... luminous.

... living among the animals, in their world, Safina and the field scientists he visits show us something else, something too often overlooked in research and in conservation: who the animals are, and how they live...More compelling than facts about species are tales of individuals — characters, with personality — living among peers or kin. So it’s the stories of Safina’s days with these animals that move us.

... fascinating discussions.

Combining the knowledge of a seasoned scientist with the skills of a good storyteller, Safina invites us to leave our cultural worlds and enter animals' ones to see just how they work.

Safina brings his considerable expertise to his research, and it’s clear he doesn’t leave his heart at home.

Becoming Wild teems with communication of all kinds, with complex, empathetic creatures solving the problems of their worlds.

Becoming Wild teems with communication of all kinds, with complex, empathetic creatures solving the problems of their worlds.

Safina’s frank conversations with experts and wonderfully descriptive writing from the field places readers right in the action. However, he also sometimes rephrases similar points and poses questions for thought, musing until readers lose an understanding of the initial thesis.

... involving, even addictive.

... compelling.

... [an] eloquent treatise.