Reviews for 2011 Hamsters Square Wall Calendar

The average rating for 2011 Hamsters Square Wall Calendar based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2009-11-15 00:00:00 Mr A Blake I didn't quite know what to expect from this book, being that I bought it several years ago and have since forgotten why I specifically wanted to read it, and after living for over a year with two not-so-well-cleaned-up-after rabbits and two hopelessly messy humans (i.e. the smell from too infrequently cleaned litter boxes and the excess of fur from never vacuuming), I think I love the idea of rabbits more than the actual creature. I mean, of course I love them in the sense I would care for one if necessary and I don't want any harm to come to them, but as a symbol, they're most powerful to me (as I would read about later in the book). My kind have often been called- presumably derogatorily, which I fail to see- "bunny huggers" since I and others somewhat like me find it reprehensible that animals (and it's mostly rabbits, as I would confirm later in the book) are used for scientific testing, are hunted, abused, neglected, eaten, etc. Personally, I like bunny hugger. And cow hugger. Hugs are good. This book was thorough. Coming from such a personal and emotional place such as the writers did (both care for house rabbits and are involved with rabbit rescue), that's a huge credit to them. Obviously, editorializing wasn't completely absent, as it shouldn't be, but it was kept to an appropriate level. There was a huge emphasis on the domestic rabbit, and how they are used in the pet, food, fur, and scientific testing industries, but also much about wild rabbits, specifically how in much of the world they are an invasive species (thanks, humans!), destroying natural ecosystems (or just taking up land and food for other invasive domestic species humans profit from) and the horrific ways the previously mentioned screw-up humans try to eradicate them, such as purposely releasing deadly viruses into the environment. I know- how can anyone pass up on that fantastic idea?! Small comfort that such viruses have not demonstrated to evolve and jump species... yet. There's also plenty of history of how rabbits appear in mythology, religion, ancient civilizations, and modern pop culture. It was interesting to read about the cute, Easter bunny image most people have of the rabbit, but the actual creature itself doesn't get much attention, especially to its various plights (zealously bloody culling, testing/torture, fur and meat, unwanted pets euthanized or mistreated). The facts about word etymology absolutely fascinated me- the original Latin name for rabbit or their burrows, cuniculus, is the root word for all sorts of perjorative terms for a woman, or her various parts. The female and rabbit association is quite prominent, in this society, and societies past. The only chapter I thought was somewhat weak was the chapter on rabbits used in the meat industry. I think this was because, with the focus being about rabbits, the implications of slaughter for other species wasn't tackled as well. And you can't focus on only one animal- that's the same as the speciesism the writers were criticizing (if you think it's wrong to eat dogs and cats, why is it okay to eat [insert commonly eaten animal here], to put it simplistically). But the writers handled it far better than a lot would have, and I think that's due to the fact that later on you learn that one of the writers is a vegetarian, having come to that lifestyle after being involved in rabbit rescue. It's also interesting to learn that one of the forerunners of the rabbit rescue movement, and one of the first authorities on the care of house rabbits, Marinell Harriman, is also a vegetarian. To me, this speaks volumes on their credibility. Then book was also meticulously researched and referenced from a variety of sources, and has now led me to put 16 additional books on my already insane "to read" list. I feel sympathetic (or is it empathetic?) to rabbits and the people who love them. I thought my favourite species, the rat, had a bad lot in life, but they aren't fighting the PR image of cute and cuddly Easter bunny vs. disposable pet/pest/experiment fodder. It seems a lot more complicated and a hard fight. Bunnies, I salute you!

Review # 2 was written on 2014-12-02 00:00:00 Gerald Leba An extremely interesting read for those that find rabbits (or even animals' general place in society) fascinating. I wish I could give it 4 stars but at different points throughout the book (especially in the chapters dealing with rabbits' portrayals throughout history) it began to read like an uninspired college paper, full of boring lists of source material and quotes or repetitive points that don't end up amounting to much of a point - at least not an insightful one. The sections on the morphology, behavior, and uses of rabbits, however, were very well written and raised interesting points and observations. A solid book overall but definitely one that rabbit lovers will find particularly engrossing.