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Becoming Animals
Humans have always wanted to know what goes on inside the minds of other animals. But what if humans could become animals? Toby’s father leads a team of neuroscientists directly connecting the brains of humans with those of animals. And Toby is a prodigy at throwing her mind into the animal subjects in his lab—she’s the best there is.
But Toby suffers from cystic fibrosis and she’s not likely to live into adulthood. Could a radical plan to embed her consciousness into an animal allow Toby to survive? And what does it mean to live without a human body?
Can Toby and her father solve the problem of fully merging two beings before she takes her last breath? Will the government succeed in stopping their efforts before they are done? It’s a race against death and into the minds of animals.
But Toby suffers from cystic fibrosis and she’s not likely to live into adulthood. Could a radical plan to embed her consciousness into an animal allow Toby to survive? And what does it mean to live without a human body?
Can Toby and her father solve the problem of fully merging two beings before she takes her last breath? Will the government succeed in stopping their efforts before they are done? It’s a race against death and into the minds of animals.
- GenresScience Fiction
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2017
8 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 15, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A young girl is dying, but it seems she can transfer her consciousness into animals. Her father tries to keep her alive by putting her mind into animals.
Interesting.
A young girl is dying, but it seems she can transfer her consciousness into animals. Her father tries to keep her alive by putting her mind into animals.
Interesting.
January 5, 2018
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
Becoming Animals by Olga and Christopher Werby explores an idea that probably few of us have ever thought about. What would it be like to inhabit and share an animal's brain? Would the humanity overtake the animal, would the animal display dominance or would it be possible to co-exist and to share their experiences, understanding and view of the world. When eight-year-old Toby Crowe is left alone in her father Will's lab to play with the lab rat, it soon becomes obvious to all those involved in the BRATS project that Toby has an affinity with not only the animals, but the idea of joining minds and "riding" the animals. Dr Will Crowe heads up the BRATS programme, which is funded by the Army. The plan, initially, was to use rats or other animals to assist the Army in searching for survivors in the rubble of buildings as part of their disaster relief programmes. Other member of the Armed Forces, though, have ulterior motives for trying to meld human minds with animal minds. For Toby, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and whose mother is terminally ill with the illness, the idea of becoming part of another animal seems one way of leaving something of herself behind, when her illness eventually claims her young life.
As a concept for a novel I found the idea of melding with an animal's mind, in Becoming Animals, to be utterly fascinating and was excited to see how this would develop for young Toby. I became very invested in the characters created by Olga and Christopher Werby and consequently enjoyed this children's/young adult book even more than I thought I would have. The amount of honest research that had clearly gone on before penning this novel lent real authenticity to the tale. Much of what was discussed, I had heard in broad details in various places, but had perhaps not realised the possible implications - this was especially true of the idea of neuroplasticity and our brain's ability to reset and remake neural connections, at will, or as required. The book was an incredibly easy read and although the science might be above the understanding of some of the authors' intended audience, it in no way detracted from the understanding of the story. This story was unique, in my opinion, a rare quality in today's book market. I commend the two authors for their ingenuity and creativity and can highly recommend this read. A great job!
Becoming Animals by Olga and Christopher Werby explores an idea that probably few of us have ever thought about. What would it be like to inhabit and share an animal's brain? Would the humanity overtake the animal, would the animal display dominance or would it be possible to co-exist and to share their experiences, understanding and view of the world. When eight-year-old Toby Crowe is left alone in her father Will's lab to play with the lab rat, it soon becomes obvious to all those involved in the BRATS project that Toby has an affinity with not only the animals, but the idea of joining minds and "riding" the animals. Dr Will Crowe heads up the BRATS programme, which is funded by the Army. The plan, initially, was to use rats or other animals to assist the Army in searching for survivors in the rubble of buildings as part of their disaster relief programmes. Other member of the Armed Forces, though, have ulterior motives for trying to meld human minds with animal minds. For Toby, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and whose mother is terminally ill with the illness, the idea of becoming part of another animal seems one way of leaving something of herself behind, when her illness eventually claims her young life.
