Animals in Translation

Starred review from October 18, 2004
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. Grandin, an animal behavior expert specializing in the design of humane slaughter systems, is autistic, and she contends that animals resemble autistic people in that they think visually rather than linguistically and perceive the world as a jumble of mesmerizing details rather than a coherent whole. Animals—cows, say, on their way through a chute—are thus easily spooked by novelties that humans see as trivialities, such as high-pitched noises, drafts and dangling clothes. Other animals accomplish feats of obsessive concentration; squirrels really do remember where each acorn is buried. The portrait she paints of the mammalian mind is both alien and familiar; she shows that beasts are capable of sadistic cruelty, remorse, superstition and surprising discernment (in one experiment, pigeons were taught to distinguish between early period Picasso and Monet). Grandin (Thinking in Pictures
) and Johnson (coauthor of Shadow Syndromes
) deploy a simple, lucid style to synthesize a vast amount of research in neurology, cognitive psychology and evolutionary biology, supplementing it with Grandin's firsthand observations of animal behavior and her own experiences with autism, engaging anecdotes about how animals interact with each other and their masters, and tips on how to pick and train house pets. The result is a lively and absorbing look at the world from animals' point of view. (Jan.)

Forecast:
Anyone who's enjoyed the work of Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson—and especially those who liked it but felt it a bit warm and fuzzy in spots—should appreciate this valuable, rigorous book.

February 1, 2006
How do animals think? How do people think? How do people with autism think? Why do these three groups have so much trouble communicating? This wonderful book throws together humorous animal stories, personal anecdotes, and scientific data to provide some intriguing answers. Grandin is autistic and a well-known expert on animal behavior; she argues that animals are detail thinkers, most humans are -big picture - thinkers, and individuals with autism fall somewhere in between. There are insights into animal behavior, practical advice on animal discipline, and even some examples of jobs for which being autistic is an advantage. Obviously written for the nonscientist, this work clearly defines technical terms and breaks down the most complicated information into simple, easy-to-understand sentences. Shelley Frasier gives a low-key reading that is entirely appropriate to the authors, text, and subject matter. Already a best seller in print, the audiobook deserves the same status. Recommended for all libraries." -I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Community Coll., Boone, IA"

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