Reviews (843)

Unconditional Love For Marley
I just finished Marley and Me last weekend. I am a huge dog lover and all of my friends kept telling me that I HAD to read this book. So I finally gave into that adorable face on the cover and took the plunge.
Wonderful, heartwarming, hearbreaking...
I have to give this book five stars for several reasons...
Marley & Me
This book is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read.If you have ever owned a pet and lost it, you will relate to this book.You will go through all the emotions with this family.It is a must read.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1957-    2. Biography    3. Dogs - Breeds - Sporting Dogs    4. Dogs - General    5. Essays    6. Florida    7. Grogan, John,    8. Labrador retriever    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Pets    11. Pets / Dogs / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (282)

Should Be Recommended Reading
As a dog owner since childhood and an obedience trainer, I found this book fantastic!A lot of what Cesar suggests, I already do.I wish a lot of people who let their dogs run roughshod over them, would read this book.It should be required reading for first time dog owners.
I'd Give it 6 Stars if I Could...
While veterinarians are educated in the physiology and biology of animals, the ones who truly understand behavior are the exception.Cesar's education may not be formal, but his methodology makes sense and actually works in practice.Dogs become aggressive, obsessed and phobic when their owners do not assume the role of pack leader.Matching a weak human with a strong dog, with no exercise and discipline, causes most psychological problems.DOGS ARE NOT PEOPLE!Cesar teaches understanding them at their most primal level and treating them as such.There is NOTHING cruel about what he professes.Cruelty is putting a dog down because of preventable behavior problems.Build a healthy relationship between you and your dog by reading and using this book.
I WISH I COULD GIVE ZERO STARS
This guy has no formal education in animal training or behavior.Anyone who has had a college level course will know that the method he uses (flooding) is inhumane.It should only be used in very rare instances under the guidance of a trained professional.When done improperly it will lead to even more problems.Do yourself a favor and speak with your vet or ask for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Behavior    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Care/Health    5. Dogs - General    6. Human-animal communication    7. Pets    8. Training    9. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (15)

Great information

Fun and Informative
What is easier to find than the bone your dog buried in the back yard? The answer is something to like in this new dog book by Dr. Becker and Gina Spadafori. After collecting a set of questions from observant dog owners, Dr. Becker and Ms. Spadafori turned to the experts for up to date answers about canine medicine and behavior, explained with common sense and humor.In addition to a great set of questions and answers, this book is sprinkled with some enjoyable essays about dogs.My favorite, by Ms. Spadafori, is called "Quit Picking On Poodles," (as a child, my two best four-legged friends were a pair of poodles our family had as pets and one couldn't ask for more intelligent and loving companions, so I have always thought they were unnecessarily maligned and I was glad to read her essay to that effect.) A fun and readable book.

Cats Rule and Dogs Really DO Drool!
This little volume is a treasure trove of information about our crazy and wonderful canine companions!As a family doctor for four-legged family members, I have been asked many of these questions over the years.I never expected to find such a concise compellation of terrific answers!
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Subjects:  1. Animal Behavior (Ethology)    2. Behavior    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - General    5. Miscellanea    6. Pets    7. Pets / Dogs / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (12)

Great Read
A great story about a marine and the dog he learned to love.No one really knows what goes on in this war; this book gives the reader a perspective that the media has left out.On top of that, a book for all dog lovers.

A "Must Read" Regardless of your views on the war in Iraq
This is a heartwarming story that places the reader in war-torn Iraq with the US military trying to complete their mission.It is told in such a way that you can't put it down, and you feel thast you are there with them, and are living the story as it unfolds.It also makes it easy to understand how the "Lava Dogs" receive comfort in caring for a puppy amid the horror around them.The book makes NO judgements about the war or the US presence in Iraq being right or wrong, and no matter what the reader's views on the war are (or even if the reader is a dog owner/lover), this is a heartwarming story about the bond between a soldier and a dog during adverse times for both of them.

