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dark_side_of_the_rican's review
4.0
Another natural history book that is just as imoortant as any history book.
lilkstew's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
How pleasant. I never thought I’d enjoy reading about seeds this much, but this book was lovely. The chapters about spices, coffee, and poison were especially interesting and fun. I keep thinking about this book whenever I go outside and garden or take a walk through the woods; I love how science writing can change how you interact with your surroundings.
The author knew how to balance personal anecdotes and scientific explanations very well. I adored the stories about the author’s toddler son; they were the right touch of sentimentality. I will definitely check out the author’s other books!
The author knew how to balance personal anecdotes and scientific explanations very well. I adored the stories about the author’s toddler son; they were the right touch of sentimentality. I will definitely check out the author’s other books!
dreesreads's review
4.0
3.5-4 stars. Not the most engaging book (though some parts certainly are). But this is a solid popular science work, and is interesting. The chapter on coffee is soooo much better than the coffee chapter in [b:A History of the World in 6 Glasses|3872|A History of the World in 6 Glasses|Tom Standage|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1415681601s/3872.jpg|7600]. There is a fair amount of botany in this book, and a lot of references to historical figures (Darwin, Mandeville, and more). It might help to have a bit of a background in botany--or at least a gardener's knowledge.
As usual, I wish there were footnotes. Even endnotes. Not the stupid by-chapter and page number references at the back, that are so popular these days.
As usual, I wish there were footnotes. Even endnotes. Not the stupid by-chapter and page number references at the back, that are so popular these days.
rickken's review
4.0
An all-around excellent piece of popular science writing, exquisitely balanced between accessibility and depth. Recommended for anyone interested in the natural world.
liriodendron's review
4.0
Thor Hanson is great, again! I actually found his other books to be more engrossing but this one was still thought-provoking. Favorite fact is that cedar waxwings have rectums that can digest sugars.
fanglord2's review against another edition
5.0
A highly entertaining writer and who would have the thought the subject of seeds would be so fascinating?!
vittoria_ann's review
4.0
I think this book could have been twice as long. It's a fascinating subject, and I was interested in more detail on pretty much everything (especially seed evolution and dormancy). The beginning was a little slow (too many personal anecdotes when I just wanted him to start on seeds), but I was just being impatient. Well written and definitely made me want to read his book on feathers, which says something because I'm much more interested in plants than birds.
feneng's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book and I think it might be my favorite read of the year- strange considering it's a book on seeds and plants.
As some background I will say that last year I realized that I love listening to information on plants. I don't even garden but I found a radio show about gardening one day and I could just feel myself becoming unexpectedly happy to hear about how other people's peach trees were doing.
I did audiobook this so I'm not sure how different the experience would have been if I have read it. I saw the audiobook on sale and thinking about the radio show I thought 'why not?' and I'm glad I did. I do like books on micro-histories and the author writes about the various plants in a way that becomes a narrative instead of an outline of a series of facts. I felt like I learned something with my experience with this book while also getting a calming commute every morning listening to why peppers are spicy or how seed based plants evolved. If you like micro-histories, I recommend it. If you like plants, I recommend it. Wanna try a science book? I recommend it. I loved and will probably listen to it again in the future.
(look, I don't even give written reviews very often but I felt like I had to give it props)
As some background I will say that last year I realized that I love listening to information on plants. I don't even garden but I found a radio show about gardening one day and I could just feel myself becoming unexpectedly happy to hear about how other people's peach trees were doing.
I did audiobook this so I'm not sure how different the experience would have been if I have read it. I saw the audiobook on sale and thinking about the radio show I thought 'why not?' and I'm glad I did. I do like books on micro-histories and the author writes about the various plants in a way that becomes a narrative instead of an outline of a series of facts. I felt like I learned something with my experience with this book while also getting a calming commute every morning listening to why peppers are spicy or how seed based plants evolved. If you like micro-histories, I recommend it. If you like plants, I recommend it. Wanna try a science book? I recommend it. I loved and will probably listen to it again in the future.
(look, I don't even give written reviews very often but I felt like I had to give it props)