Leo T. reviewed on 9/12/2014 + 1775 more book reviews

Since the Farallone Islands became a National Wildlife Refuge in 1969, the mammals such as seals and the nesting birds have prospered, and their numbers attract sharks. Little is known about the Great White Shark but scientists have found identifiable individuals returning here year after year.
Because of the controversy over shark cage recreation enterprise and other matters, the author only was given a one week permit to go ashore. As an experienced reporter, she had done her homework and elicited good interviews from the biologists. This is a lengthy book offering much local color because she describes in detail meetings ashore and the like.
I myself was interested in the geography and history of this very bleak place so near to San Francisco and only in passing interested in the Great White Sharks. For a reading classroom, Chapter Three could be offered to students interested in the history of the Farallones to read and discuss (10pts), covering the times of the egg hunters to the unsustainable ideas for utilizing these desolate islands (that remain a hazard to naviagation) that were put forth in the mid-20th Century. Chapter Three pp. 75-97 plus today's geography pp. 108-119.
There is only a token biography and no footnotes.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details