Hope and love
Reviewed by Joanne Benham for Reader Views (8/06)
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Subjects:  1. Dogs    2. Dogs - General    3. Essays    4. Iraq    5. Iraq War, 2003-    6. Military - Iraq War    7. Personal narratives, American    8. Pets    9. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (12)

The Mysterious ways of DoG
A Good Dog -- A story about Orson, who changed my life" by John Katz, is an incredible read, a true love story between human and animal -- bridging the gaps between belief and unbelief.
used to be a big fan.
very upset about jons latest book.it really is just a rehash of his past books and not to his usal standard.there are dog people who specialize in dogs that bite why not consult one of them instead of a witch doctor?to do what he did must have been very very hard,and hurt very much .i was a huge fan ,read all his other dog books,this ones a big let down.

Devon redux
I looked forward to reading this book; waited through several holds at the library; read all the other "dog" books by Jon Katz.When I started A Good Dog, the story seemed familiar...then I realized that Orson is Devon from a previous book.Very disappointing.Glad that I did not purchase the book. If Mr. Katz needed to address his issues with Devon, he should not do it at the expense (emotional and economic) of his readers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Animal Behavior (Ethology)    3. Behavior    4. Dogs    5. Dogs - Breeds - Working & Herding Dogs    6. Dogs - General    7. Essays    8. Human-animal relationships    9. New Jersey    10. Pets    11. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (13)

Cats De-Mystified!
As a pet care columnist and behavior consultant, I've fielded my share of similar purr-snickety questions. After co-authoring two "Chicken Soup" pet books with Dr. Marty Becker, I'm jealous that my friend Gina Spadafori had the fun this time around. And I only hope my answers offer as much insight and entertainment as my colleagues' in this delightful "uncensored" cat-alogue of all-things feline! While some questions may seem tongue-in-furry-cheek, and the answers tickle feline funnybones, the bottom line means more edu-tainment for cat-loving readers. And that's just plain good medicine for kitty-cats and the humans who love them. Bravo!
Everyone Knows, Cats Rule!
As a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and cat lover (13 cats of my own!), I am faced with these feline queries every single day.My colleague, Dr. Marty Becker, and his co-author, Gina Spadafori, have captured the essence of "cat-dom"!Kudos for creating a guide to the mind, body, and psyche of these magical creatures who share our world.

Straight-forward and humorous
The writers of this book got it right. They have presented some pretty complex information in an extremely easy-to-digest format and made if fun to read. There's no pretentiousness in the prose yet I didn't feel like it was dumbed down either. It was a quick read that left me satisfied. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cats    2. Cats - General    3. Miscellanea    4. Pets    5. Pets / Cats / General   

Reviews (6)

Brief, lovely read
This memoir managed to be both incredibly sad and yet positive and life-affirming at the same time.Abigail Thomas describes the journey she must take in the years after her husband's accident and how she manages to progress from inner turmoil (and at times, the inability to function at all), to a place where she is at peace with her life.Though her husband must remain at a hospital for brain-injured patients, she is able to bring him home for visits and spends time with him at the center. The comments and thoughts from his head are so fascinating...I found myself eagerly waiting to see what he would say the next time.Just wondering about the brain and all that we don't know about it is truly amazing to me.Sometimes he makes pronouncements that appear so profound, and other times he seems in total confusion, and while it's incredibly heartbreaking, it's also mesmerizing to read their conversations together.
A voice to be heard
I discovered A Three Dog Life through an article in the New York Times this summer. An excerpt from Abigail Thomas's book appeared in the column, Modern Love. She titled it: "My Husband Survived, the Man I Married Didn't." That is the crux of her book. And with this title, she got me. I, too, have a husband who survived a traumatic brain injury (stroke), and the man I married did not fully survive either.
Rave Review for A Three Dog Life
*****
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Animals    3. Authors, American    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Dogs - General    9. Healing - General    10. Inspiration & Personal Growth    11. Literary    12. Pets    13. Thomas,Abigail    14. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (5)

