What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 5557
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
bongbongbooks.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2024-11-11
charming 4.50

The book is a charming and insightful look into the lives of cows, filled with affection and wisdom. It highlights the individuality of each cow and the importance of treating them with love and respect, much like family.

The Secret Life of Cows is a delightful and heartwarming book that offers a unique perspective on the lives of cows. Rosamund Young, the author, shares her experiences and observations from Kite’s Nest Farm, where she and her family practice organic farming. The book is filled with stories that highlight the individuality of each cow, their friendships, and their complex relationships. Young’s writing style is conversational and engaging, making it feel as if she is talking to a friend. The book also includes hand-drawn illustrations by Anna Koska, which add a touch of charm to the overall reading experience. One of the most striking aspects of the book is the emphasis on treating cows as individuals, with names and personalities that are as varied as people. Young’s philosophy of raising farm animals with unconditional love, patience, and respect is both inspiring and thought-provoking. The book also touches on the importance of organic farming practices and the benefits of raising contented cows. Overall, The Secret Life of Cows is a beautiful and enlightening read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these gentle creatures.


Quick quotes

    Whenever you need to feel charmed by a world of human kindness, reach for this little gem of a book.

    Friendships matter in the world of cows who make lifelong ones and even when separated for a while still recognize each other.

    The continuous narrative, broken up only by subheadings not chapters, creates a sense of connectedness (and less “cumbersome”) expressing a philosophy of raising farm animals the way we expect all children should be.

readingmattersblog.com · Unknown · 2015-12-17
charming 3.50

The book is charming and relaxing, with delightful anecdotes about cows and their individual personalities. However, the narrative could have been improved with better organization and editorial intervention.

Rosamund Young's book is a delightful read, filled with charming anecdotes about the cows on her farm. Each cow has its own unique personality, and Young's observations bring them to life. The book is blissfully relaxing, and the stories about the cows' behaviors and interactions are engaging. However, the narrative could have benefited from a tighter editorial hand. The lack of chronological order and the occasional confusion it causes detract slightly from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, Young's beliefs about cow homeopathy and her hint against vaccinations are somewhat puzzling and out of place. Despite these minor issues, the book is a wonderful exploration of the secret lives of cows.


Quick quotes

    The anecdotes are charming, and the book itself is blissfully relaxing.

    That said, I do think the narrative would have benefitted from a tighter editorial intervention.

    Young also introduces a few stories of other farm animals — particularly sheep and chickens.

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2008-08-10
fascinating 4.00

The Secret Life of Cows by Rosamund Young explores the complex emotions and behaviors of cows, comparing them to human experiences. The author, an organic farmer, argues that cows form deep bonds, exhibit individual personalities, and experience a range of emotions, challenging traditional views of animal behavior.

Rosamund Young's The Secret Life of Cows delves into the intricate lives of cows, portraying them as beings with rich emotional and social lives. Young, an organic farmer, shares her observations of cows forming strong friendships, nurturing their young, and displaying a range of emotions from joy to grief. She argues that cows are individuals with unique personalities, challenging the notion of herd mentality. The book is a compelling read for those interested in animal behavior and the ethical treatment of livestock. Young's anecdotal evidence, while not scientific, provides a fascinating perspective on the inner lives of cows. Her narrative style, which anthropomorphizes cows, aims to provoke thought and change perceptions about these animals.


Quick quotes

    Cows are “besotted” by and “dote on” their newborns, and nurture and counsel them as they grow up.

    They form “devoted and inseparable” friendships with their peers.

    Her evidence for the qualities she finds in cows (empathy, guile, altruism, happiness, eccentricity) is anecdotal rather than scientific.