Reviews tagging 'Xenophobia'

What a Mushroom Lives for: Matsutake and the Worlds They Make by Michael J. Hathaway

1 review

anntharai's review against another edition

informative inspiring mysterious medium-paced

4.5

With thanks to NetGalley,  Micheal J Hathaway, and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

A wonderful book full of interesting ideas. The writing is engaging and light, though I can see it being skimmed by someone who isn’t as interested in the content as others. 

I have always liked mushrooms and been interested in them generally but this is a very narrow line of interest. Hathaway has a knack for making scientific/anthropological/philosophical discussions interesting without dumbing it down. 

I don’t necessarily agree with everything the author says, the concepts they argue for, or the interpretations of certain things - but it was interesting and entertaining. 

It certainly isn’t a scientific/biological investigation into the internal workings of the Matsutake mushroom but rather uses the matsutake as a fulcrum with which to discuss the idea of reorganising our relationship and perception of non human entities. 

An excellent addition to any interesting collection. 

I enjoyed the narration by Christopher Grove, they gave an excellent performance and to my civilian ears did a great job of the scientific and LOTE pronunciation.  (My standard disclaimer applies, I listen to almost all audiobooks at increased playback speed, but always listen to a portion at regular speed to get a feel for the narrator) 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Xenophobia

This book describes (in medium detail) the casual racism(xenophobia?) expressed by people the author has spoken to, it’s not explicit but it could well be upsetting for those in that community.