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First published September 22, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 18, 2016
Bring Back the King: The New Science of De-extinction by Helen Pilcher is a terrific science book that is full of humor and science that kept me interested on every page. The science, which I admit I love anyway, was written so everyday Joe's and Jane's can understand and the humor was witty, clever, and refreshing. I learned a lot in this book and I read a lot on this subject so I already knew some of it but what she brought up was new and exciting. Lots of extinct animals, extinctions, cloning, new science and possibilities on the way. Very exciting stuff! I enjoyed the layout and the writing style. A totally refreshing style for a science book. Thanks NetGalley for suggesting this book to read. Loved it.
December 30, 2017
If you’ve read Beth Shapiro’s How to Clone a Mammoth, all of the content in this book should be pretty familiar. Helen Pilcher’s voice is entertaining, and some of her examples are different, but the basic concept is the same. I wouldn’t recommend reading both, though I would recommend either of them if you haven’t read the other.
The only thing you may not enjoy about Pilcher’s is the flippant humour — she even has a chapter about cloning Elvis, for example. She’s a stand-up comedian as well a biologist and a journalist, so it might well be that you just don’t get along with her sense of humour. I’ll admit it did begin to wear on me. Nonetheless, she presents the information clearly and in a way that’s easy to digest, so it might be the best way to get the information across for some folks.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
The only thing you may not enjoy about Pilcher’s is the flippant humour — she even has a chapter about cloning Elvis, for example. She’s a stand-up comedian as well a biologist and a journalist, so it might well be that you just don’t get along with her sense of humour. I’ll admit it did begin to wear on me. Nonetheless, she presents the information clearly and in a way that’s easy to digest, so it might be the best way to get the information across for some folks.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
December 12, 2016
Even if you haven't seen Jurassic Park (and if you haven't, WHY?!), you've probably thought about how cool it would be to bring back a creature long-dead. Pilcher explores the possibility of actually doing this to a number of extinct animals, as well as a few that might as well be. She concludes that while we probably won't be bringing back a T-Rex anytime soon (although life does find a way) there are modern technologies that we can use to help preserve currently endangered species or to bring back species more recently removed from the Earth.
Before reading, I thought this was going to be a more technical look at things but it's definitely pop-science. She uses a lot of humor--there is even a chapter on whether or not we could bring back Elvis Presley. That's not to say she doesn't deal with the serious ethical questions raised by de-extinction. There's the obvious "just because we can, does it mean we should?" but also issues relating to the species that would need to be used for cloning and the effects introducing new species would have on current habitats.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Before reading, I thought this was going to be a more technical look at things but it's definitely pop-science. She uses a lot of humor--there is even a chapter on whether or not we could bring back Elvis Presley. That's not to say she doesn't deal with the serious ethical questions raised by de-extinction. There's the obvious "just because we can, does it mean we should?" but also issues relating to the species that would need to be used for cloning and the effects introducing new species would have on current habitats.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 21, 2020
3.5 stars, rounded down, because the comparison to Mary Roach was made and I understand why, but it truly is a poor imitation at best in that regard.
Here’s why:
- the footnote game just wasn’t as good Roach’s, because the author’s sense of humour isn’t the same and thus it doesn’t translate to the page the same way, to its detriment
- there were a lot of topical references that didn’t always hit for me
- the chapters were split into subheadings that while informative and effective at keeping a consistent pace throughout the novel, displayed everything in what felt like a report, but didn’t exactly read that way due to the conversational tone of the writing throughout
- Pilcher doesn’t display her personality very strongly throughout her writing; her voice isn’t a strength like Roach’s, and it does leave a sense of lacking in that when trying to be anecdotal, it doesn’t have a lot of punch behind it.
There were still some noteworthy aspects to be had however. Due to the writing style, the hypothetical angle that was so heavily imbued into the novel worked really well in capturing the progression of what de-extinction could mean. From showing how de-extinction has come to be as a concept, to where we currently stand and what limitations we currently face, to looking at the bigger picture at what the consequences of successful de-extinction could amount to, the overall progression of novel was really well structured.
