Gone by Michael Blencowe is a fascinating look at some species that have gone extinct in the past couple of centuries. The entries for each species is a combination of informational background and some narrative, and it is the narrative that makes this, in many places, a truly sad book. Sad for the animals that are no longer as well as the sad state of humanity.

This is an amazingly engaging read. I like the topic and fully expected to like the book, but also, from past experience, was prepared to like it in spite of the writing. But Blencowe writes in such an almost conversational tone that I enjoyed the book as much for the writing as the topic.

Highly recommended for readers who want to dip into the subject of extinct species and/or are interested in current endangered species. The stories here are fascinating and they offer many warnings for how we might treat other species.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )