Kinship with the Animals

I rate this a five on the basis of the importance of having people from such different walks of life telling essentially the same story in their own unique way. Solisti and Tobias have put together a compendium of tales that illustrate the individual dilemma that each one of us face at this moment in time. Whether approached from a scientific, spiritual, moral or uniquely personal view, the need to make a personal choice regarding one's relationship with one's context is one that those privileged enough to be able to read and buy books are faced with in this important time in history. Books reviewed in times to come will reflect such choices. The heavy responsibility that each of us carries is well illustrated in this book.

Like any anthology, the quality of essays in this volume vary, but almost anyone who enjoys this genre will find several terrific and touching expositions here, including the two by Tobias (the editor) himself; a wide range of writers and approaches are included. For the most rigid of scientists or those who feel no instinctive connection to animals this book may fall short, but for all who do sense a certain oneness with those other species who share our planet this volume is an entertaining and intriguing read.

I found the book for the most part to be well written, sometimes full of fun, sometimes sad, but almost always with thoughtful experiences. The book is aimed at those of us who already accept the fact that there is a need to give more attention to other forms of life, and that the Earth is not ours to do what we want with. The book is a good buy at a very reasonable price. I can definitely recommend it -- it will provide several evenings of interesting and enjoyable reading.

I found this book simply facinating. Although I didn't like all the essays, the majority were quite good. I especially enjoyed the essays on inter-species communication. This was not a book about teaching how to relate to animals. It was more of an affirmation or testimony to people's personal experiences with animals.

Sometimes touching, always informative. I have learned that our other earth friends are closer to us than we ever knew. I know that I now have incredibly more respect for my loving dog that ever before. I see all living things with greater understanding and appreciation.