I appreciated all the random factoids kernelled into the history and hypotheses, and even though the language was very accessible with respect to how much previous biology knowledge was actually needed, I did end up learning something new even though a lot of the material was underwhelming coming from a STEM undergrad perspective.
Overall, I am entirely aware of my own bias when it comes to this book, because when I looked at the cover I expected a lot more dinosaur content with respect to de-extinction, and I did not really get it. There was a single chapter devoted to the creatures of the past, and I didn’t expect that little amount of content. It’s not a huge deal, but worth noting because of my own ignorance.
So yeah, I’d recommend this if you like a more broad and hypothetical read when it comes to science, but would also advise you to temper your expectations, especially if you’ve read Mary Roach before.
Here’s why:
- the footnote game just wasn’t as good Roach’s, because the author’s sense of humour isn’t the same and thus it doesn’t translate to the page the same way, to its detriment
- there were a lot of topical references that didn’t always hit for me
- the chapters were split into subheadings that while informative and effective at keeping a consistent pace throughout the novel, displayed everything in what felt like a report, but didn’t exactly read that way due to the conversational tone of the writing throughout
- Pilcher doesn’t display her personality very strongly throughout her writing; her voice isn’t a strength like Roach’s, and it does leave a sense of lacking in that when trying to be anecdotal, it doesn’t have a lot of punch behind it.
There were still some noteworthy aspects to be had however. Due to the writing style, the hypothetical angle that was so heavily imbued into the novel worked really well in capturing the progression of what de-extinction could mean. From showing how de-extinction has come to be as a concept, to where we currently stand and what limitations we currently face, to looking at the bigger picture at what the consequences of successful de-extinction could amount to, the overall progression of novel was really well structured.
I appreciated all the random factoids kernelled into the history and hypotheses, and even though the language was very accessible with respect to how much previous biology knowledge was actually needed, I did end up learning something new even though a lot of the material was underwhelming coming from a STEM undergrad perspective.
Overall, I am entirely aware of my own bias when it comes to this book, because when I looked at the cover I expected a lot more dinosaur content with respect to de-extinction, and I did not really get it. There was a single chapter devoted to the creatures of the past, and I didn’t expect that little amount of content. It’s not a huge deal, but worth noting because of my own ignorance.
So yeah, I’d recommend this if you like a more broad and hypothetical read when it comes to science, but would also advise you to temper your expectations, especially if you’ve read Mary Roach before.
February 17, 2022
Beyond fabulous. Super interesting, super funny, super thought-provoking. A quirky, delightful, and ultimately genius structure...I was tricked right into falling into agreement with her hidden thesis! I learned so much, about de-extinction of course, but also about general genetics, conservation, basic science. And it was so fun! Can't recommend this highly enough, really.
August 19, 2018
While not as in-depth as How to Build a Mammoth, this book is still a rather good look at the science of de-extinction and where it currently stands. Helen Pilcher navigates the murky ethical waters and burgeoning technologies with an adroitness and humor that anyone new to the topic will greatly appreciate. While to many interested in the topic little new information will be found, to someone new to the topic this book is a veritable treasure trove. I particularly appreciated the amount of attention given to Mary Schweitzer's finds and studies, and Archer's previous work wit the Thylacine and the need for the revival of that storied project.
This book is a surprisingly easy and fun read, and offers ample resources in the back for people looking to read more. I'm glad to see de-extinction drawing so many authors out in support of it. While I don't always agree with the conclusions people come to, and this author in particular, I still feel that she did a good job showing both sides of the bulk of the ethical issues.
Definitely a good starting place for anyone interested in the subject, and a different way of approaching conservation science.
This book is a surprisingly easy and fun read, and offers ample resources in the back for people looking to read more. I'm glad to see de-extinction drawing so many authors out in support of it. While I don't always agree with the conclusions people come to, and this author in particular, I still feel that she did a good job showing both sides of the bulk of the ethical issues.
