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Anne B. (Fredonia, WI)
If you like the strange...
If you think the title is odd, wait until you meet the characters of this off-hand, fascinating read. Stuffed animal lovers, lovers of the creepy, odd and whatever is opposite of the chick-book, read this, really. It will take you into another world you really never planned on going to, but will glad once you've arrived.
Portia_A
Taxidermy Made Interesting
Melissa Milgrom did it ... she actually made the subject of her book very interesting. Although at times the book seemed to read like like an extended magazine article, taxidermy was much more complex in its history and use than I would have imagined. I learned things I didn't know and enjoyed the change of pace from the things I usually read.
Terye B. (Scotts Valley, CA)
By the skin of their teeth
It's enjoyable reading and learning about a topic you haven't read about before. That's what I thought as I started this book. The book would have been better suited being told in some sort of linear fashion. I enjoyed the first chapter quite a bit, but the continuous back and forth of time periods, of museum and convention and personal interviews was jarring and repetitious. Throughout the book the author hints that she will attempt taxidermy herself, under the tutelage of seasoned professional. When the event finally comes (toward the end of the book) I had become bored and my interest in the beauty and science of the profession was waning. While i enjoyed the facts that were presented, I would have preferred a more familiar tone, and I would have loved to see pictures of the displays she discussed. I go away with an appreciation of the craft of taxidermy, and wished that i could also appreciate the authors craft of writing.
Lola_T
Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy
I grew up in the Midwest where hunting and fishing were not only acceptable but imperative activities, if you were to be admitted into many circles. So the subject matter of taxidermy wasn't one that was going to be a turn-off, in fact, I was looking forward to reading it, thinking that maybe, just maybe, Still Life would be that genius gift for the men in my life. I wish I could be gushing in my praise of the book, but that is not the case. Although the actual writing of the book was well-done, I just had to struggle to get through the book. There just wasn't that "pull" that a reader feels to want to read the next page and then the next. I guess the whole premise of a writer taking time off to follow taxidermists around just lacked that spark. She wrote well, but nothing enticed me to go ahead and read the next chapter. The book might appeal to taxidermists and perhaps natural scientists, but beyond that I can't see book clubs or very many people reading this book just for the pleasure of it.
Donna W. (Hamilton, NJ)
Still Life
This is an interesting look at the historical significance of taxidermy, and one woman's journey trying to master, not only the craft but the art. As the masters try to preserve not only the physical presence but also the essence of their subjects, she comes to appreciate their struggle.
This would be an interesting read for a student looking for a good essay topic for English.
wdh-kentucky
Interesting and Weird
I have to admit I struggled through reading this book and I'm known as the one who will read anything. Although, it was interesting and contained a lot of information I didn't know, it was not something I would normally pick up to read and it was, at times, a little gruesome. However, that's one of the things I enjoy about BookBrowse - you never know what's going to arrive in the mail. If you're looking for something really 'different' - try this book - you'll expand your knowledge of a little known practice. The book is part history about taxidermy, part information about people who practice the art and part stories about people who covet examples of taxidermy for a wide variety of reasons. Who knew that there are exhibitions and auctions, serious competition in specific categories, how to declare your specimens when traveling and that there are so many ways and reasons to preserve and display animals? The author did a lot of research and writes clearly about the subject. She actually even takes what she learns and creates her own specimen.
Jane_N
Watching You!
If you ever thought that the stuffed head in your grandparents' house was watching every move you made, you will enjoy reading this book.They could be watching you! Ms. Milgrom goes into great detail about the art of taxidermy and the pains that the people who do it go to to make the animals life like. Her sections on museum dioramas is wonderful. She has taken a dull subject and brought it to life. A bonus for the book would be the inclusion of more photos. There is only one in the book and that is not labeled. Overall a decent read.
Suri F. (Durham, NC)
Coulda, Shoulda, ...
For the most part, this book felt like an unedited set of lists. It seemed she took the advice of one of her subjects, and put it all out without worrying about the story. The only really interesting section is her own attempts to preserve a squirrel. I have read any number of books about natural history, that have successfully conveyed the passion of museum people for their subjects, the shifting interest of the viewing public, and the odd connections between seemingly disparate ideas. This wasn't one of them.
Just what did the editors do in putting this book together?
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