Meet the Neighbors: Animal Minds and Life in a More-Than-Human World

Scientific studies, anecdotal records collected over many seasons, and current scientific theories combine here to give listeners a glimpse into the animal world. Journalist Keim (The Eye of the Sandpiper: Stories from the Living World) has much to say about how various animal communities are doing and how humans can help, considering perceived versus provable theories regarding animal intelligence. Thoughts on whether or not it is kinder to help wildlife or let nature take its course are discussed, and whether or not animals’ lives are filled mostly with suffering or joy. The book looks at lizards, honeybees, donkeys, snakes, and rats, delving into efforts to support them without interfering with the surrounding ecosystems. The people in this story and their relationships with the species they observe or support offer fantastic insight into the value these species bring to our planet and what kinds of intelligence and insights they have that make the world a better place. Narrator Paul Woodson modulates the timbre of his voice so that it is not quite like that of a school documentary narrator. Listeners will feel informed without feeling overly burdened.