Definitely a good starting place for anyone interested in the subject, and a different way of approaching conservation science.
January 15, 2017
Author Helen Pilcher is a stem-cell biologist, a journalist and a stand-up comedian. (Yes, a triple threat!) What those credentials have led to is a very educational and very funny book perfect for the general public. After reading it, I certainly know a lot more about DNA science and de-extinction. (But then I knew very little to begin with.) One of the most interesting things about this book is that often after Dr. Pilcher described how an extinct creature could possibly be brought back, she then listed all the reasons why that should not happen. (Yeah, bring back the passenger pigeon, and people will soon be complaining there's too many of them!) While there are a lot of laughs in the book, reading about creatures that have become extinct, or may soon be extinct, is always sad. Well, maybe not dinosaurs. (But that's just my personal opinion, based on the gut feeling that a life that's like one long Godzilla movie probably would not be a peaceful one.) And Elvis? Sorry . . . Dr. Pilcher wants everyone to know Elvis has left the building . . . for good.
(Note: I received a free ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)
(Note: I received a free ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)
November 3, 2017
A well-meaning book with and overbearing authorial voice. It reads like a series of separate essays that have been piled together and called a book. Constant callbacks met with (see Chapter ~, an entire chapter dedicated the author's obsession with Elvis as a self-indulgent way of explaining genetics as opposed to finding something a little less obviously absurdist.
Additionally, the entire chapter Pilcher offers on bringing back Neanderthals is so filled with pathos that I could hardly keep from screaming at book itself.
That is not to say that there isn't a perfect respect for the topic she is discussing, there is, you can tell through everything that she cares about the topic at hand and the careful considerations that must be made in resurrecting the extinct but with so many bad jokes and an abrasive authorial voice I can't honestly say I would recommend this book to anyone but the most reluctant science readers.
Additionally, the entire chapter Pilcher offers on bringing back Neanderthals is so filled with pathos that I could hardly keep from screaming at book itself.
That is not to say that there isn't a perfect respect for the topic she is discussing, there is, you can tell through everything that she cares about the topic at hand and the careful considerations that must be made in resurrecting the extinct but with so many bad jokes and an abrasive authorial voice I can't honestly say I would recommend this book to anyone but the most reluctant science readers.
December 26, 2016
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A wonderful popular science book about bringing extinct species back to life. The author explores several different animals, and explains the different techniques and sciences used in the attempts to bring them back. She also writes about the possible effects of de-extinction.
It seems like a bad idea to bring Tyrannosaurus Rex back, but I've read the Dodo was delicious, so I'm all for that one.
A great book, and easily read despite the technical nature of the subject.
A wonderful popular science book about bringing extinct species back to life. The author explores several different animals, and explains the different techniques and sciences used in the attempts to bring them back. She also writes about the possible effects of de-extinction.
It seems like a bad idea to bring Tyrannosaurus Rex back, but I've read the Dodo was delicious, so I'm all for that one.
A great book, and easily read despite the technical nature of the subject.
July 7, 2017
"Bring Back the King" is one of those rare gems that's both a fun read and a non-fiction fount of information. You'll chuckle, and you'll learn an awful lot about DNA, cloning and extinct animals ranging from the t-rex to the fascinating gastric-brooding frog (which actually nurtures tadpoles inside it's own belly, then belches them out). And did you know a company in South Korea will actually clone your pet for you?!
This was a readable, fascinating, quick book that taught me quite a bit and it's a good choice for those craving interesting non-fiction.
This was a readable, fascinating, quick book that taught me quite a bit and it's a good choice for those craving interesting non-fiction.
March 18, 2023
Cuenta los avances en materia de clonación de especies y las posibilidades de traer a la vida especies extintas, pero lo relata con rigor científico y a la vez de una manera divertidísima. El libro cierra sobre la importancia de la conservación. Maravilloso.
July 15, 2019
I don't know that I would call Helen Pilcher the British Mary Roach, but I really enjoyed this thoughtful exploration of de-extinction.
