Beaverland

I really liked this one. It has a lot of the author in the story. She pulls you into the events and the research she did for this book and makes it all very personal. She takes an even handed look at all of the issues surrounding these furry critters and does not beat you over the head with an environmental message. In fact, the sadest part of the book is learning that the fur trade is dying off. At the same time, she is able to explain in a very detailed way why we need to live with Beavers and alternatives to simply treating them like pests when they conflict with humans.

#Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America by Leila Philip is a worthy followup for anyone who discovered #Beavers through 2019's #Eager by Ben Goldfarb. It's not for the squeamish, as one reads quite a lot about trapping. But one gets a perspective on the beaver's role in #AmericanHistory, and on the people who respect beavers. A readable #PersonalNarrative in the tradition of #NewJournalism. www.twelvebooks.com/titles/leila-philip/beaverland/9781538755198/

Beaverland is a narrative deep dive (impressively researched) into the the world of beavers and all the folks who champion (from trappers, to enthusiasts, to scientists, to everyday people) this most important keystone species. The focus is on North America, and Connecticut more specifically, but the author does a great job outlining the specie's ecological importance globally as well. Great book. It's at times light and full of adventure as the author tramps through swamps and other times very appropriately serious and academically detailed. Recommend.