Customer Reviews

Animals of the Ocean, in Particular the Giant Squid (HOW)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This, the third of the Haggis-on-Whey books that I have read, contains many interesting facts about giant squids and other marine life such as barracudas, which not only have film directorial aspirations, but also are largely conversant in Spanish and Catalan (some also speak German.) These are facts that are hard to unearth outside the Haggis-on-Whey volumes (this is Volume 3, Number 164 of 307 in the series) which are fortunately extremely comprehensive, dealing not only with the larger marine science issues one would expect from such a volume ("The Mid-Atlantic Grey Shark's Guide to Installing Floor Tile," and "What Kind of Music Do Giant Squids Listen to While Traveling by Train?"), but also detailing related topics such as "How Recycling Works in Utah," and "How Bread is Made."

This is a wonderful book for anyone with a terribly odd or stream-of-consciousness sense of humor, or for giant squid owners. It is filled with useful illustrations and charts that reveal startling insight into things like "The Tubeworm: Rainbow of Emotion" and "Most Popular Baby Names For Fifty Seldom Seen Sea Animals," in which the reader learns, for example, that the most popular name for a female Little Post-Horn Squid is Brooklyn, while the most popular name for a male Pelican Eel is Henry or Henri. Truly, I do not think you could find this information anywhere else, and as a reference (or humor) book on marine life, I recommend it highly. Be sure to read the companion volume on giraffes: at least the Giant Squid didn't come from outer space on giant conveyor belts.

OK, now you may think that ANIMALS OF THE OCEAN: IN PARTICULAR THE GIANT SQUID is to be a serious scientific treatise - or, given its slim appearance, that it's to be directed to younger audiences. Neither is true - with great British wit, irony, and tongue-in-cheek humor, The Haggis-On-Whey World of Unbelievable Brilliance packs in zany squid and science references and neo-science observations suitable for any fan of Monty Python British humor. So why isn't this reviewed in our Humor Shelf area? Because any involved in zoology can't miss it: it's unique, funny and makes fun of scientific method in general - using a format and presentation which seems to provide facts disguised as humor. Very highly recommended for both science and humor collections at either the college or public library lending levels.

Recently given this book to review for a deep sea biology website, I am thrilled to now own a copy. Infinitely quotable. A pure riot, although sometimes it exudes that zany for zany's sake 'underground-zine' feeling. The authors clearly had an understanding of the ocean, which threw out to the hungry, eviscerating beaks so they could re-invent the wheel...underwater. And you can be sure they wore a stack of hats whilst doing it. I'm a cephalopod biologist, and I endorse this book.

I think the reviewer that rated this book with one star lacks the absurdist humour necessary to appreciate this book. This is a perfect book for adults with a nostalgic soft-spot for the 1970s adventure books of their childhood and a irreverent brand of humour. Children will enjoy the silly, imaginative playfulness of the book-- without catching on to the classic informative children's book format that the book spoofs. From its matte pages to the mock-encyclopedia hard cover, from the 70s style illustrations to the "one-of-these-things-just-doesnt-belong-here" mock-educational exercizes, the book is a clever satire of the stiff scientific format past children's educational books. The imaginary authors, Dr. Doris Haggis-on-whey and Benny, are brilliant as the cold, clamy scientists. I think this book is also very much in the same vein as the film "the Life Aquatic". SO, how you felt about that film might also be similar to how you feel about this book. I don't give it a full 5 star rating because some of the absurdist humour in the book is random and nonsensical instead of witty, thoughtful humour.

I can understand the sentiments of reviewer JMB; if absurdist humor isn't your kind of thing, encounters with it can be really irritating. Now, if it is your kind of humor, this book is a great find; I certainly enjoyed it.

If you're unsure, I suggest using the Amazon Online Reader (scroll back up to the top of the page and click the cover of the book, or the link "Search inside this book"). Might as well get an idea of what the book's like before spending your cash.

The book is fantastic, completely hysterical. But, when Amazon sent the book they didn't package it well enough and it got all beat up and bent. The books I ordered used came to me in better condition.

We are mislead by many so-called "professionals" when it comes to matters of the ocean. For once in my life I felt like I was being dealt with honestly. Some things make so much sense upon reading them, that I was just struck with a resonance of truth.

If you truly want to know about the wonderous animals that live in our oceans and facts about the sea itself this book is an indespensible guide.

We first read the Giraffe book and found it to be so silly and almost profound. The undersea version of their science is just as funny. Our older son, in college, went out and ordered the Brain book. Plain old silliness.

I got this for my boyfriend, who loves sea creatures and humor, and it was perfect! He really seemed to enjoy it.

Completes the triad of Dr. and Mr. Haggis-on-Whey volumes (although I have to hope that there are more in the works). Very informative.