November 3, 2017
Rating: 2.5 stars
In this book Helen Pilcher takes an introductory look at the science of de-extinction, covering such topics as the de-extinction of dinosaurs, neanderthals, mammoths, a variety of extinct birds, the thylacine, Elvis Presley, as well as some other random questions, ethics and concerns.
The book reads more like a collection of excessively padded magazine articles stuffed into one package. There is also an excessive amount of "cutsie" humour (also bad jokes) in this book which simply falls flat; as well as too many personal intrusions from the author. The discussions of the actual de-extinction science are uneven - some animals are lucky enough to get their situation and the science explained in a fair amount of detail, others will get an over-simplified explanation. The ethics, challenges and if the whole things is a good idea is glossed over in one chapter.
For example:
The majority of the chapter on Neanderthals involves too much author speculation and personal emotion in her speculative story of a neanderthal baby. The chapter on Elvis is just silly and self-indulgent. Pilcher could have found a better way to discuss general genetics and epigenetics, and she oversimplifies what she does write about the topic. The chapter about the white rhino gastric brooding frog are informative, and better written than the others.
This book is easy to read, funny (to other people) and would probably make a good introduction to the subject for people who aren't too particular about the amount of hard science in their popular science books. Teenagers might like it too.
Otherwise, there are a selection of other books on the same topic that are better written:
-Resurrection Science: Conservation, De-extinction and the Precarious Future of Wild Things by M.R. O'Connor [Deals more with the conservation angle]
-How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-Extinction by Beth Shapiro [Includes more physical science involved in de-extinction and all the ethics and possibilities]
-Rise of the Necrofauna: A Provocative Look at the Science, Ethics, and Risks of De-Extinction
by Britt Wray [Focus on the ethics, risks and possibilities of de-extinction science]
- How to Build a Dinosaur: The New Science of Reverse Evolution by Jack Horner & James Gorman
For those interested in epigenetics:
-The Epigenetics Revolution by Nessa Carey
In this book Helen Pilcher takes an introductory look at the science of de-extinction, covering such topics as the de-extinction of dinosaurs, neanderthals, mammoths, a variety of extinct birds, the thylacine, Elvis Presley, as well as some other random questions, ethics and concerns.
The book reads more like a collection of excessively padded magazine articles stuffed into one package. There is also an excessive amount of "cutsie" humour (also bad jokes) in this book which simply falls flat; as well as too many personal intrusions from the author. The discussions of the actual de-extinction science are uneven - some animals are lucky enough to get their situation and the science explained in a fair amount of detail, others will get an over-simplified explanation. The ethics, challenges and if the whole things is a good idea is glossed over in one chapter.
For example:
The majority of the chapter on Neanderthals involves too much author speculation and personal emotion in her speculative story of a neanderthal baby. The chapter on Elvis is just silly and self-indulgent. Pilcher could have found a better way to discuss general genetics and epigenetics, and she oversimplifies what she does write about the topic. The chapter about the white rhino gastric brooding frog are informative, and better written than the others.
This book is easy to read, funny (to other people) and would probably make a good introduction to the subject for people who aren't too particular about the amount of hard science in their popular science books. Teenagers might like it too.
Otherwise, there are a selection of other books on the same topic that are better written:
-Resurrection Science: Conservation, De-extinction and the Precarious Future of Wild Things by M.R. O'Connor [Deals more with the conservation angle]
-How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-Extinction by Beth Shapiro [Includes more physical science involved in de-extinction and all the ethics and possibilities]
-Rise of the Necrofauna: A Provocative Look at the Science, Ethics, and Risks of De-Extinction
by Britt Wray [Focus on the ethics, risks and possibilities of de-extinction science]
- How to Build a Dinosaur: The New Science of Reverse Evolution by Jack Horner & James Gorman
For those interested in epigenetics:
-The Epigenetics Revolution by Nessa Carey
July 28, 2017
The easiest read of the recent de-extinction books, and probably the one I'd recommend for someone with only a casual interest in the topic. Each chapter covers a specific de-extinction project, from the likely to the implausible: dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, passenger pigeons, dodos, tasmanian tigers, Neanderthals, and, of course, Elvis. This organization means that she doesn't get particularly deep into any one project, but on the other hand, breadth can be equally impressive. Pilcher doesn't skimp on explaining the science and ethical quandaries of de-extinction, but overall tone of the book is definitely "OMG, listen to this neat fact I just found!" Which isn't a criticism; I have very much enjoyed my share of neat fact collections. (Such as: the origin of the word "Dodo" is possibly from the Dutch for "Fat-Ass". There, isn't your life improved by knowing that?)
