This breezy though well-written look at humans through the lens of a naturalist was a lot of fun. It's not often that one has the opportunity to read about one's own species as another interesting animal. Like Holmes, I find humanity's evils a little easier to forgive when they are viewed in context of our animal heritage, and our altruism more noble. A solid, engaging, occasionally funny book. Recommended. ( )

Really funny book to read. The info is researched, but it is the total opposite of dry, yet covers many scientific facts without leaving that textbook taste in your mind. Hannah Holmes has a tongue in cheek kind of humor about being human. It's an entertaining read.... ( )

I was apprehensive about this book. In the first couple of chapters, Ms. Holmes is a little overly cute (in my opinion) and I smelled gimmick-book. Eventually, she seemed to settle down and it rolled on like a beautiful river. She's so smart! She's so funny! She's so informative! Also, she mentioned something about primates (humans and apes alike) having the need for prestige and impressing each other by rising up in the ranks. This, at last, explains my sister-in-law. Although there was nothing in there that could explain my mother-in-law. Which only adds credence to my theory that NOTHING can explain my mother-in-law.

Anyway, finding a science writer with a good sense of humor and a really good writing style, is, in my opinion a really good thing to find. I stick her in the same category as Mary Roach (Bonk, Stiff). Although where Mary Roach may be a little more mad cap (just slightly), Hannah Holmes may be a little more pondering and reflective (just slightly) She has a good blog too-- http://hannahholmes.net/blog/ ( )