Friday, July 21, 2023

Under the Henfluence


by Tove Danovich

Agate Publishing, 2023. 223 pages. Nonfiction

When Danovich picked up her first flock of chicks, she didn't expect the birds to change her life. She began to wonder: what is a good life for a chicken, anyway? She went in search of the people breeding, training, healing, and advocating for chickens. Danovich reports on the hidden cleverness and irresistible personalities of these birds, as well as the complex human-chicken relationships that have evolved over the centuries. And she shows that the pampered lives of pet chickens are a stark contrast to the living conditions of birds in the meat and egg industry.

Don't read this book if you don't want to become absolutely addicted to chickens. Who knew these creatures were not only fascinating, but also quite adorable, intelligent animals who are just as capable as dogs when it comes to providing companionship? I sure didn't. You'll love the fun facts and personal stories shared by author, Tove Danovich. Oh, and you'll want to buy yourself some chickens.




If you like Under the Henfluence, you might also like...

by Rosamund Young

Penguin Press, 2018. 139 pages. Nonfiction

In this affectionate, heart-warming chronicle, Rosamund Young distills a lifetime of organic farming wisdom, describing the surprising personalities of her cows and other animals


by Lyall Watson

Smithsonian Books, 2004. 208 pages. Nonfiction

Not all animals are created equal. For a start, pigs have it, sheep don't; that is, that special quality of intelligence, a sense of play, and a gregariousness that make these tragically misunderstood--yet no less endearing--creatures more like us than any other animal. Best-selling author Lyall Watson takes a delightful look at the occasionally amusing, often instructive, and completely admirable qualities of pigs in this indispensable book, not only for everyone interested in natural history but also for fans of Babe , lovers of Piglet, readers of Charlotte's Web and Animal Farm , gourmands and truffle hunters, folklorists, and, of course, believers in meaningful interspecies communication.

The book is filled with both realistic and wonderfully fanciful illustrations of pigs that illuminate everything you could possibly want to know about the extraordinary family of Suids, from their origins and evolution, rich social lives, and combat strategies, to their special relationship with truffles, popularity in art and literature, and increasing use today in cutting-edge medical transplant technology.

NS

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