Animals in Translation by Catherine Johnson, Temple Grandin (2004, Hardcover)

This book is a FASCINATING look at animal behaviors and psyche. Using Temple's personal basis (her autism) as a touchpoint for revealing and assigning an contextual framework for understanding animals was a genius idea. I have learned more about the hows and whys of animals' perspectives and internal programming from this book than I ever imagined possible, especially in only one volume. Additionally, to be exposed to the biological, sensory, and emotional aspects of autism gives me a greater awareness of my own human condition. The book provides a lot of interesting information in the footnote comments, which are located in the back of the book. However, I wished that they were right there on the page to get the entire impact. This book reads as if Temple was right there talking to you, so it is highly digestible. It's a KEEPER!

I borrowed this from the library and immediately had to own it. Temple Grandin looks at the way animals think from a new perspective. Her multi-faceted approach illuminates the process as well as the resulting behavior. The comfortable writing style makes for a work that is a "must read" and re-read for those interested in animal behavior.

I have not read it, but is was a gift for my brother, who since reading it was very inspired. He is constantly repeating something he has read in this remarkable book. I do intend to read it at a future dae.

Very well written and easy to understand. Even though this book deals with the science of the animal brain, it is written for every reader without talking down to anyone. Already, I understand some of the mysteries of my dog's strange behavior, and even that of the humans I deal with. To realize that the author is autistic is an inspiration - why can't anyone succeed, if this woman can acheive a doctorate, and have the whole animal handling industry turn to her for her expertise? Worth a read whether or not you are an "Animal Person". I know that after this book, iI will search out and consume the rest of this author's work.

This book is written by an autistic woman who has a Ph.D in one of the animal sciences. As it turns out, autistic people see in pictures not in words. Animals also see in pictures. Dr. Grandin, consequently, knows how animals feel in all situations. She has spent a great deal of her career trying to make the meat industry more humane. (She invented a humane chute that is used in half of the meat packing plants in the U.S.) In her book she gives information about all animals so that animal lovers will better understand how their animals feel in different situations from cats to horses. I think everyone would benefit from reading this book.

The book is written almost conversationally and is a great and easy read that is also funny in many places. Buy it!