I particularly enjoyed how Pilcher emphasizes that the technology used for de-extinction isn't limited to incredible feats of seeing Ice Age megafauna roam the earth once more. Current conservation projects, such as those for black-footed ferrets and the Northern white rhino (two species that are technically not yet extinct, but it's probably only a matter of time) could and are using the same methods to protect their dwindling populations. It's a way of bringing all the speculation and scientific advances back down to earth and showing their real, current effects.
I particularly enjoyed how Pilcher emphasizes that the technology used for de-extinction isn't limited to incredible feats of seeing Ice Age megafauna roam the earth once more. Current conservation projects, such as those for black-footed ferrets and the Northern white rhino (two species that are technically not yet extinct, but it's probably only a matter of time) could and are using the same methods to protect their dwindling populations. It's a way of bringing all the speculation and scientific advances back down to earth and showing their real, current effects.
May 4, 2017
I picked this book up on a whim, which isn't really something I've been able to do for the past few months since my TBR pile is out of control, and I mainly picked it up because of the blurb on the front that claimed it was "Science at its funniest", which as someone who has failed Physics and Chemistry, I would dearly love to see the funny side of science. I am pleased to report that this book is an absolute delight and truly funny, but at the same time interesting, engaging and deals with complex issues in a way that is easily understandable for those of us who don't have science backgrounds. Personally I also appreciated her balanced approach to the idea of de-extinction, since I, like the author, have numerous reservations about the idea of bringing back extinct species, but she thoroughly addresses everything in here. She is also an author that I would dearly love to buy a drink in real life, since she seems like an amazing and hilarious woman! I will definitely be on the lookout for anymore of her writing
February 26, 2018
Ok as I was reading, I thought the book started off with a bang… And I was really intrigued by the science. By the middle, I felt like it was slowing down considerably and I was getting a little bored, but I powered through, and the last few chapters are really interesting, so glad I didn’t put it down.
The author really explains the science at a fairly basic level, and I, someone who is not scientific in the least, was easily able to understand what the scientists are doing. It certainly helps that the author has both a PhD in cell biology and is a former standup comic. Those two things, in combination, helped infuse some laughter (and easy to understand science) into what could have been a very dry topic. I learned a great deal from this book.
The author really explains the science at a fairly basic level, and I, someone who is not scientific in the least, was easily able to understand what the scientists are doing. It certainly helps that the author has both a PhD in cell biology and is a former standup comic. Those two things, in combination, helped infuse some laughter (and easy to understand science) into what could have been a very dry topic. I learned a great deal from this book.
November 20, 2017
It was an interesting idea, it was well written, informative and included some of my favourite scientific topics - genetics, evolution, natural history. Why only three stars? Because I found it a bit repetitive with respect to the science and I decided that the author just didn't make me care enough. I started out on the fence with regards to de-extinction, by the end I'd decided it was probably a bad idea and a waste of money and effort. Overall I just don't think there was enough to merit an entire book.
August 20, 2018
I’m always looking for interesting non-fiction and this book with I grabbed for 50 cents at a thrift store turned out to be a great find.
There is some humour mixed with the science, and the authors genuine passion comes across in each chapter. Although a little genetic modification science heavy it still comes across quite well. It helps that I came to this book with some prior knowledge about genetics and genetic enhancements and modification under my belt but all in all a solid and enjoyable read.
