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A review by themadmadmadeline
The Whale: In Search of the Giants of the Sea by Philip Hoare
2.0
I find whales to be some of the most fascinating animals on the planet, and after recently watching Blackfish, I thought this would be an appropriate follow up.
GREAT information about whales. I learned quite a bit of new and fascinating information, so the book was strong in that respect. Whales are majestic, complex, BEAUTIFUL creatures unique to this planet, and we should celebrate them.
Initially, I really liked the author's description of his interest (almost obsession) with whales because of their size and mystery. I was totally hooked with his descriptive opening about the fuel behind this book.
However, as the book progressed, and especially towards the end, I was kind of...dare I say "creeped out" by the author's repetitive insistence that the whale is "sexy" and that the smell of whale poo is "sensual". WHOA buddy. I know we all have personal preferences, and I respect your love of the whale and its history, but reading about sexy whales made me markedly uncomfortable hahaha.
I enjoyed the rich history associated with whale hunting, and I enjoyed reading about the inspiration behind Moby Dick, but I could have been spared the loooong history of Herman Melville. There were several chapters which I felt could have been cut entirely, and I would have enjoyed more information about the whales themselves (doing different chapters for different whales would have been AWESOME, but alas). I won't like you, having read this on my Kindle, I was PUMPED when I realized the last 20% of the book was the bibliography...sorry Philip!!! You just went down too many rabbit holes!!!
All in all, good information, but several aspects made give this one a two-star rating due to personal discomfort hahha and general long-windedness.
GREAT information about whales. I learned quite a bit of new and fascinating information, so the book was strong in that respect. Whales are majestic, complex, BEAUTIFUL creatures unique to this planet, and we should celebrate them.
Initially, I really liked the author's description of his interest (almost obsession) with whales because of their size and mystery. I was totally hooked with his descriptive opening about the fuel behind this book.
However, as the book progressed, and especially towards the end, I was kind of...dare I say "creeped out" by the author's repetitive insistence that the whale is "sexy" and that the smell of whale poo is "sensual". WHOA buddy. I know we all have personal preferences, and I respect your love of the whale and its history, but reading about sexy whales made me markedly uncomfortable hahaha.
I enjoyed the rich history associated with whale hunting, and I enjoyed reading about the inspiration behind Moby Dick, but I could have been spared the loooong history of Herman Melville. There were several chapters which I felt could have been cut entirely, and I would have enjoyed more information about the whales themselves (doing different chapters for different whales would have been AWESOME, but alas). I won't like you, having read this on my Kindle, I was PUMPED when I realized the last 20% of the book was the bibliography...sorry Philip!!! You just went down too many rabbit holes!!!
All in all, good information, but several aspects made give this one a two-star rating due to personal discomfort hahha and general long-windedness.