Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks

by Juliet Eilperin
Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Investigative Journalism
Technical
  • ID: 4767
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780375425127
  • Publisher: Pantheon
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Demon Fish,' Julie Eilperin, a national environmental reporter for The Washington Post, takes readers on an exhilarating global adventure to explore the complex and often surprising connections between people and sharks. Through her investigative lens, Eilperin reveals the intricate cultural, ecological, and personal ties that bind humans to these apex predators, shedding light on both the beauty and the brutality of the natural world. This book is not just about sharks; it's a deep dive into the human psyche and our relationship with the ocean. Eilperin's high-spirited investigation uncovers the often inexplicable ways people engage with and perceive these creatures, offering a unique perspective on one of the most misunderstood animals on the planet.

Reviews
BookForum · 2012-08-10
informative 4.00

The book provides a comprehensive look at the world of sharks, highlighting their ecological significance and the threats they face. It also delves into the cultural and scientific perspectives surrounding these often-misunderstood creatures.

The book is a deep dive into the hidden world of sharks, offering a nuanced exploration of their role in the ecosystem and the various threats they encounter. The author skillfully weaves together scientific data, cultural anecdotes, and personal experiences to create a compelling narrative. This book challenges the common perceptions of sharks as mere predators, instead portraying them as vital components of marine life. The author's passion for the subject is evident, making it an engaging read for both marine biology enthusiasts and casual readers alike. However, some readers might find the scientific details a bit dense, but the overall narrative is engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Many scientists don't like to talk about shark sex, Juliet Eilperin writes in Demon Fish: Travels through the Hidden World of Sharks.

    The book is a deep dive into the hidden world of sharks, offering a nuanced exploration of their role in the ecosystem and the various threats they encounter.

    The author skillfully weaves together scientific data, cultural anecdotes, and personal experiences to create a compelling narrative.

The Globe and Mail · 2011-07-11
thought-provoking 3.75

The book offers a steely-eyed and unemotional dissection of the world of sharks, providing a poignant undertone that highlights the complex relationship between humans and these creatures.

The book provides a detailed and unemotional look at the world of sharks, dissecting their ecological roles and the various threats they face. The author's approach is both informative and poignant, highlighting the often-overlooked significance of sharks in marine ecosystems. The narrative is well-researched and presents a balanced view of the subject, making it a valuable read for those interested in marine biology and conservation. The book's unemotional tone might not appeal to everyone, but it effectively conveys the importance of sharks and the need for their conservation. The author's deep understanding of the subject matter is evident, making it a compelling read for those looking to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Quick quotes

    Which is not to say the book is sappy. Despite that poignant undertone, for the most part, it's a steely-eyed and rather unemotional dissection.

    The book offers a detailed and unemotional look at the world of sharks, dissecting their ecological roles and the various threats they face.

    The author's approach is both informative and poignant, highlighting the often-overlooked significance of sharks in marine ecosystems.

NPR · 2011-06-18
compelling 4.25

The book challenges the common perception of sharks as dangerous predators, instead highlighting their vulnerability and the need for conservation.

The book challenges the common perception of sharks as dangerous predators, instead highlighting their vulnerability and the need for conservation. The author's personal experiences and scientific insights provide a compelling narrative that sheds light on the often-misunderstood world of sharks. The book's engaging style makes it accessible to a wide audience, and its message is both timely and important. The author's passion for the subject is evident, making it a compelling read for those interested in marine biology and conservation. The book's focus on the threats faced by sharks is particularly poignant, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The narrative is well-researched and presents a balanced view of the subject, making it a valuable read for those looking to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Quick quotes

    But the author of Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks says that in reality, it's the sharks that should be afraid of humans.

    The book challenges the common perception of sharks as dangerous predators, instead highlighting their vulnerability and the need for conservation.

    The author's personal experiences and scientific insights provide a compelling narrative that sheds light on the often-misunderstood world of sharks.

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