Here is the very special world of a woman who sees with the clarity of a scientist and writes with the perception of a poet. Moreover, she writes from her own experiences hanging out in front of bat caves, tackling 500 pound alligators and cuddling baby penguins in refrigerated nurseries. Nothing stops her and not much phases her, but a lot of what she sees and experiences makes her stop and think. It is the thinking that attracts me as much as her stories. She is hard at work on her own vision of the world and the place human beings occupy in it. It is a vision worth considering.

Expect to be drawn with lyrical, insightful writing into the worlds of the creatures Ackerman studies, but expect to find yourself looking down the throat of some tough questions as well. I always come away from one of her books with some new thoughts to chew on. This book shouldn't be missed.


A wonderful adventure   December 9, 1999
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This book is like an adventure from the coast of America to the long mystery Nile River and finish up in the Antarctic. Each person in this world has an individual characteristic and an individual life; animals are the same. From small creature like bats to large creature like whale each has its own life and living habit. By reading this book, I obtain a lot of informative scenes which the author, Diane Ackerman, describes it beautifully. I love this book because the author portrays the attractive living environment and the living habit of the bats,whales, crocodiles and penguins. Every one should read this book. I highly recommend this book for those student who need to read a non-fiction science book. Here is a little information for all students: "This is a wonderful science book." Don't panic if you have to do a non-fiction book report next time. "The Moon by Whale Light" is your best choice.


A keen observer with a poetic eye   November 27, 1998
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Diane Ackerman's sharp observations, poetic descriptions, reflective commentary, and search for knowledge make this an enjoyable reading experience. My favorite piece was the one on bats, with their amazing echolocating screams, biological helpfulness for making many plants survive, and intriguing wing designs. Ackerman does a good job of dispelling many horror stories about bats, showing how they have gotten a bad rap over the years. Her article on crocodiles was also enthusiastic and winsome. I thought the whale essay was a little slow and monotonous in parts, otherwise I would give this book a five star rating. Definitely a good book to read by the fire or relax with at the beach.


Interesting and informative.   November 11, 1998
 1 out of 3 found this review helpful

Diane Ackerman does her usual great job of making the natural world fascinating to her readers. Interesting facts clearly written. -- Craig Chalquist


A lyrical book about the creatures around us.   June 16, 1998
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

This book reveals the uniqueness of each species it spotlights. A beautifully written book that is packed with little known facts about these wondrous creatures. If you enjoy this book, check out Ms. Ackerman's other titles: "A Natural History of Love", "A Natural History of the Senses" where she continues to deliver thought provoking information with sensually written text.