As a concept for a novel I found the idea of melding with an animal's mind, in Becoming Animals, to be utterly fascinating and was excited to see how this would develop for young Toby. I became very invested in the characters created by Olga and Christopher Werby and consequently enjoyed this children's/young adult book even more than I thought I would have. The amount of honest research that had clearly gone on before penning this novel lent real authenticity to the tale. Much of what was discussed, I had heard in broad details in various places, but had perhaps not realised the possible implications - this was especially true of the idea of neuroplasticity and our brain's ability to reset and remake neural connections, at will, or as required. The book was an incredibly easy read and although the science might be above the understanding of some of the authors' intended audience, it in no way detracted from the understanding of the story. This story was unique, in my opinion, a rare quality in today's book market. I commend the two authors for their ingenuity and creativity and can highly recommend this read. A great job!
January 3, 2018
Rufus had been Toby's pet long before the doctor had said to remove any allergens from her mother's environment. Unable to do anything else Professor William Crowe had brought it to the lab, where it became the cornerstone of the Brats Project, and yet at the same time Rufus repriesented so much more. When Toby exhibited a connection beyond that their own subjects had displayed it started a whole new stage of the program. Toby had shown a natural talent for brain-to-brain interfacing. Toby, however, had the same genetic problems as her mother and her longevity was questionable, but perhaps, if they were to advance their existing techniques beyond its current scope it could mean her survival. A survival that would mean a whole new existence, but can it be achieved, and if so can they face the complications of this new way of life?
Becoming Animals by Olga and Christopher Werby is a riveting and fascinating read that is imaginative science fiction. The addition of pictures give readers brief snippets of events and people from the story helping readers to conjure a more vivid view. Written in a third person narrative with a distinctive voice that flows smoothly and creates clear imagery. You watch Toby's involvement with Rufus develop and enhance, and the subsequent reactions of those observing the results of the ground-breaking project. You get a strong feel for the characters, and even those in the smallest role feel developed and more importantly, real. Brilliant character and plot progression, touching on what could easily become fringe science with the correct applications. I found this a very interesting, enjoyable, and thought-provoking read, a brilliant addition to the library of science fiction and fantasy fans, as well as anyone who simply enjoys a good story.
Becoming Animals by Olga and Christopher Werby is a riveting and fascinating read that is imaginative science fiction. The addition of pictures give readers brief snippets of events and people from the story helping readers to conjure a more vivid view. Written in a third person narrative with a distinctive voice that flows smoothly and creates clear imagery. You watch Toby's involvement with Rufus develop and enhance, and the subsequent reactions of those observing the results of the ground-breaking project. You get a strong feel for the characters, and even those in the smallest role feel developed and more importantly, real. Brilliant character and plot progression, touching on what could easily become fringe science with the correct applications. I found this a very interesting, enjoyable, and thought-provoking read, a brilliant addition to the library of science fiction and fantasy fans, as well as anyone who simply enjoys a good story.
January 20, 2018
What an engaging and rather encouraging book! More science than fiction + an answer to the eternal question "and then what?" Seriously, you may be a scientist, an atheist, a believer, or any combination of these - nevertheless, we all hold a hope that there might be something out there at the end. Becoming Animals just might suggest
an answer.
an answer.
August 18, 2018
A Whale of a Ride!
This wonderful story asks us to consider some very possible future opportunities. Visionary and evocative. Science blending with emotion, consciousness and animal wisdom.
This wonderful story asks us to consider some very possible future opportunities. Visionary and evocative. Science blending with emotion, consciousness and animal wisdom.
February 26, 2018
Technology is advancing so quickly that books once considered science fiction are now reality.
This book contains scientific ideas that are probably, even now, being worked on in labs across North America. No matter how interesting the idea of being able to connect human brains with animal brains, that idea alone is not enough to keep a reader interested or invested in a book.
This is where Toby and her father come in. Toby's father is a brilliant neuroscientist. It is due to his vision and incredible work ethic that brings about the first way to connect animal and human brains.
Toby is young at the beginning of this book (only 10 years old) but it is her that gets to try her father's invention first. Using her pet rat, Rufus, Toby connects their minds and is instantly enamoured with the process. Imagine being able to see through the eyes of another creature, to taste what they taste and even to feel their emotions as if they were still your own; what a life-altering experience it would be.
This is exactly what Toby experiences and for her it feels like freedom. Toby has Cystic Fibrosis and isn't able to do everything her peers can do. Her mother also has the disease, and Toby watches her mother fight for every single breath of air - until the end when her body finally gives out on her. Toby knows that because of her Cystic Fibrosis, she will probably not live to see adulthood.
According to Cystic Fibrosis Canada,
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. At present, there is no cure.
