches whilst on holiday in Europe. She is bedridden for months which turn into years but the reader only sees a flicker of this sickness starting from the arrival of the snail. A friend brings some potted violets to her bedside table one day and hidden under a leaf is a common snail. Stuck in bed, Tova observes her slimy companion day and night and a beautiful connection is formed.
This is a charming account of the rewards of considering nature, of appreciating and understanding the little creatures that surround us and the joys of just sitting and watching the world. Snail haters grab a copy, I\'m sure you\'ll be pleasantly surprised.
RRP: $22.95
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Don't Sleep There Are Snakes
Written by Daniel Everett
Reviewed by Freya
/ 5
Don\'t Sleep There Are Snakes\' is a fascinating study of life and language in the Amazon jungle. It is a travel narrative that will amaze and excite you as every page is full of information about the Piraha way of life, one that is so very different from anything I previously thought existed. This book not only outlines the stark contrasts between Piraha culture and our own but delves further to look at the conceptual differences.
Employed by a missionary agency, Everett intended to learn the previously undeciphered Piraha language and to translate the Bible. Yet over the decades that he and his family lived amongst the community in the depths of the Amazon jungle, he eventually lost his own faith.
Half the book is dedicated to explaining key interesting factors of the culture and half is dedicated to linguistics though every aspect of the Piraha world whether it be cultural or linguistic is fascinating. For example, the Piraha have no number words and despite months of eager attempts at learning, the adults still could not grasp the concept of 1 + 1 = 2. Piraha language is also void of recursion, an element of language which Chomsky\'s theory states is universal, therefore Everett\'s findings are at the forefront of our knowledge of how language is formed. I could not help but talk about this book while I was reading it and continue to recommend it months after finishing. Highly recommended.
RRP. $25.00
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