Understanding the emotional basis of behavior
Patricia McConnell has written a wonderful book filled with engaging stories and much practical advice for dog owners. She incorporates the latest research findings on the workings of the dog's mind in presenting her own cases from her behavior counseling service.Her discussion of counterconditioning covers an extremely valuable concept that is not stressed (or even utilized) enough by other behaviorists and trainers. This technique is invaluable and of nearly limitless potential in alleviating many emotional distresses and disorders in dogs.
Improve your relationship with any dog
This book is packed with well-researched information about interpreting dogs' behavior, but it's still fun and easy to read. I used to be scared of dogs because I thought their behavior was unpredictable, but now I feel confident that I can determine when a dog is feeling playful and when it is anxious (and may be about to bite). A very, very helpful book!

Knowledge and fun at the same time?You bet!
I think it goes without saying that pretty much everyone who has a pet dog love's their dog and is convinced their dog loves them.But let's be honest.Most of us are pretty ignorant when it comes to really understanding dogs (and certainly in my case, many other things).So while it is true that you don't have to have great knowledge and understanding in order to love some other being, including your pet, you can certainly enhance and nurture any relationship through better knowledge and understanding.And that is what this book can do for anyone who wants to have their relationship with their animal companion to be the best it can possibly be.Not only is this book a great source of information and knowledge for understanding the emotional bonds we have with out 'best friends' and how to make the most of those bonds, it has riveting true stories that tie in beautifully with the different emotions we see and experience.When you combine this book with Dr. McConnell's earlier book "The Other End of The Leash" you will have perhaps the most comprehensive understanding of your dog and your relationship with your dog that is in print today.And a fun read too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal Behavior (Ethology)    2. Behavior    3. Dog owners    4. Dogs    5. Dogs - General    6. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    7. Pets    8. Psychology    9. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (4)

5 stars does not do this book justice
All the stories are very short 2 to 3 page stories that really touch the heart of animal lovers. Makes a great read.
Mrs. Bauer's efforts come to wonderful fruition for all to share
This book is a major tribute to all K9 Search/Recovery Teams throughout the world and to the many long, long hours of training and hard work preparing for such a grueling service.The content brings forward the various personalities; human and K9 which make a dedicated team who give 120 percent to the community; "bringingthose lost home to their loved ones".It's through the eyes and ears of great authors that the public becomes increasingly aware of the many facets in the lives of K9 search teams. Thank you... Michael, Annie & K9 Boomer

Awesome
Each story gives you a small insight of what it was like to work the mountain of ruble that was once The World Trade Center.There has never been a book like this one to give such honor to Search and Rescue teams. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Disaster Relief & Rescue Operations    2. Dogs - General    3. Essays    4. Pets    5. Photography    6. Rescue dogs    7. Search dogs    8. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    9. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    10. United States    11. Dogs   

Reviews (1)

Creative and Cute
Workman Publishing is famous for the "bad cat" calendars and the 365 Kittens a Year Calendar. If you love cats it is more than likely you have either seen these items or own them and buy them every year. You can even enter the Cat Calendar Contest and possibly see your very own cats in the calendar the following year. What a fun and inventive idea! This creates some of the best cat pictures you will find because of the wide variety of pictures to choose from each year.
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Subjects:  1. Calendar    2. Calendars & Diaries    3. Cats - General    4. Non-Classifiable    5. Pets / Cats / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (125)

Get it if you are a dog owner

good advice for dog training
Although I do disagree with some of the punishment techniques suggested in this book( I still haven't read the revised edition), I can still say that this is a great book.Of course this book doesn't replace obedience classes, but it's a great way to start training your dog and learning to communicate with it.I have read it several times and given it to friends who were getting ready to adopt a dog. It has helped me train three dogs, with obedience classes in addition to at home training, of course. It is definitely a classic and a must on any new dog owner's nightstand.

Dogs are NOT furry children
I have had an earlier version of this and have ordered the latest. I have used methods in this book to raise and train four Dobermans and a Great Dane. As others have said, the negative reviews come from people who have not read the book (one admits just flipping through it ina bookstore) or did not absorb what they read or have bought into the notion that dogs are really furry children. You can discipline your dog (or child) physically without being cruel. Sometimes for your safety or the dogs behavior must be corrected immediately. A physical reprimand (smack undeer the chin) is the fastest way to make your point. As others have also noted, there is so much more to this book than just dog training. The monks are kind, compassionate men who have developed an unmatched understanding of dog behavior through years of study and interaction with them and they convey that knowledge in clear, charming prose. Anyone with a dog or planning to get one should own this book.
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Subjects:  1. Dogs    2. Dogs - General    3. Dogs - Training    4. Pets    5. Training    6. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (46)

How to housebreak your dog in 7 days
I love this book.My puppy was only 8 weeks when I received the book and most of it already worked.It is a very informative book and details many different ideas of how to housebreak your dog.The best part about the book is that it is not too long.It is a quick read and interesting to learn about dog behavior, so that the training program makes sense.
Good book for dog owners
We purchased this book a few weeks before we got our first dog, an 8-week-old Boston Terrier puppy.The guidelines in this book were really helpful to us as first-time dog owners.Our puppy is now a little over 12-weeks-old and she is already close to being fully house trained.Even though this book and other books say puppies don't have full control over their bladder/bowels until they are 16-weeks, we have followed the steps in the book since the day we got the puppy. And now she is almost fully house trained a month early.
informative and realistic!
I purchased this book (and three others) to prepare myself and my fiance' for the arrival of our new puppy.This is the only book of the four I purchased that actually directly addressed how you are supposed to housetrain a puppy when you work and are not home with the dog all day.All the other books assumed you would be available every two to three hours to take the dog outside, which is, in my opinoin, very unrealistic for most people who work 8 hour or more days and can't hire a pet sitter to stay home with the puppy in their absence.This book provides detailed schedules for people who are able to be home all day as well as people who can't be with the puppy all day long, allowing you to develop a consistent, realistic program for your puppy regardless of your schedule.The book was a very quick read (I read it cover to cover in less than a hour), straight-forward, simple to read, and very understandable.The concepts and principles in this book seem as if they will be easy to implement.This book made me feel more confident that we will be able to work the puppy into our lifestyle (with a few minor changes) instead of having to overhaul our entire lives to be slaves to the puppy's bowel and bladder.I strongly recommend this book to other first-time puppy owners who, like us, want to "do it right" and are looking for strategies and solutions they can implement to raise their puppy to be a well-mannered, obedient, and loving dog. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogs    2. Dogs - General    3. Dogs - Training    4. Pets    5. Training    6. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (15)

An eye opening education into improving your pets quality of life
This book was recommended by my Aunt who owns a terrier breed. After following the advice in Dr. Pitcairn's book the change in her dog was amazing. His coat is no longer dark and oily but bright and shiny, small sores on his back are gone, his breathe is fresh and the energy that he displays makes him look like a puppy again.
Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
I have found this book very helpful for many things that affect my dogs.I'm so glad I purchased it.I have recommended to many friends.

My Pet Bible!
There is no better advice and help you can get than using this book.His first one I still have, the binding is gone and it is dog earred and the pages loose, but I have marks and all on it and use it all the time.I cannot recommend it more.This book will help you in helping your animals without the use of chemicals, antibiotics and drugs. Do yourself a favor and buy it... and more important, once you do,use it... !!Then, check out your area for a naturopathic vet. You will not be sorry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Cats    3. Cats - Care/Health    4. Dogs    5. Dogs - Care/Health    6. Dogs - General    7. Health    8. Pets   

Reviews (79)

An easy-to-read book on getting people (or pets) to change
This little book explains reinforcement using examples that make it really clear how eight different methods of behavior modification work.It is a consumer's guide to behavior modification using reinforcement.
Staple book for teachers, trainers, coaches, everyone.
Want to know how to know how to teach anyone anything. Buy this book.

Great book
is an excellent book for anyone that wants to learn how to communicate with your dog. i loved it ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior modification    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Conditioned response    4. Feedback (Psychology)    5. Personal Growth - Success    6. Reference - General    7. Reinforcement (Psychology)    8. Self-Help    9. Training    10. Educational psychology    11. Popular psychology    12. Self-Help / Success   

Reviews (16)

Great advice
New hobbyist should read this book for advice, then read it again in 6 months.

Wonderful Stony Coral and Clam Reference
The good?
Perhaps the best book on reef care
An exceptional book on the subject. It is comprehensive but I would not say not complete as no book on this subject could be. Still I believe this book to be the best work compiled in book form. Described by many as "the Bible" on the subject it indeed may be but it is not dogmatic as it offers several options and methods and leaves it for the aquarist to use.
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Captive marine aquariums    3. Coral reef animals    4. Fish & Aquariums    5. Identification    6. Invertebrates    7. Marine Fauna    8. Marine Life    9. Marine invertebrates    10. Nature    11. Nature/Ecology    12. Pets    13. Tropics   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (112)

Insights on Nonverbal Communication with Your Dog
Patricia McConnell is probably best known the co-host of Wisconsin Public Radio's "Calling All Pets." But she has also written a series of books. "The Other End of the Leash" is probably the best known. As an ethologist specializing in canines, she brings a different, professional viewpoint to people's relations with their pets.
Great insight on dogs
I really like this book.She gives many descriptions on her dogs and their various personalities.She discusses the differences between humans and dogs also.I enjoyed the stories regarding the dogs that she had and their interactions towards each other.It helped me to understand the beauty of animals and that they are not stupid at all!

Superb!
This is an ideal book for helping we humans to understand the mind and body language of dogs.As a bonus, McConnell is an engaging, funny writer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogs - General    2. Pets    3. Dogs    4. Domestic animals & pets    5. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (15)

Informative beyond compare!!
A must read for anyone interested in setting up and maintaining a marine aquarium!!

Excellent reference guide
This book is a must-have. Anthony shows a very deep an interesting approach regarding marine invertebrates husbandry in the aquarium. The pictures are excellent, the depth and coverage is very good. You'll find complete and professional information regarding invertebrates species, their identification, needs, tech (light, chemicals, husbandry) etc but in the natural and funny way that identifies Anthony's style & personality.
Reef Inverts
I'm new to the Reef world and this book, The Corals, the two Delbeek and Sprung books have been indispensable.Between the four it covers everything you need to know to set up your tank and learn to stock it.I love this book.It also has incredible pictures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fish & Aquariums    2. Pets   

Reviews (4)

Great learning tool
This book is a wonderful tool for anyone that wishes to learn the anatomy of a horse. I use it with my animal massage and animal communication clients to better show exactly where on the horse they have an issue. It is nice for those people that do not want to see the anatomy of a cadaver animal.

Wonderful learning tool!
I am an instructor/trainer and this book is wonderful for informing students how the horses body is put together and why some horses move differently than others. It also gives the student a chance to see the inside workings of the horse so that they better understand the vet and farrier when they have to explain what is wrong with the horse and treatment options. This book would also benefit anyone who wants to know more about the horse's anatomy. Not to mention it is fun to color!

Nice Muscle Sketches
I wish that I had this book last year. I did a muscle and joint force project for which I needed detailed muscle diagrams of the horse's hindquarters. When I needed the illustrations, of course, I could not find any that had the appropriate level of detail (not online, through videos, books, etc). For this reason when I recently saw this book it. I would strongly recommend that any other rider or person with a starting interest in horse healthcare do the same. This is an excellent addition to a equine reference library.
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Atlases - General    3. Horses    4. Pets    5. Reference    6. Anatomy    7. Equine veterinary science    8. Horse    9. Veterinary    10. Veterinary anatomy & physiology   

Editorial Review

The monks of New Skete have been breeding and training dogs at their New Yorkmonastery for more than 20 years. Their philosophy of raising dogs accentuatesthe essential human-canine bond, whereby owners must learn to understand a dog'sinstincts, needs, and behavior. Understanding a dog, the monks say, is the keyto successfully training him. They first published this philosophy in their 1978classic guide Read more

