Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson

This book posits that we can better understand animal behavior by paying more attention to the differences in the way they understand, perceive, and interact with the world. Grandin also suggests that she better understands animals than most people because her autism allows her to perceive the specific details of the world the way animals do, instead of generalizing details the way most non-autistic human brains do. The book covers a wide variety of fields (autobiography, autism, animal behavior, animal training, and animal cognition, just to name a few) and Grandin handles them deftly and clearly--referring both to research studies in clear ways and specific, illustrative anecdotes. I think the book's most compelling point comes at the end: we should seek to understand animals better in order to give them as good lives (when they're in contact with humans) as possible, because it's likely that domesticating animals (wolves specifically) is a large part of what made us evolve as humans (different from other primates). The book also has some great advice for how humans can most safely approach their relationships with domesticated dogs--eliminating aggression problems so you won't need a trainer.

The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett

This book finds Rincewind making his way through FourEcks (EcksEcksEcksEcks), a continent that looks a whole lot like Australia, while on the other side of the Disc, the wizards who sent him there are trying to figure out how to get him back (as the University librarian, who was turned into an ape some time ago, has gone unstable in his shape, and the wizards need to know his name to perform magic on him--a name which only Rincewind has a chance of knowing). But in their search for a geographer to help them find XXXX, they step through a window that takes them to a different place and time, where  they encounter a small god, who keeps banging his head against evolution. This was not one of my favorite Discworld novels (though in all fairness, Pratchett's take on academics is pretty funny)--I think it's because Rincewind has just never clicked with me as a character. But there were definitely some pretty funny moments along the way.

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

This book is an exciting middle entry in the Leviathan trilogy. The beastie of its title, the behemoth, is a bit of a deus ex machina that comes along at the end, but otherwise, it's a great story about two kids, who like each other despite being on opposite sides of World War I, who learn to trust each other and work together. It's done with a deft hand, and is a quite amusing read, even for adults. I'm looking forward to the final book in this trilogy, Goliath, which I believe will come out next year.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

This book takes its readers to the beginnings of the Great War, reimagined in a world where the Central powers (here, Clankers) use mechanical technologies and the Allies (Darwinists) use genetically engineered animals. The perspective is centered around two youthful protagonists who have to learn the politics of the war very quickly if they want to survive in its changing landscapes. This book is no place to learn WWI history, but its engaging perspectives on genetic modification, industrialization, gender, and politics make it a thought-provoking and enjoyable read. I can't wait till the sequel comes out in October!