The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy - an...
Based on award-winning scientist Marc Bekoff’s years studying social communication in a wide range of species, this important book shows that...
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Feb 25, 2009
Adela (Lita)
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I had high hopes for this book but I've been disappointed by the frame the author chose for the book. Bekoff is trying to teach people who don't necessarily agree that animals have "emotional lives" about the behaviors and signs that speak for animal emotions. However, he argues for the relevance of the work he and other scientists have done by asserting that the emotional lives of animals are important to humans because we need animals. In other words, the reasons for writing this boo
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Nov 24, 2008
Silvana
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Most people who read this book probably already have the inclination to respect animals and believe that they experience a myriad of emotions so the author is unfortunately, preaching to the choir. If only the people who really needed to be made aware of the topic of this book would actually pick it up. Most moving/memorable story was that of Jasper, the moon bear - held captive in a rusting "crush cage" at a bear bile farm in China (good old China!) for 15 years! The book did feel a b
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Nov 15, 2011
Christina
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Marc Bekoff takes his scientific research, that he has accumulated for over thirty years, and turns it into a charming book proving that animals do in fact have emotions. It is clear that he is trying to prove to his readers that animals have feelings and these feelings need to be respected. Bekoff proves his findings through several anecdotes and first hand experiences he’s had over the years. His lighthearted humor and touching stories is what gave this book life. It wasn’t a boring essay fill
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Mar 15, 2008
Lori
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For animal lovers everywhere...
This book delves into the ethnology and emotions of animals ranging from the elephant to the mouse. The author uses scientific research to back his theories. Jane Goodall writes a compelling introduction.
This book delves into the ethnology and emotions of animals ranging from the elephant to the mouse. The author uses scientific research to back his theories. Jane Goodall writes a compelling introduction.
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Aug 10, 2010
Fence
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The back of this book tells me that “award-winning scientist Marc Bekoff” has spent years studying social animal communication. And that amid the stories of animal joy, grief, and empathy the reader will find the “latest scientific research”. Unfortunately there are just too many anecdotes in this book, and not enough science.
I agree with much of Bekoff’s argument; that animals feel emotions. I just disagree with the manner in which this book writes about them. It simply feels like a c More...
I agree with much of Bekoff’s argument; that animals feel emotions. I just disagree with the manner in which this book writes about them. It simply feels like a c More...
Feb 03, 2009
Emily
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I love this book! Marc Bekoff is a leading scientist in the area of cognitive ethology (the observation of animals under natural conditions). As an animal lover, I found myself nodding along to all of his statements. Even though Marc Bekoff presents scientific content, his writing style is simple and straight-forward. He thoroughly explains the scientific terms he uses. I walked away from the book having learned several new terms. My favorite is anthropomorphism, which is the attribution o
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Feb 09, 2009
Julie
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I wouldn't criticize this book for over-reliance on anecdotes, because Bekoff never contends that he is scientifically rigorous in a traditional sense - in fact, he partially rejected accepted scientific method in refusing to perform dissections while still a student. His arguments that animals need to be observed and studied in their natural habitats is a cogent one, supported by other modern scientists and naturalists - including Renee Askins, whose Shadow Mountain is another terrific recent
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Jan 31, 2012
Lucia
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I skimmed parts. I was mostly reading for the sweet and fascinating stories and anecdotes.
I've read or skimmed other books in this vein, and they seemed really obvious. (duh, we've all witnessed family pets exhibiting joy, grief, fear, jealousy.)
This book wasn't "obvious," and it was an easy and pleasant read.
The implications of 'yes, pigs are smart,' 'yes, cows play games and act vain,' and 'yes, the creatures you eat feel pain and fear,' were pretty clear an More...
I've read or skimmed other books in this vein, and they seemed really obvious. (duh, we've all witnessed family pets exhibiting joy, grief, fear, jealousy.)
This book wasn't "obvious," and it was an easy and pleasant read.
The implications of 'yes, pigs are smart,' 'yes, cows play games and act vain,' and 'yes, the creatures you eat feel pain and fear,' were pretty clear an More...
Aug 04, 2011
I started reading Marc Bekoff's THE EMOTIONAL LIVES OF ANIMALS several weeks ago. I was moving through it at my usual snail's pace, reading every word and hoping that my interest in the material would soon equal my interest in the book BEFORE I began reading it. Then I found myself skimming pages, then skipping pages. Still, I resisted conceding the possibility that a book entitled THE EMOTIONAL LIVES OF ANIMALS might be dull. Eventually I got tired of being bored. Not even the joy of discoverin
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Aug 13, 2011
Lauren
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I’ve been trying to think of a simple way to describe this book and here it is: sometimes succulent, but elsewhere hard to swallow. It isn't necessarily the ideas that you can't get down, but the styling and tone of the author.
