Science and Inquiry discussion

For August 2013 we will be reading Last Ape Standing: The Seven-Million-Year Story of How and Why We Survived. Please use this thread to post questions, comments, and reviews, at any time.

I missed the fact that we were voting on this one for a group read. I had already purchased and was reading it when I got the message that it would be the August read. I just finished it and gave it 3 stars, mainly because it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. Here's my review:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Sorry for jumping the gun, but if I wait until August I'll probably forget to say anything.

Interesting review, Steve. Thanks!

I plan to start reading the book in a few weeks.

This is a good one. If you're hesitating, don't.

Finally got the confirmation that I will obtain a copy of this one from the local library next week. Looks like this book has got many of my fellow "county" men (and women) excited :)

I've been lurking and not taking part for quite some time in this group, and I do apologize for that. Work and my personal health have kept me from doing a lot of things I'd rather be doing -- especially reading for fun. I'm hoping that things are more under control now, and I'm really looking forward to this book.

I just started it yesterday, so all I've really read are the intro and first few pages. I quite like the writing style. This could be an extremely dry topic with pages of carbon dating etc. I did skip through the text for tables and charts, and so far it all seems very geared toward a general audience. I get really annoyed in my own field when that happens, but for this topic, I'm glad, since I'm not well-versed. I also find his style of "live and let live" (regarding various species of homo-[x] and the divergence in scientific opinion) refreshing.

We shall see if I find the actual book refreshing, but at least it draws me in quickly feels engaging to me from the start. I just need to make time to read when not waiting for transit or a doctor's visit...

Off to read Steve's review and more of the book, and I shall return when I can actually form an opinion.

Be well -- Ella

I'm about 75% finished. Outstanding. If you liked Carl Sagan's books Broca's Brain: Reflections on the Romance of Science and Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence , you will like this book.

I'm up to chapter 5, The Everywhere Ape, and am finding it the most fascinating chapter. Now I know where I get my wanderlust. :)

Glynn wrote: "I'm up to chapter 5, The Everywhere Ape, and am finding it the most fascinating chapter. Now I know where I get my wanderlust. :)"

Hee-Hee! Dang monkeys!

I've started the book, and find it to be engaging and an easy read. It's obvious that the author is not a scientist, so to me, the book loses some credibility.

Hmm....wasn't obvious to me about him not being a scientist until you mentioned it, David. Then I looked at the blurb of his bio on the jacket. Not sure why the book loses "credibility" because of that though.

Glynn wrote: "Hmm....wasn't obvious to me about him not being a scientist until you mentioned it, David. Then I looked at the blurb of his bio on the jacket. Not sure why the book loses "credibility" because of ..."

I worry whether an author who has not worked in a field will have the in-depth understanding that is so useful in conveying the "state-of-the-art" to his readers. This book, like others written by journalists, is lots of fun to read. But many such books, while entertaining, don't seem to convey the excitement of the detective work, the hunt for the truth, and the feeling of authority that persuades the reader that "this author really knows what he is talking about."

On the other hand, there are lots of books by scientists that, while authoritative and credible, are incredibly dull. I try to steer away from such books, unless necessary.

I think Dr. Carl Sagan wrote books about subjects in which he did not hold degrees. Certainly Isaac Asimov did. Last Ape Standing is well documented, and the author points out areas where the conclusions are in dispute.

Stan wrote: "I think Dr. Carl Sagan wrote books about subjects in which he did not hold degrees. Certainly Isaac Asimov did. Last Ape Standing is well documented, and the author points out areas where the con..."

Very true! It's just that, if I have the choice between two good books, and in one it is written, "Then he discovered that ...", and in the other one it is written, "Then I discovered that ..." the second book just seems more exciting and authentic.

Not sure how I feel about this. Someone writing about a subject he has a stake in might be a bit biased toward a particular theory but, as you say, a non-scientist may not have the expertise to present all the facts.

And it can go both ways. One thing is that many scientists don't communicate well with laypersons. That's where the science writers come in and there are some great ones - Carl Zimmer, Natalie Angier, Bill Bryson, Mary Roach ....

I think you've made a point that resonates with me David. Although they inevitably have some slower bits, the scientists seem to give the rationale to the conclusions science has reached. In this one, for example, I find I'm being asked to take his word for the facts presented, rather than being given the reason why the fragmentary fossil evidence has been able to yield such detailed results. Both planet of viruses and snowball earth (not a book of the month) are examples of good stories that I would have liked more from.

Thoroughly enjoying this book. Throughout, the author cites his sources in the notes and gives website links for those who want to dig further into the whys and wherefores. I am reading it in hardcover version but am thinking that the kindle version might have the actual clickable links.

Glynn wrote: "Thoroughly enjoying this book. Throughout, the author cites his sources in the notes and gives website links for those who want to dig further into the whys and wherefores. I am reading it in hardcover version but am thinking that the kindle version might have the actual clickable links. "

Yep! While I'm a strong supporter of 'books as books - not video or websites' that's definitely a major advantage as I see it of ebooks and reading on a tablet/device that supports display of reference links !

I just finished reading Last Ape Standing: The Seven-Million-Year Story of How and Why We Survived. Chip Walter is an excellent author--I really appreciate his writing style. Here is my review.

Thank you David! On my TBR list --- which just gets hugeerer....

I finished the book yesterday and found it a fun read. David's review sums it up perfectly. I liked the part about the singing Neanderthals and have added the book The Singing Neanderthals: The Origins of Music, Language, Mind, and Body to my TBR list.

I finished this a few days ago. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although I noticed that much of what he said was probably speculation, I think it added to the enjoyability of the book for me. It could so easily have been a dry enumeration of discoveries. Instead he brought most of the species almost to life for me. And I found fascinating how much really can be determined from so little evidence.