Peter P. (pwp7669) -
Helpful Score: 4
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.
bookaddict reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on
Helpful Score: 2
Very interesting, clearly written. Some theories I have never heard before. Well worth the read!
Helpful Score: 2
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.
Tracy F. (TLF4Him) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
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.
Kerry B. (kera108) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
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.
Amy D. (Iowan) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 173 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
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.
Meg B. (nuttmeg) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book fascinated me because of my work in adult psychiatry in a major urban hospital.
None of my colleagues would have believed that someone diagnosed with autism or it's cousin, asperger's, could be as "functional" or as successful as this gal, Temple Grandin, has been in her life!
This malady is nothing to sneeze at and has had many a parent and relative pulling their hair out trying to understand what is often a disabling condition with it's victims
I'd give it 6 stars if I could. unable to ever live an independent life.
On a primitive level that is at once earthy and transcendant otherworldy, Grandin claims to understand animals better than the non autistic person, regardless of how long someone has been working with animals or how skilled the person is.
This book leaves no doubt that she's right.
A simple thing like a shadow falling across the pathway in a shoot cattle are to be lead to their slaughter in can make them stop in their tracks. Wild horses can't get them to move, but Grandin understands them too.
She gets on her hands and knees and see things the way cattle do as they are to move through these narrow corrals to their death. It doesn't take her long to figure out the problem.
Is she unusually tuned in to animals or could any of us discover the same things she does if we're just quiet and calm enough and stop seeing things only one way? Could we learn what Grandin already has in her brain's circuitry or is this a matter of the heart?
This book is a fascinating read for both animal lovers and people curious about autism or just want to understand that we may not be as limited as we think, and people with autism may not be either.
None of my colleagues would have believed that someone diagnosed with autism or it's cousin, asperger's, could be as "functional" or as successful as this gal, Temple Grandin, has been in her life!
This malady is nothing to sneeze at and has had many a parent and relative pulling their hair out trying to understand what is often a disabling condition with it's victims
I'd give it 6 stars if I could. unable to ever live an independent life.
On a primitive level that is at once earthy and transcendant otherworldy, Grandin claims to understand animals better than the non autistic person, regardless of how long someone has been working with animals or how skilled the person is.
This book leaves no doubt that she's right.
A simple thing like a shadow falling across the pathway in a shoot cattle are to be lead to their slaughter in can make them stop in their tracks. Wild horses can't get them to move, but Grandin understands them too.
She gets on her hands and knees and see things the way cattle do as they are to move through these narrow corrals to their death. It doesn't take her long to figure out the problem.
Is she unusually tuned in to animals or could any of us discover the same things she does if we're just quiet and calm enough and stop seeing things only one way? Could we learn what Grandin already has in her brain's circuitry or is this a matter of the heart?
This book is a fascinating read for both animal lovers and people curious about autism or just want to understand that we may not be as limited as we think, and people with autism may not be either.
Gayle B. (glbirch) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 205 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating from both my viewpoints as a biologist (having studied behavior) and as the parent of an autistic child. Even without a "stake" in the story, you will find this book to be very interesting. If you're a dog lover or anyone interested in either human or animal behavior, you'll find some new insights to think about.
Janet G. (homemom) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful book by an autistic woman. I worked with several autistic adults, and this book gave me great insight into how an autistic person views the world.
Morvie B. (soaringspirit) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 181 more book reviews
Very good book. I was amazed at the intelligence of animals and how difficult is to understand when people are not like us.
Victoria (YSB) -
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!
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 1474 more book reviews
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.
Julie P. (julesverne63) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 3 more book reviews
Very fun and interesting book to read - a lot of food for thought especially about the human brain developing from an animal's brain and human and animal behavior. Not just for animal lovers!
Leslie G. (muffins) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 3 more book reviews
This is a wonderful book!! The author has Autism and she shows you how to relate that to animal behavior. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it!
Morvie B. (soaringspirit) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 181 more book reviews
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.
Rose H. (kiorabree) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 39 more book reviews
Temple Grandin is amazing. She can be a bit repetitive, but if you can get past that everything else is spot on and perfect.
Lucy C. (cuakereader) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 24 more book reviews
Informative, authorative, interesting.
Kelly C. (onkelo) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 11 more book reviews
the most interesting book I've read in a while. I couldn't stop bringing up what I was reading in conversation.
Jill F. (ellzeena) -
As an animal behaviorist, I have three things to say about this book:
Wrong,
wrong, and
wrong.
Wrong,
wrong, and
wrong.
John O. (buzzby) -
I posted it before I had a chance to read it, but I found this pretty satisfying just to open up to a random page and read it. Full of interesting information (why some animals lower their heads to stare at you, etc...)
Jeanne L. (groucho) reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on
Excellent book
This book is an excellent view into an animals mind...However, it is very dense and alot of information!
Jennifer S. reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 10 more book reviews
Very interesting! Good writing and very interesting content.
Sue E. (Susanaque) -
Using the mysteries of Autism to decode Animal behavior. A fascinating book.
Tammy P. reviewed Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior on + 106 more book reviews
People with autism can often think the way animals think, which puts them in a perfect position to translate "animal talk". In this groundbreaking book Temple Grandin draws on her own experience with autism as well as her distinguished career as an animal scientist to deliver and extraordinary message about how animals think, act, and feel. Funny, informative and full of incrediable insight, this book will forever change the way we look at our fellow creatures.
