Customer Reviews

Beasts of New York

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Mr. Evans's work "Beasts of New York" is one of those tomes that stick with you for a very longtime. I was immediately taken aback, when I realized that all of the characters are animals. In this book, humans play a tertiary role, as the animals confront the effects of humanity's collective abuse of nature. Their behaviors are reflective of complex entities struggling to make wise life choices, while also having to deal with the effects of humans and machines on their environment. I don't want you to leave with the impression that this book is some sort of philosophical diatribe, because it most certainly is not. I think Mr. Evans exceeds all expectations, in the amount of energy that he expands in bringing his characters and their environments to life, while also allowing us to grow a bond with them. I feel that this balance, is perhaps, one of the most difficult to strike in all of fiction writing. A book rich in detail, whose characters are aloof, is one in which few people will build a literary shelter- that is unless your an Ayn Rand fan. However, where Mr. Evans does clearly struggle is in ending a story. Yet, even in this there is a certain beauty. One immediately senses that he adores and loves his characters even more than he lets on. The amorphous hawk or cute squirrels are all the same, something to be cherished and adored. In it you will find, hints of some of the greatest naturalists, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson or Henry David Thoreau. Their earlier works being reflected in the rich details that Mr. Evans hones in on, when describing the book's world, whether it be Central Park, an ocean, or a seedy sewer. I think that there are also allusions to human traits within his characters, the rats are conniving salesman, while the squirrels are noble but petty and divided. Ultimately, the characters' personalities grow and change over time -this is also tough to accomplish in fiction writing- as they form alliances and/or stumble across lie altering events. I can't stress enough, the fun that I had following along with these characters. I still joke around with my wife, mentioning the name "Patches" as if it were a holy site. I even called a lady that I met in Whitehorse, Canada, Patches: I did so because her small frame, delicate voice, yet adventurous spirit reminded me of the chief protagonist in the story. Such is the strength of Mr. Evans's writing in this book. I am proud to recommend this book to all of you, whether you are an adult or a teenager, I believe that this book will not only appeal to you but also change you. Mr. Evans thank you for giving me a new take on nature, one which a city boy like me, would never have been able to adopt where it not for you and your fabulous story.

I just finished reading this book a couple of days ago and I must say I really enjoyed it, it kept me turning the pages and I haven't been a huge reader since I was younger. I just bought a kindle because I wanted to get back into reading and I downloaded this book because the title captured my attention "Beasts of New York - A children's book for grown-ups". I love the afterword how everything was explained and how he came about all the characters in the story. A must read IMO!

Fantastic read that takes you into the world of animals living and co-exsisting in NYC. This book may be about a very brave squirrel and his friends, family and enemies, but it is not for children. Mr. Evans weaves a tale that is difficult to put down, and once completed, comes back to you. You will never look at small "wild" animals the same way.

Enjoy.

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. A great adventure, a brave and thoughtful hero, good vs evil, fantasy mixed with reality. I highly recommend it.

This is not the kind of book I would normally pick up but my husband got it for Christmas and I was curious to read it since I know the author's sister. It is a really well written tale that draws you in within the first couple of pages. I loved the way NYC is depicted in the eyes of a squirrel - I'll never look at Central Park or squirrels the same way again. It really is a kids book for grown-ups; lots of themes that have parallels in human lives. Reminded me of the Bhagavad Gita in that respect. The illustrations in the print version are beautiful.