Before I began reading, I had done previous research about the author's topic—animal emotions—so I was familiar with his point of view. I knew I knew Marc Bekoff (the author) is considered a radical so I expected a strong point of view. However, I consider myself a champ
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Jan 04, 2011
Doreen
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While I agree with many of the reviewers that this book preaches to the choir and doesn't make arguments that move beyond justifying a humane and ethical approach to animals based on what they can offer and provide us, I think the book is worth reading if only to point out not only that animals have a significant range of emotions that may be equal to or even surpass what humans feel, but that we shouldn't judge animals based on their pet-friendliness or their cutesy qualities. Rather, an import
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Jul 10, 2008
Tami
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Animals and emotions. It’s a touchy subject. Most people can readily admit that most animals have primary (fight or flight) type reactions. However, opinions begin to change when researchers start discussing secondary emotions, like love, compassion, sadness, etc.
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows for a fact that their cat, dog, snake, etc has such emotions. We know for a fact that they have very distinct personalities and preferences. Yet, somehow the same people, find it difficul More...
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows for a fact that their cat, dog, snake, etc has such emotions. We know for a fact that they have very distinct personalities and preferences. Yet, somehow the same people, find it difficul More...
Feb 01, 2012
Parker
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As a neurobiologist investigating the neural substrates of behavior, I was initially very interested in this book. Despite years of education in neuroscience, I have never satisfactorily been able to discuss animal emotion and have worried that I've approached the issue with an anthropocentric arrogance. This book has unintentionally convinced me that we can never fully understand or valuate the emotional lives of animals and that the case for human-like (i.e., complex) emotions in animals is ex
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Mar 02, 2009
Miranda
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This book was well-written and well-planned. I really enjoy Mr. Bekoff's style. I didn't learn as much as I had hoped from the book itself but it was a starting point for further research into the topics discussed in the book. [Ethology, humane treatment of animals in research, zoos, farming, animal behaviour etc.:] I think this is what he intended though. He wanted to pique people's interests and get them thinking. It was somewhat preaching to the choir for me but I still value this book and wo
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May 31, 2009
Rebekah
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finally finished this. while not a light read (it goes a little overboard with scientific "data" at times), it was very enjoyable, and at times, a little heartbreaking. it never ceases to astound me just how deep the bonds animals can create go. a wonderful read.
And I really think elephants are amazing creatures!
And I really think elephants are amazing creatures!
Jan 22, 2012
Shelly
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In a world full of dynamic, well crafted books this isn't one of them. There isn't enough time in the universe to read everything, so I think I will leave this to others with more interst and tolerance.
Nov 28, 2009
I thoroughly enjoy this book. Its full of scientific informations about the emotions of animals and there are so many precious stories of wild animals showing sympathy, mourning, joy, even embarrassment.
Jul 19, 2009
Sarah
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Supposed scientific studies were rarely cited, and the ones he did explain were flimsy at best. I actually agree with what he's saying, I just feel like he did a disservice to his cause by writing this book.
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Dec 09, 2008
Chad
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I actually liked this book alot but gave it three instead of four stars because of it's over reliance on anecdotal evidence. Besides that it is a very worthwhile and readable book.
Feb 05, 2010
Galadriel
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Bekoff includes interesting observations of animal ritual, communities, and individual behaviors that provide insight into empathy and emotion of our fellow creatures.
Jun 26, 2010
Nicole
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This book is chalk-full of scientific observations (along with some anecdotal evidence)about the emotional lives of animals. I laughed, I cried, and I felt very connected to my fellow living beings.
Oct 05, 2011
Cicely
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This is a very important book in understanding animals, and why we need to treat them with dignity.
Oct 14, 2007
Deb
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I suppose this is as good a time as any for me to read this book. My little parrot, who has been my companion for 17 years, has an aggressive form of cancer and I have no idea how much longer she will be with me. I have always anthropomorphized animals in general and always put their feelings and emotions on par with humans. Some people have a hard time with accepting that. This book cites enough examples to make even the biggest skeptic go hmmmm. Very heartwarming and worth reading.
Jan 01, 2011
Erin
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The first half he tries to convince you that animals have feelings. (I think if you're reading this book, you probably already believe that.) The second half he segues into arguments for improved treatment of animals across the board. This book is not at all scientifically rigorous, if that's what you're looking for. Having said that, it's a very quick read, with many cute animal anecdotes, so why not.
Sep 13, 2011
Amanda
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Contrary to other reviews, I didn't think this author was preaching to the choir. I learned a few things from the author and I appreciated his point of view. I enjoyed reading the stories and examples he gave and enjoyed reading about different species and how we are all similar. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially animal lovers.
Dec 04, 2009
Colin
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A pretty good lookin into the subject of animal emotions. Deffinately a few steps above "When Elephants Weep". Seeing as how it's one of two books that I could find on the subject, I'd say its a must read for anyone interested.
Apr 12, 2009
Maureen
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From the first chapter, I realized I'll never eat a chili dog again. More to come later, regarding this fascinating book and some of our best friends on earth.
Dec 16, 2009
Christina
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Interesting look at how animals view life. Would have liked him to go a little more into detail with his findings, quite short on most topics.
