As the snow melts and the spring approaches, the animal kingdom awakens. In Summer World, Bernd Heinrich, the bestselling author of Winter World, brings us an up-close and personal view of that awakening and rebirth.
Almost all life on the surface of the earth derives its energy from the sun, either directly through photosynthesis or indirectly by consuming plants, making summer the time when nature is most active—feeding, fighting, mating, and nesting. From frogs, wasps, and caterpillars to hummingbirds and woodpeckers, Heinrich explores these animals' adaptations for surviving and procreating during the short window of summer, and he delights in the seemingly infinite feats of animal inventiveness he discovers there.
Infused with his inexhaustible enchantment with nature, Summer World encourages a sense of wonder and discovery for the natural world and its busiest season.
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"A real naturalist describes in such detail, you can almost see it. This guy is really interesting, has some great stories. Can't wait to read his other books.Just from his chapter in the book, I id'd my first phoebe nest - even without a picture. "
— Jen (4 out of 5 stars)
Audie Award winner Mel Foster's evenly paced, distinctly voiced, and accent-free delivery enhances the ambiance and perfectly conveys Heinrich's wonder at nature's flexibility.
— Library Journal Starred Audio Review“This lovely book, meticulously etched and based on impassioned but exacting scientific research, illustrates why Heinrich is generally regarded as the most truly Thoreauvian of modern natural history writers.”
— Edward O. Wilson, New York Times bestselling author“The marvels that Heinrich reveals and his own enthusiasm—a quality he admires in the animals around him—are certain to carry you along.”
— New York Times“[Heinrich’s] skillful writing and delight in the season and nature are obvious. Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal (starred review)“Heinrich presents natural science at its engaging best.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)" Boring (and I consider myself a nature lover). "
— Arie, 1/5/2014" The light color of the ink was very hard on these aging eyes and I couldn't bring myself to get through the book, even though I love Heinrich's nature writing. "
— Deb, 1/4/2014" Still great, but not as warm as Winter world. I really like Bernd's a step further approach: after describing the nature world, he wrote what the phenomenon could mean at other perspectives. "
— Dgg32, 12/26/2013" Written by a true natural scientist. Some interesting studies of wildlife and contemplations on environmentalism. My mind drifted a lot as I struggled to get through this one... "
— Lucas, 12/26/2013" A followup to 'Winter World', an excellent book full of insights into what Mother Nature is actually doing. "
— Nicole, 12/17/2013" A slow read...only because I'm savoring every page and not skimming. "
— Karmasky, 8/8/2013" A peaceful and - for me - fascinating look at summer in New England through the eyes of a zoologist. "
— Barry, 5/27/2013" I am reading this on my Kindle, which is a mistake. I cannot really see the drawings. Nevertheless, I always learn something from Heinrich, and it sends me out into the meadow and woods looking. "
— Dennis, 12/7/2012" I liked Winter World better, but always enjoy Heinrich's nature writing. "
— Barb, 2/17/2012" My middle child has confiscated this and now I can't find it. I hope it turns up before it's due back to the library. "
— Kate, 9/3/2011" Written by a true natural scientist. Some interesting studies of wildlife and contemplations on environmentalism. My mind drifted a lot as I struggled to get through this one... "
— Lucas, 6/13/2010" My middle child has confiscated this and now I can't find it. I hope it turns up before it's due back to the library. "
— Kate, 7/2/2009Bernd Heinrich is an acclaimed scientist and the author of numerous award-winning books, including the bestselling The Mind of the Raven, Why We Run, and Winter World. Among his many honors is the 2013 PEN New England Award in nonfiction for Life Everlasting. Mind of the Raven won the John Burroughs Medal for Natural History Writing and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. He is a frequent contributor to national media and professor emeritus of biology at the University of Vermont.