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Liked It “very interesting |
Didn’t Like It “Rats aren't a topic most people spend a lot of time thinking about, unless about how to eradicate them. It is, however, their very hardiness and ability to survive that makes them at least somewhat interesting. This book is, likewise, also at least somewhat interesting, but it's a good thing it's...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“A interesting, informative books on man's true mascot and best friend. Except for that plague thing.”
Eileen M wrote this review 5 hours ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Rats aren't a topic most people spend a lot of time thinking about, unless about how to eradicate them. It is, however, their very hardiness and ability to survive that makes them at least somewhat interesting. This book is, likewise, also at least somewhat interesting, but it's a good thing it's as short as it is. Otherwise, the topic would grow tedious, and the author unbearable. ”
Jenny B wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Good info but kinda boring”
Zach Hoffman wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“very interesting
Casey H wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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“With rats at the center, of course, I learned about a New York sanitation strike, a civil rights activist, and an unknown American Revolution hero. Similar to the previous book I'd read by this author, I did feel ready for this one to end, though I did like it.”
D. Sylvester wrote this review Sunday, August 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I had read and enjoyed Robert Sullivan’s Meadowlands, his Thoreau-like exploration of one of the country’s most infamous dumping grounds, where it is rumored that the body of Jimmy Hoffa is buried. So when he came up with a book about rats in New York City, I was immediately intrigued. And when I read the lines “if you are in New York . . . you are in close proximity to one or more rats having sex”, I knew he had me.
Tawny wrote this review Thursday, January 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The eccentric Mr. Sullivan spent one year observing the rat population of Edens Alley, a little lane elbowing its way between Fulton Street and Gold Street, just a few blocks from the site of the World Trade Center. He describes their comings and goings in detail, focusing on their dietary preferences (if it’s refuse, let’s eat!) and ambulatory habits. He explores in detail rats’ connection with humans; they follow us wherever we go as they know we’ll be leaving our garbage behind for them. He interviews pest control experts. He discusses the city’s history, describing how the rats had a part in the Civil Rights movement and the organization of tenant associations. The most surprising (to me) aspect of his observations is the sheer numbers of rats in the city and the fact that most of them are from 10 to 15 inches long – the size of a housecat. I always thought it would be wonderful to live in Manhattan, if one could afford it. This book, unfortunately, dispelled that illusion rather quickly. Nevertheless, it left me with a grudging admiration and awe for these nasty, intrepid little critters.
Given all that, the book really isn’t about the rats so much as it is about humankind’s introduction of rats to this country, our continuously supplying them with the garbage they live on, and our insistence on their eradication and their refusal to be eradicated. It’s an entertaining, educational book with really cool cover art.
After all is said and done, however, I think my sister summed it up rather well when I told her I was reading this book: “Tawny, you really do need to get a life.”
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“A decent read. I enjoyed delving into NYC history and the personalities battling the rats as much as learning about rat behavior (which was really secondary throughout).”
John K wrote this review Monday, September 22 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Though I wouldn't consider it literary work of the highest order, I did really enjoy reading this book.”
Call me Michael. wrote this review Thursday, October 12 2006. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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