But I think Wilson could be more flat-footed early on. He attempts to give both sides of the story, when most of his readers already know exShocking.
But I think Wilson could be more flat-footed early on. He attempts to give both sides of the story, when most of his readers already know exactly where he stands. ...more
An utter page-turner. And as a medievalist, I actually wasn't appalled. An utter page-turner. And as a medievalist, I actually wasn't appalled. ...more
I can't get enough of this guy; his books are what I would imagine crack would be like, had I ever tried crack. Which I haven't. Seriously -- I just siI can't get enough of this guy; his books are what I would imagine crack would be like, had I ever tried crack. Which I haven't. Seriously -- I just sit and read and laugh, read and laugh. He's just so damned candid about things. For example, the story of how he was sent to Greece for Greek-American summer camp as a teenager:
"If my sister was anxious about our trip, she certainly didn't show it. Prying my fingers off her wrist, she crossed the room and introduced herself to a girl who stood picking salvageable butts out of the standing ashtray. This was a tough-looking Queens native named Stefani Heartattackus or Testicockules. I recall only that her last name had granted her a lifelong supply of resentment. ... "Camp lasted a month, during which time I never once had a bowel movement. I was used to having a semiprivate bathroom and could not bring myself to occupy one of the men's room stalls, fearful that someone might recognize my shoes or, even worse, not see my shoes at all and walk in on me. Sitting down three times a day for a heavy Greek meal became an exercise akin to packing a musket." (87-88)...more
Interesting recap on lots of stuff I already knew from watching BBC documentaries, and some stuff I didn't know before... like why moonshine (from theInteresting recap on lots of stuff I already knew from watching BBC documentaries, and some stuff I didn't know before... like why moonshine (from the moon, guys) makes everything look silver: its reflective light hits earth at just under the threshold for color! That's why!
Other than that, I suspect the book will become outdated in about 10 years, albeit there's not a heck of a lot of conjecture. ...more
This really is a great book... 'cept I took WAY too long for me to read it, and probably not long enough to think about it. Wilson really does try to This really is a great book... 'cept I took WAY too long for me to read it, and probably not long enough to think about it. Wilson really does try to present both sides of an argument when dealing with issues such as science's possible/probable role in human behavioral structures. He creates provocative images that one can't easily forget. For being a science nerd, he's a great writer.
It's 3 stars because, while I really enjoyed it, I wouldn't "push" it on anyone. And yeah, it's the sort of book I *could* see being pushed upon people. I think one needs to fall on this naturally, like I did. I picked it up at the gift shop of the Botanical Gardens over Christmas last year. Half-way through it and during another trip to the gardens, I picked up his next one (which I have not yet read). So I guess if you see it and are interested, go for it; but don't necessarily click click to Amazon right now. ...more
Funny, funny, insightful book. Wished it was longer. And yes, the part about the mailbox resembling a "blue bullfrog" did make me giggle out loud. Funny, funny, insightful book. Wished it was longer. And yes, the part about the mailbox resembling a "blue bullfrog" did make me giggle out loud. ...more
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