The Secret Life of Lobsters( How Fishermen and Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Favorite Crustacean)[SECRET LIFE OF LOBSTERS][Paperback]

by TrevorCorson

The Secret Life of Lobsters( How Fishermen and Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Favorite Crustacean) <> Paperback <> TrevorCorson <> HarperPerennial

Genres: Science, Animals, Nonfiction

Paperback

Published May 31, 2005

Reviews

[Dakota Garland · Rating 3 out of 5]

The part where the lobsters bang is wild

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m really glad to have learned more about the life of a lobster.

[Weston Kiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book. Liked how the author wove in the true stories from the lobster fishermen into the lobster science. I now know more than I ever thought I would about the American lobster.

[Steven Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A LOT OF MEAT IN THIS BOOK”

Mr. Corson does a nice job in describing the history and qualities of lobster. He also addresses the demands and dangers of being a lobsterman as well as the ongoing research done by a variety of scientists. His writing is informative, often whimsical, and fair. Mr. Corson does not convey cynicism in his writing but does show empathy and curiosity as lobstermen and scientists try to understand lobsters. ‘The Secret Life of Lobsters’ primarily focuses on the Cranberry Isles off the coast of Maine near Mount Desert Island. The book was published in 2004.

‘The Secret Life of Lobsters’ covers such things as the origin of its name; why its shell changes when cooked; Maine’s underwater terrain that makes it hospitable for lobsters; fishing restrictions; the boom-and-bust nature of the industry; interesting science experiments done by researchers; lobster’s molting and mating habits; the century-long hostility between scientists and lobstermen as well as efforts to collaborate; the male-dominated lobster profession; the industry’s politics and economics; and crustacean larvae and baby lobsters’ habits. The book includes interesting history about cod and how the fish’s near-extinction due to overfishing in the twentieth century led to increased lobster populations. Mr. Corson infuses his book with personal stories about lobstermen and scientists that help the reader to empathize with the sometimes-combative professionals. It only briefly mentions alcoholism and depression that are common in the fishing industry. Addiction to painkillers was at least another decade after the book was published, so is not covered. Also, the plight of the right whale and its impact on lobstermen had yet to reach a boiling point back in 2001. The author keeps his focus on educating the reader about the lobster and the many unanswered mysteries involving it. It has three helpful illustrations in the back of the book that show the anatomy of male and female lobsters, lobster traps, and how the traps are placed.

‘The Secret Life of Lobsters’ is firmly grounded in evolution. Lobster ecology is much more complex than I thought. The term “overfishing” has a double meaning and is subject to misinterpretation by the public. The book’s appendix explains how to cook lobster and the ethical arguments surrounding it. Lobstering is an important Maine industry, and the author takes pains to show that most lobstermen are knowledgeable and try to be responsible stewards of their livelihood. Less reputable lobstermen are ignored in the book. Like any business, it’s got to have its share of scallywags. I found the book an enjoyable informative read. One thing is for sure, if there is such a thing as reincarnation, I don’t wanna come back as an American lobster. Those ornery suckers fight waaaaaaay too much for this ole couch potato.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to know more about lobsters then you ever knew you needed to know, this is a great book. I found it really interesting, both the research sections and the personal story sections. It might help that I have a slight obsession with Maine and the ocean and all the people who live there and make a living from the waters. A truly good read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. As a science and marine biology nerd coupled with a lobster lover, this was a great read. The writer did a great job presenting the material which otherwise be dry in an entertaining and readable way. I was fascinated and laughed often. Super interesting now having sailed these grounds twice now and eaten lobster often in ME!

[Sheri · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title is misleading. Should have been titled, "The Secret Lives of Lobster Fishermen". Very dry, unless you enjoy reading about the politics and policies of the lobster fisheries over the past few decades.

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about lobstering in Maine after exploring this area on a trip a few years ago. I did feel like the narrative was a little disjointed at times and I'm not sure I would have enjoyed the book if I hadn't personally been to the area the author was discussing.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I thought it would be a dry accounting of lobster biology. Instead, it was an interesting read of the life of lobstermen and research about the life of lobsters. The author's writing style made the book a great read.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter gave me more guilt than the previous for having eaten so many of these complicated, rule following, organized creatures with impressive memory. I enjoyed immensely learning the surprising complexities of these delicious ocean citizens.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this! Living in Maine I felt like I was meeting new friends.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining, well-researched read combining lobster biology and examining the lives of the people who make their living harvesting lobsters on the Maine coast.

[Hollive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting!