A review by rebhlee
Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life by Lulu Miller
4.0
This book was part science history, part self-help, and I would consider it more creative-non-fiction than non-fiction for the liberties / speculation with which the author spins certain events. Nevertheless, it was very evocatively written, with such a distinct voice & vulnerable personality. I found the writing compelling.
I thought the book did a graceful job of taking us through the life of a fascinating, and ultimately deeply problematic individual. I was woefully ignorant how widespread the destructive and contemptible history of eugenics was in the United States, and I am grateful to be able to learn about it through this book.
I did find the metaphors a little heavy handed. I think the book committed the same grievance it meant to unfold, that putting too much meaning in human categorization could be at best self-illusional and at worst, ruinous. I'm also not convinced that fish don't exist and that this debate comes down to semantics.
In the end, any book that challenges the structures and conventions I hold onto to make me feel more comfortable is a worthwhile read.
I thought the book did a graceful job of taking us through the life of a fascinating, and ultimately deeply problematic individual. I was woefully ignorant how widespread the destructive and contemptible history of eugenics was in the United States, and I am grateful to be able to learn about it through this book.
I did find the metaphors a little heavy handed. I think the book committed the same grievance it meant to unfold, that putting too much meaning in human categorization could be at best self-illusional and at worst, ruinous. I'm also not convinced that fish don't exist and that this debate comes down to semantics.
In the end, any book that challenges the structures and conventions I hold onto to make me feel more comfortable is a worthwhile read.