Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life, (Paperback)

from keywestnan

This is a wonderfully written book that includes science (mostly biology, specifically taxonomy), history, natural history, biography, memoir, psychology, a bit of philosophy and a pinch of true crime. And it works! I learned a lot and will be thinking about it for some time.

from LisCarey

Lulu Miller, NPR journalist, grew up with a father who taught her that chaos rules everything, that the universe doesn't care about anything or anyone, and that any belief that anything matters is deeply unscientific. I can't imagine why she also grew up to struggle with whether there was any poi...

from

I was originally drawn to this book after hearing an interview with its author, Lulu Miller, on NPR's 1A program. I heard her mention David Starr Jordan, a 19th century biologist and former president of Indiana University and Stanford University. Having earned two degrees from I.U., I knew Jordan...

from maryroberta

Excellent blend of memoir, history and science. Managed to bring personal into the story without self-indulgence. Truly enjoyed this one and author reading was also good.

from nmele

By all rights, this slim book should get four or more stars, but reading it left me feeling unsatisfied, I'm not sure why. Miller tells two stories, interlocking the biography of David Starr Jordan, prolific and prominent scientist, with her own search for solid ground and joy. Either story would...