Reviews (141)

Pick it up - you'll keep it.
I picked up this book, determined to be a better pet owner. And I'm grateful to the Monks of New Skete for preparing such a thoughtful, educational text for people like me. This is a wonderful book that taught me a lot about my dog, why she acts the way she does, and what I can do about unwanted behavior. From the birth of these loyal, precious animals to testing for temperament, then moving toward training, I've developed a much better understanding of what it means to work with a puppy. Or rather, to train myself. This text is highly recommended for all dog owners, regardless of age, for it contains a wealth of information that should be shared with everyone before bringing home a loving pet such as a dog. Another great book for dog owners that I recommend is "Cesar's Way" by Cesar Millan

louisa
Excellent book for the serious dog lover.A great way to prepare for a new puppy.I have read a lot of books but Monks Of New Skete hit every topic on target.You don't have to be a GSD owner to benefit - they address what breed is best for you and shelter rescues.They take you step by step from birth to help you understand puppy's needs and developmental phase.I have bought this book for several people because I think it's a MUST HAVE.

Worked for me
This book specifically talks about German Shepherds but will work for any dog with some intelligence.Read it before you get a dog if you can but if you're like me and you suddenly have a dog and are asking yourself, "now what?" get this book immediately and start reading!It's not very long but it covers everything you need to know.Most important is understanding how to get your dog to respect you.Notice I said respect and not fear.If your dog doesn't respect you or fears you then there's not much chance of actually getting the dog to listen to commands. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Dogs - Training    3. General    4. Pets    5. Puppies    6. Training    7. Dogs    8. Pets / General   

Reviews (106)

2 1/2 stars, because it is half a good book
When the author focuses on what she knows - autism, neurobiology, and domestic livestock - this book offers many insights. By applying some excellent existing research in neurobiology about what animals are truly capable of perceiving and feeling (read some of the referenced books for confirmation of emotions in animals) and applying her own experiences with domestic livestock and insights founded in her autism (a much more visual world than "normal" people (her word, not mine)), Dr. Grandin shows how a more visual, detail-oriented animal encounters the world.
NO stars for this book!!
What a bunch of high school hallway gossip! The author does not know the difference between white and albino! The 'genetics' discussions on color (which includes people, chickens, horses, and dogs - all of it suspect) and mutts vs. purebred dogs are total claptrap! I confess, I couldn't get past page 87 when the author explains that 'one of the reasons wolves turned into dogs was that nursing human mothers probably adopted orphaned wolf cubs and nursed them at their breasts along with their human babies.' WHAT?? A waste of my hard-earned $. Having read those parts I cannot believe anything that went before or that follows, not that I'm reading any further. How is a multi-published author allowed to put such uneducated 'information' into print? And now she's influenced readers -- a terrible situation. Publisher, where are your pre-publication reviews? Shame on you for allowing this ignorant speculation to be published!!

Very, very interesting
This book was someone else's bookclub selection, and I think having no expectations when I picked it up really helped in my having that WOW experience that some folks report with this book and others miss. Yes, the prose needed much better editing: overuse of repetition, "stock" phrases, and "hanging" assertions that should have been cleaned up.However, I found the discussions of brain development/evolution, similarities between certain animal behaviors and human behaviors, development of language in different animals, and the coevolution of humans and dogs to be facinating (oops, just gave away the ending!).I found the side discussion of outcome-based audits interesting and enlightening.I also liked Dr. Temple's recommendation that people with autism be hired for baggage checking positions.Great idea! Although the book really goes all over the place, I found it a wonderful opportunity to engage my "seeking/hunting" motivation (you'll have to read the book for that one), and worth wading through the flaws to pick up the nuggets of gold. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal behavior    2. Animals    3. Autism    4. Cognitive Psychology    5. General    6. Life Sciences - Zoology - Mammals    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Science    10. Zoology (General)    11. Science / Life Sciences / Zoology / Mammals