Human Origins—Explorations and Discussions in Anthropology, Biology, Archaeology, and Geology discussion

Hey guys,

I'm looking for recommendations on books to read next. I'm currently re-reading Human Adaptability by Emilio F. Moran.

I am interested in human variation/adaptability, paleobotany, and trade (especially among the Maya, Native Americans, and China).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, guys!

Rachel, you might enjoy The Story of the Human Body, by Daniel E. Lieberman (Pantheon Press). Tell me if you do!

thank you! I'll look into that book!

If you're interested in a Dan Brown-type story which explores development of human culture from the Aurignacian onward, you may enjoy my novel Gravettian Goddess that I just published on Amazon Kindle. While I tried to make it exciting for a lay audience, I did in-depth research and adhered closely to the cultural developments of the last 40,000 years (with a fictional plot device thrown in for fun). I'd be happy to send a review copy to anyone who agrees to review it here and on Amazon Kindle. Just reply here or post to my blog at http://gravettiangoddess.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Gravettian-Godd...

Book description: What if the Holy Grail were real? What if people could truly live forever? Gravettian Goddess will appeal to fans of both The Da Vinci Code and Clan of the Cave Bear. It is the story of Greg Janeszco, a self-made internet multi-millionaire with a penchant for archaeology, who discovers a mystery that reaches back into the dim mist of prehistory, when humans first migrated into Europe at least 40,000 years ago during the ice age and created the wondrous cave paintings found there. Can he solve the ancient riddle before the pursuing members of a shadowy international organization, who want to exploit the find for their own dark purposes?

Oh, and while I was doing my research for Gravettian Goddess, I ran across and completely appreciated Prehistory by Colin Renfrew. I love his idea of material engagement to shed light on cultural develoment.

That sounds interesting. I'd be interested in reading your book.

Rachel wrote: "That sounds interesting. I'd be interested in reading your book."email me at gravettiangoddess@gmail.com

Last Ape Standing, The Mind in the Cave, Prehistory.
Have fun!

Rachel wrote: "Hey guys,

I'm looking for recommendations on books to read next. I'm currently re-reading Human Adaptability by Emilio F. Moran.

I am interested in human variation/adaptability, paleobotany, and..."

B. wrote: "If you're interested in a Dan Brown-type story which explores development of human culture from the Aurignacian onward, you may enjoy my novel Gravettian Goddess that I just published on Amazon Kin..."

B,

I was fascinated to come across your post. I'm currently writing an article for National Geographic magazine about the period covered in your novel, actually it begins at 100,00 years ago and explores the origins of art, which is another way of saying it explores the emergence of the modern mind. I'd love to read your book. Don't worry about sending one to me. I'll buy it online. We writers have to support one another.

I noted some of the books you used in your research. Some of which I was aware of, but others I wasn't.

You may also be interested in my most recent non-fiction book LAST APE STANDING, published in 2013. It got got great reviews in the New York Times and New Yorker and will be featured as a Kindle Daily Deal for $1.99 on January 16th if you want to pick up an electronic copy at a great price.

Look forward to reading your book!

Best,
Chip

Fantastic! Thanks! Now only if I can remember to actually buy your book on the 16th...

Have you read Colin Renfrew's Prejhisory? He spends a great deal of time on the question, if anatomically modern humans emerged 200,000 years ago, why did it take until 40,000 years ago to see a cultural explosion, and then regionally limited to europe and the eurasian steppe. He cited the work of several scholars to develop the idea of material engagement, which (IMHO) is an elaborate way to say they were influenced by their environment and experiences. Well worth the read.

Hi,

Bought your book. Look forward to reading it. I'll certainly check out Renfrew's book. Thanks, and good luck. I'll try to remind you about the Kindle deal :-).

Best!
Chip

Given the nature of this discussion group I thought you all might like to know that this Thursday's Kindle Daily Deal will be Last Ape Standing: The Seven-Million-Year Story of How and Why We Survived. Normally $26 in hardback, for one day it'll be available electronically for $1.99! The New York Times called Last Ape Book “a lively journey.” The New Yorker called it “engaging … and fascinating,” and Kirkus Reviews, “engrossing.” It is also a Chautauqua Institution Literary and Scientific Circle selection — the nation’s oldest book club. Admittedly, I wrote it, but I think this group would enjoy it and you can't beat the price, at least for one day :-). Click this URL on Thursday to find the deal: http://goo.gl/Au5xJM if you're interested. Thanks!

Chip wrote: "Given the nature of this discussion group I thought you all might like to know that this Thursday's Kindle Daily Deal will be [book:Last Ape Standing: The Seven-Million-Year Story of How and Why We..."

Of course, I spaced the sale :(

And I spaced telling you :-). But the paperback will be out soon, and the Kindle edition is still only $9.49. Sale went well and drove the Kindle version of the book to #25 overall on Amazon.

I just found out the audio edition was released last Friday, if you prefer listening to books. You can get it on iTunes, Audible.com or Amazon. I do think you'd enjoy it.

I do in fact prefer listening to books on my commute these days. I usually get them from the library because audible.com's prices are extortionate, but I might make an exception in your case.

Gravettian Goddess is Free 30 Jan to 1 Feb on Amazon Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H...

What if the Holy Grail were real? What if people could truly live forever? Gravettian Goddess will appeal to fans of both The Da Vinci Code and Clan of the Cave Bear. It is the story of Greg Janeszco, a self-made internet multi-millionaire with a penchant for archaeology, who discovers a mystery that reaches back into the dim mist of prehistory, when humans first migrated into Europe at least 40,000 years ago during the ice age and created the wondrous cave paintings found there. Can he solve the ancient riddle before the pursuing members of a shadowy international organization, who want to exploit the find for their own dark purposes?