CF causes various effects on the body, but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs. The degree of CF severity differs from person to person, however, the persistence and ongoing infection in the lungs, with destruction of lungs and loss of lung function, will eventually lead to death in the majority of people with CF.
http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/about-cf...
As the novel progresses and Toby gets older and more frail, she comes up with an idea. She wants her father to figure out a way to download Toby's brain into the brain of a whale.
But, ideas are easy to come up with. It is translating that idea into reality that is difficult - maybe even impossible.
Both Toby and her father know they are racing against the clock. Will he figure out how to transfer Toby's consciousness into that of a whale? Should he do it if he figures out how? What are the ethical implications?
I love it when I not only enjoy the plot of a story, but also when I learn something from reading a book. I realize that BECOMING ANIMALS is Science-Fiction, but so we're cell phones at one point.
Another reason I am rating this book highly is that it informs readers about cystic fibrosis which is not often the case with popular fiction. Raising awareness of any disease is terrific and although reading about Toby's mother's death as well as Toby's daily struggle just to breathe is eye-opening. Most people have heard of Cystic Fibrosis, but do not have any idea of what it means to be diagnosed with it, or worse, to have your child be diagnosed.
I encourage all of the people who follow my reviews to purchase this book and to see for themselves what I am talking about.
I should also mention that even though this book is targeted at adults, the author has included many photographs into this book which assist the reader in visualizing what is happening in the story.
I rate BECOMING ANIMALS as 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Instagram @Amiesbookreviews
This book contains scientific ideas that are probably, even now, being worked on in labs across North America. No matter how interesting the idea of being able to connect human brains with animal brains, that idea alone is not enough to keep a reader interested or invested in a book.
This is where Toby and her father come in. Toby's father is a brilliant neuroscientist. It is due to his vision and incredible work ethic that brings about the first way to connect animal and human brains.
Toby is young at the beginning of this book (only 10 years old) but it is her that gets to try her father's invention first. Using her pet rat, Rufus, Toby connects their minds and is instantly enamoured with the process. Imagine being able to see through the eyes of another creature, to taste what they taste and even to feel their emotions as if they were still your own; what a life-altering experience it would be.
This is exactly what Toby experiences and for her it feels like freedom. Toby has Cystic Fibrosis and isn't able to do everything her peers can do. Her mother also has the disease, and Toby watches her mother fight for every single breath of air - until the end when her body finally gives out on her. Toby knows that because of her Cystic Fibrosis, she will probably not live to see adulthood.
According to Cystic Fibrosis Canada,
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. At present, there is no cure.
CF causes various effects on the body, but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs. The degree of CF severity differs from person to person, however, the persistence and ongoing infection in the lungs, with destruction of lungs and loss of lung function, will eventually lead to death in the majority of people with CF.
http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/about-cf...
As the novel progresses and Toby gets older and more frail, she comes up with an idea. She wants her father to figure out a way to download Toby's brain into the brain of a whale.
But, ideas are easy to come up with. It is translating that idea into reality that is difficult - maybe even impossible.
Both Toby and her father know they are racing against the clock. Will he figure out how to transfer Toby's consciousness into that of a whale? Should he do it if he figures out how? What are the ethical implications?
I love it when I not only enjoy the plot of a story, but also when I learn something from reading a book. I realize that BECOMING ANIMALS is Science-Fiction, but so we're cell phones at one point.
Another reason I am rating this book highly is that it informs readers about cystic fibrosis which is not often the case with popular fiction. Raising awareness of any disease is terrific and although reading about Toby's mother's death as well as Toby's daily struggle just to breathe is eye-opening. Most people have heard of Cystic Fibrosis, but do not have any idea of what it means to be diagnosed with it, or worse, to have your child be diagnosed.
I encourage all of the people who follow my reviews to purchase this book and to see for themselves what I am talking about.
I should also mention that even though this book is targeted at adults, the author has included many photographs into this book which assist the reader in visualizing what is happening in the story.
I rate BECOMING ANIMALS as 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Instagram @Amiesbookreviews
February 22, 2018
This book entertains the idea of sharing one conscious with human and animal. When a mother of a young daughter with Cystic Fibrosis dies of the same disease, the daughter ends up spending lots of time at a lab where her scientist father works. She is an extremely brilliant little girl with an over abundance of curiosity and she becomes fascinated with the idea of seeing the world through an animal's eyes. That started when she wondered what things looked like from her pet rat's perspective.
