I asked Crissy Huffard, a cephalopod biologist, to look over Volume 3 (No. 164 of 307) of Haggis-On-Whey's World of Unbelievable Brilliance: Animals of the Ocean, In Particular the Giant Squid. Here are her impressions.
This book is slightly less biologically accurate than Life Aquatic and significantly more tasteful than Snakes on a Plane, but no less entertaining. I cried with laughter. If you're the type more inclined to tinkle when you giggle, then you should consider changing into a wetsuit whilst reading it, because it's socially acceptable to pee in your wetsuit but not in your pants. If you have no sense of humor at all (especially dry wit) then stay in your tighty whities; you won't enjoy this book. The authors clearly have an understanding of marine life which they then warp into an infinitely quotable series of off-the-wall anecdotes, pie charts, and life lessons. Lest you be concerned about the breadth of this book, fear ear not. Haggis-On-Whey understands that the deep sea is a community of animals, not just a school of giant squids hiding in the darkness ready to eviscerate you with their beaks. Haggis-On-Whey takes the time to incorporate Victorian-style illustrations adapted from the historical cephalopod literature. Do not use this book to study for the GRE. DO use this book to know which limbs to guard with armor when diving with giant squid, to know how to greet properly the animals of the sea, and to read the emotions of a tube worm. This book is livened by cameos from marine mammals, bread, and Ikea. Clearly written at 4:20 am, even the non sequiturs have non sequiturs. Somewhere this book must have a soundtrack. I am a cephalopod biologist and I endorse this book. And when my one of my cephalopod biologist friends gets back from vacation, I will brag that I have a copy and she doesn't. Luckily for her, it's available on Amazon.com.
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Craig is temporarily a post-doctoral fellow at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute who is looking for a permanent position. He spends most of his time balancing his overwhelming geekdom with normalcy so he can function in the real world. Luckily his wife likes his geekiness.
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« Vermes | Main | Biggest Squid Ever! »
Books of the Ocean, One Accurate and One Not. Pt. II
Category: Books/Media
Posted on: February 21, 2007 12:04 PM, by CR McClain
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