A very well-written book by an autistic author who has become a nationwide expert on animal behavior because of some very interesting parallels between how animals and autistics view and respond to events. As the grandparent of an autistic youngster, I found the book hugely interesting.

Share/Like this Review?

Absolutely fascinating. This is one of those books that open up a whole new world of ideas for you. Half-way through reading it, I just had to order more books by Grandin, and they have proven equally fascinating.

Share/Like this Review?

This book was an incredible journey. The author has an amazing story and her insight to animals is keen. I feel like I have a better understanding of my dog's perspective. This is a must-read for animal lovers.

Share/Like this Review?

Fantastic book! It is an unusual mixture of science, philosophy, heart, humor and imagination. If you care for animals and have a curious mind, you will love this book. I'd love to meet Temple Grandin to discuss her ideas in person.

Share/Like this Review?

This is an insider's view that offers real perspective on the mysteries of autism (at least as she experiences it). Grandin's understanding of animal psychology enables her to advise on slaughterhouse management and she is one of the world's premier designers of such facilities. But as an animal lover I take issue with Candace Pert's assertion that animal lovers will be "thoroughly charmed" by this book. While the author's personal story brings valued insights, this is mostly a book with lots of explanations and theory on animal behavior and how to extrapolate that to human behavior and autism. It's a valuable read in behavioral science, but it doesn't touch the deeper questions of animal sentience or the inherent ills (and associated social ramifications) of large scale animal production and slaughter.

Share/Like this Review?

Temple Grandin is amazing. She can be a bit repetitive, but if you can get past that everything else is spot on and perfect.

Share/Like this Review?

Very good book. I was amazed at the intelligence of animals and how difficult is to understand when people are not like us.

Share/Like this Review?

Didn't finish. This might have been a pretty good book if the author had been able to get out of her own way. Grandin is so busy telling us how wonderful and clever she is that what seems to have been her original intent -- understanding animal behaviors -- gets lost in the ego-storm.

Share/Like this Review?

I really enjoyed re-reading this book! The first time I read it, I think I was a bit disappointed by how much of the information revolved around livestock. This time, maybe because I expected it, it didn't bother me as much. I was really surprised that some of the anecdotes were about Australian Cattle Dogs. Still, I think my favorite sections remained the same - the evidence linking wolves and men, and the section on animal language. I am very interested in reading her new book!

Share/Like this Review?

All of Temple's Books are great. I don't know if understanding autism decodes animal behavior but her reading about her experiences and man breeding for certain traits can do more harm than good. i.e. breeding the brains out of dogs and raping roosters. Fascinating.

Share/Like this Review?