As she grows up she is very aware that her lifespan won't be very long because of her Cystic Fibrosis and she is spending all her time at the lab instead of going to school. Her father and the other scientists have been thinking of ways to have a human and an animal share one conscious and she pushes them to let her be the one to try it first. After lots of hemming and hawing her father gives the O.K. knowing that their work will probably never reach that point before his beloved daughter dies.
I don't want this review to have spoilers so finding out more about this scientific endeavor is up to you.
Science is progressing so quickly that it wouldn't surprise me if somewhere this idea is brewing in someone's head. After all, we once thought the world was flat, that we would never reach the stars or moon, that transplanting a part of one person into another was beyond the imagination, that mixing the DNA of one species with the DNA of another and getting a living mix of the two donors was pure fiction and cloning a living thing was just science fiction. I wonder what Dolly the cloned sheep would think of that last one.
I won this e-book in a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest review.
As she grows up she is very aware that her lifespan won't be very long because of her Cystic Fibrosis and she is spending all her time at the lab instead of going to school. Her father and the other scientists have been thinking of ways to have a human and an animal share one conscious and she pushes them to let her be the one to try it first. After lots of hemming and hawing her father gives the O.K. knowing that their work will probably never reach that point before his beloved daughter dies.
I don't want this review to have spoilers so finding out more about this scientific endeavor is up to you.
Science is progressing so quickly that it wouldn't surprise me if somewhere this idea is brewing in someone's head. After all, we once thought the world was flat, that we would never reach the stars or moon, that transplanting a part of one person into another was beyond the imagination, that mixing the DNA of one species with the DNA of another and getting a living mix of the two donors was pure fiction and cloning a living thing was just science fiction. I wonder what Dolly the cloned sheep would think of that last one.
I won this e-book in a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest review.
February 12, 2018
I won this ebook in a Goodreads Giveaway.
So this book is about people taking over animals. If your dying you could switch with an animal. People taking over the minds and bodies of animals completely. 8-year-old Toby Crowe is left alone in her father lab to play with the lab rat, soon it becomes obvious that Toby has a connection with not only the animals but being able to hop into their minds. The plan to start with was to use rats or other animals in searching for survivors in the rubble of buildings as part of disaster relief programs. Other member of the Military have different and dark reasons. Toby suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and the idea of becoming part of another animal seems one way of leaving something of herself behind, when her illness eventually kills her.
So this book is about people taking over animals. If your dying you could switch with an animal. People taking over the minds and bodies of animals completely. 8-year-old Toby Crowe is left alone in her father lab to play with the lab rat, soon it becomes obvious that Toby has a connection with not only the animals but being able to hop into their minds. The plan to start with was to use rats or other animals in searching for survivors in the rubble of buildings as part of disaster relief programs. Other member of the Military have different and dark reasons. Toby suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and the idea of becoming part of another animal seems one way of leaving something of herself behind, when her illness eventually kills her.
January 6, 2019
A great story and fantastic detail that kept me riveted until the end. Could this story come true in the future? Probably, and hopefully both humans and the animal kingdom will be better off because of it. So many feel empathy for animals, but we do not really know what they are thinking or how they relate to the world around them. This book tries to envision such circumstances and both of the subjects become bonded. It was very hard to put the book down, but it was necessary due to the length of the book. Found myself immersed in the story even when I was not reading it. This book will stay with me for a while. A truly entertaining and educational experience. I loved the paperback so much that I will reread it again soon.
February 7, 2018
Intense, creepy and wonderful
If you allow yourself to imagine that this was a true story or even a possibility in the future it is completely creepy. Humans taking over the minds and bodies of animals completely. The writing was good and you get very embedded into the lives of the characters. Will they succeed or fail...
If you allow yourself to imagine that this was a true story or even a possibility in the future it is completely creepy. Humans taking over the minds and bodies of animals completely. The writing was good and you get very embedded into the lives of the characters. Will they succeed or fail...
August 9, 2018
A fascinating read, with a lot of interesting and well researched science. The characters are engaging, and the story is well told. Told mostly from the perspective of a very sick girl, it explores themes of animal bonding, brain plasticity and the use of science for military purposes.
February 22, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I found this story to be absolutely fascinating - and I bet you will too!
June 22, 2018
This is an absolutely amazing book! Recommended!!
Want to read
March 6, 2018I received this book for free from the author/publisher in response for an honest review of the book. I have not had the opportunity to read this book at this time. I will add my review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
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