Eight-Legged Wonders: The Surprising Lives of Spiders

by James O'Hanlon

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Science

248 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[mippers · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick lil spidey read
not the MOST crazy mindblowing read but spiders rlly are Something; think mommy spiders, electricity spiders, spiders on top of mount everest
writing is super conversational in a way i thought was eh but, i love spiders 🕷️ and agree that they should be more frequently described as Fluffy 💕

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic!! And had me telling random strangers random interesting spider facts!!

[Linds · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was younger I used to subscribe to the magazine “ZooBooks” and each month it explored fun facts about an animal. Somewhere along the way I lost my curiosity about animals that come back from time to time.

The author is a full on spider geek, which is a compliment. I love listening to passionate people talk about what they love. I had no idea there was so many medicinal stories going on right now exploring the possibilities of spider venom and silk.

[Troy Tradup · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If you would prefer to sleep soundly thinking about spiders and ants living peacefully side by side then I suggest you skip the next two paragraphs. There's more to this relationship and there is more in it for the spiders than just protection. Despite the hospitality of the ants, this spider breaks the number one rule of being a houseguest: don't eat the babies."

3.5 stars rounded up. Not a great spider book but a fun spider book. Definitely could have used some photos!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to be terrified of spiders. I think it was the one time I pulled back my bed covers and there was one just chilling on my sheets. After that, I was not a fan. However, as I got older and learned more about them, I started liking them. This book made me adore them.

Eight-Legged Wonders is both funny and informative. The author is clearly passionate about spiders and how neat they are. It made me appreciate what they can do and how adorable they can be (I'm looking at you, peacock spiders).

If you love spiders or are a bit wigged out by them, I recommend this book highly. If someone like me, a person who used to bolt anytime I saw one, can learn to love them, I think anyone can. And we should, because spiders are cool and nothing to be afraid of.

[Rebecca Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal, and I loved the vision for it: that it was meant to be a book filled with interesting and inspiring stories and cool, thought provoking facts, rather than simply a biology book of spiders. To me, this book was in the top five for my all time favorite animal books (it’s a close tie for number one with the Secret Life of Bats, another misunderstood but super cool critter). My absolute highest recommend to anyone who likes science books, animals, and who likes learning through approachable, engaging reads.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book! I’m already a person who loves spiders, but I wish I had access to this book when I was growing up and in my “I’m afraid of spiders” phase. This book takes readers on a fun, informative, and fascinating journey into the lives of some of the most remarkable spiders.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only do I love the information (how cool these beasties are) and the theme (protect them; don't kill them) but I love the tone. O'Hanlon writes engagingly, with just the right level of wit. The Choose Your Own Adventure, imagine yourself as a spider, is particularly fun & effective. I do wish there were more than two pictures though. (Although, that would have made the book more expensive, and I'd actually rather this reach a wider audience; we can always find images online.)

Dancing peacock spiders "miniature Barishnikovs."

Seeing things with UV light is amazingly enlightening. The world looks very different and our interpretation of it has been in error in many ways. Critters we thought were camouflaged are not actually. " scientists conducted an experiment where they gave honey bees the choice between a white flower, and a white flower with a conspicuous UV spider on it-the bees actually preferred the flower with the predator." I'll let you read the book to find out why.

The author also reminds us to question what we read online. If it's clickbait or a meme ask yourself. "Where did it come from? Surely someone had to be the first link... who made it their business to Photoshop together some blurry images and make up a fake story about spiders to send out into the world. And why? What do they get out of it?" in one instance the source was tracked down and it's an interesting story. I'll let you read the book to learn more.

"Spiders don't just float; they kite surf on electricity."

[Evan Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book full of spider facts and stories that aim to help change the way people perceive spiders. Told in a lighthearted humorous way James tells stories from spiders in space to how spiders are helping research into textiles and medicine. I would recommend this book in a heart beat to anyone with even the smallest curiosity about spiders.

[Cathy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. The subject, I am sure, often gets the comment 'NOPE'. But it was SO informative and well written it was totally worth it. I learned so much. Some amazing facts that shock you. Like a type of spider that lactates (well, in a way) to feed its young. Not going to spoil it for you by explaining what this is all about-you'll have to read this book to find out. Recommended!

[DaniPhantom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and simple book full of fun facts about spiders. I would recommend this to people who are just getting into learning about spiders, as this book doesn’t dive too heavily into specific species as other entomology books.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of fun spider facts and stories. Did you know there's a largely vegetarian spider that lives on acacia trees? Or that spiders balloon by launching themselves with electric fields? Good book, written with just a bit too much amazement for me.

[Luciano Elementi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read, full of information and curiosity about one of the most intriguing invertebrates out there. I am amazed at how ignorant I am, and in the meantime, I recognize the fascination we experience with their abilities. It is enlightening, intelligent, and full of inspirational stories.

[Skylar Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was expecting a textbook read on spiders, but the writing is so engaging. Had me laughing at times, and the diversity of writing style is wonderful -- personal stories, even quizzes and create-your-own-adventures. Unexpectedly a really satisfying read.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. There aren't many books dedicated to spiders specifically, and this one will help create a little empathy and amazement for our eight legged friends.

[Hen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative spider stories and need for conservation, (who knew conservation was a priority for spiders.,,) also attempted to dispell phobias.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I learned so much about spiders and related science and was fascinated start to finish. My score on the spider vibes survey was much lower by the end of the book as well 😊

[Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! It's a lot of information, but it's presented in an easily digestible format. O'Hanlon has deepened my love for spiders.

[Jeremy Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much needed and welcome reminder that spiders deserve their place on this planet.

[Kai JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly, I still have a visceral spider phobia (had to place a sticky note over the cover image), but a greatly enjoyable book that left me wanting to learn more.