There is some humour mixed with the science, and the authors genuine passion comes across in each chapter. Although a little genetic modification science heavy it still comes across quite well. It helps that I came to this book with some prior knowledge about genetics and genetic enhancements and modification under my belt but all in all a solid and enjoyable read.
September 2, 2018
One of the best of Science books for the general public. Witty, thought provoking, informative and insightful. How can we save species on the brink of inevitable extinction and how can we bring those that have already gone extinct back ? Should we? If so, the how do we make the decision as to which species to choose. Pilcher discusses all this and more with funny quips and a talent for engaging writing.
July 12, 2024
¡Qué libro más maravilloso!
Sin duda alguna, con respecto a la clonación, no es tan fácil ni sencilla como nos la ha vendido el cine Hollywoodense, cine que claro, responde a unos "imaginarios" norteamericanos bastante pobres.
La desextinción de las especies es algo tan complejo, algo tan gran, tan impactante y aún, hoy en día, tan difícil que no logramos comprenderlo, ni dimensionarlo. Helen Pilcher sin duda alguna deja cosas muy claras en este libro, desde las bases éticas y morales, así como cuestionamientos sobre el impacto social, económico y ambiental de la desextinción de cualquier especie.
También aborda algo muy importante y es, el rol devastador de las especies invasoras en los ecosistemas de los que no hacen parte. Lamentablemente, en Colombia, hoy por hoy, por culpa de un mal manejo de especies extranjeras, así por la narco cultura que hemos tenido que vivir, tenemos hipopótamos invasores en nuestros ríos, que han lastimado personas y que seguramente, están afectando gravemente ecosistemas ya afectados por el actuar humano. Es imposible capturarlos, pues tanto los costos humanos como de operación son grandísimos. Lamentablemente, al ser invasores, tendrán un gran impacto en la biodiversidad y las afectaciones pueden ser irreparables. Los "pseudo" ambientalistas y animalistas creen que cazarlos no es la salida, pero tampoco proponen otra cosa y, seguramente, será esta la única vía para proteger ecosistemas que ya de por sí, penden de un hilo. ¿A qué voy con todo esto?, que si países "desarrollados" y con un avance científico importante y con un potencial para hacerlo les cuesta muchísimo la reproducción de una especie extinta, para un país, con las problemáticas socio-culturales, económicas y ambientales como las que tiene Colombia u otros países de la región, será imposible hacer algo contra esta problemática de la extinción por culpa de otras invasoras y, los impactos que tendrán estas situaciones en los ecosistemas de gran parte de América del Sur será devastador, porque creamos o no, queramos o no, cada especie juega un papel fundamental, desde la conservación de los ríos, hasta la preservación de la tierras.
Helen Pilcher, sin duda alguna con su carisma, elocuencia, experiencia y conocimiento, hace una obra muy disfrutable, que nos lleva a imaginar un millón de posibilidades, pero que nos aterriza a una realidad que como dije al principio, la ficción cinematográfica nos vendió para mal.
Espero que si vas a abordar este libro, lo hagas con calma, es muy disfrutable, es muy entretenido y trae consigo un montón de enseñanzas y reflexiones de todo tipo.
Está en manos de todos nosotros también este tema. Pareciera que el antropocentrismo nos hubiera permeado tanto la cabeza, el ego se nos subió tanto a la cabeza que, olvidamos por completo y en silencio, que compartimos mundo con otras especies y que incluso, dependemos más de ellas que por nuestra propia cuenta.
Sin duda alguna, con respecto a la clonación, no es tan fácil ni sencilla como nos la ha vendido el cine Hollywoodense, cine que claro, responde a unos "imaginarios" norteamericanos bastante pobres.
La desextinción de las especies es algo tan complejo, algo tan gran, tan impactante y aún, hoy en día, tan difícil que no logramos comprenderlo, ni dimensionarlo. Helen Pilcher sin duda alguna deja cosas muy claras en este libro, desde las bases éticas y morales, así como cuestionamientos sobre el impacto social, económico y ambiental de la desextinción de cualquier especie.
También aborda algo muy importante y es, el rol devastador de las especies invasoras en los ecosistemas de los que no hacen parte. Lamentablemente, en Colombia, hoy por hoy, por culpa de un mal manejo de especies extranjeras, así por la narco cultura que hemos tenido que vivir, tenemos hipopótamos invasores en nuestros ríos, que han lastimado personas y que seguramente, están afectando gravemente ecosistemas ya afectados por el actuar humano. Es imposible capturarlos, pues tanto los costos humanos como de operación son grandísimos. Lamentablemente, al ser invasores, tendrán un gran impacto en la biodiversidad y las afectaciones pueden ser irreparables. Los "pseudo" ambientalistas y animalistas creen que cazarlos no es la salida, pero tampoco proponen otra cosa y, seguramente, será esta la única vía para proteger ecosistemas que ya de por sí, penden de un hilo. ¿A qué voy con todo esto?, que si países "desarrollados" y con un avance científico importante y con un potencial para hacerlo les cuesta muchísimo la reproducción de una especie extinta, para un país, con las problemáticas socio-culturales, económicas y ambientales como las que tiene Colombia u otros países de la región, será imposible hacer algo contra esta problemática de la extinción por culpa de otras invasoras y, los impactos que tendrán estas situaciones en los ecosistemas de gran parte de América del Sur será devastador, porque creamos o no, queramos o no, cada especie juega un papel fundamental, desde la conservación de los ríos, hasta la preservación de la tierras.
Helen Pilcher, sin duda alguna con su carisma, elocuencia, experiencia y conocimiento, hace una obra muy disfrutable, que nos lleva a imaginar un millón de posibilidades, pero que nos aterriza a una realidad que como dije al principio, la ficción cinematográfica nos vendió para mal.
Espero que si vas a abordar este libro, lo hagas con calma, es muy disfrutable, es muy entretenido y trae consigo un montón de enseñanzas y reflexiones de todo tipo.
Está en manos de todos nosotros también este tema. Pareciera que el antropocentrismo nos hubiera permeado tanto la cabeza, el ego se nos subió tanto a la cabeza que, olvidamos por completo y en silencio, que compartimos mundo con otras especies y que incluso, dependemos más de ellas que por nuestra propia cuenta.
January 30, 2017
Fantastic book. I’m a science nerd and have always wanted my stegosaurus as a pet. Helen Pilcher tells the path of which scientists dared to bring back an extinct animal. Easy to follow along she adds in humor and irony to keep the pace moving. I remember hearing about these pioneers in their field and glad to see their accomplishments are contained in this book.
November 3, 2016
“BBTK” is a good solid informative all around “ology” read. Some parts are laugh out loud funny, which doesn’t stand for light reading.
Let's not bring back the king and erase the "de" in extinction.
good luck
**ARC/publisher/NetGalley
Let's not bring back the king and erase the "de" in extinction.
good luck
**ARC/publisher/NetGalley
August 24, 2018
Not a bad book on the whole but tried too hard to be funny (although the rhino....device was entertaining!). Also, it was a bit too long. The best chapters were the final two - lots of really interesting science there.
November 22, 2024
Muy interesante! Cuenta varios casos en los que se aplican métodos de desextincion, algunos como ejemplos excéntricos y otros como ejemplos muy realistas y dirigidos a la conservación. La lectura es ligera y divertida.
February 4, 2017
Humorous look at the study of genetics and possible ways of recreating extinct animals, including Elvis Presley. A well balanced presentation that explores whether we should even attempt to do so.
July 12, 2017
A humorous treatment of a serious subject; lots of good information.
January 19, 2020
Less dry and more funny than most science reads, this book paints an interesting and sometimes disturbing picture of the science of de-extinction.
May 12, 2022
A very enjoyable read on a tough topic.
June 15, 2022
good book, definitely stronger in the science aspect than it is in the humor aspect.
April 12, 2023
Thorough, interesting, forward thinking and funny!
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