I’m Booked: “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law”
Written by Ally Abruscato, Graphic by Anna Porter
If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? And if nature breaks the law, should there be consequences? Mary Roach’s non-fiction book “Fuzz” explores various elements of nature and their run-ins with the law.
You might wonder, how can nature break the law? According to Roach’s research, it happens quite often. More and more these days, bears break into houses looking for food because their homes are being torn apart and replaced by communities of humans. Birds fly over the islands where they lay their eggs and end up crashing into military planes. In “Fuzz,” Roach covers everything from monkey birth control to jaywalking deer. By traveling across the world and speaking to experts in fields that I didn’t even know existed, Roach creates a detailed understanding of the complex relationship that we have with nature.
Although there are many humorous parts to “Fuzz,” there is an overarching question of how humans should interact with the world around us. Animals are unaware of the damage they occasionally cause to our society. All they can do is adapt and try to survive in the ever-changing landscape that surrounds them. Roach forces the reader to wonder who is truly in the wrong when an animal breaks the law.
I found “Fuzz” to be a fascinating and entertaining read. There were plenty of facts that surprised me and could make for great conversation-starters. The book is formatted as a collection of reports and stories rather than one long narrative. But while this provided a variety of interesting and unique anecdotes, it made it a bit harder to be invested in. Roach’s writing style is informative yet casual. It feels as though you’re at a dinner party with someone who tells crazy travel stories, rather than reading a boring thesis paper. I recommend “Fuzz” to all nature lovers and law-breakers.
I’ll be back soon with another book review, but until then, I’m Booked.
As Editor-in-Chief, Ally Abruscato leads and supports a talented group of staff and contributors in pursuing their creative endeavors. At SCAD, Ally majors in Photography and minors in Advertising & Branding. She regularly offers pop culture insights through movie reviews, articles and her weekly column, “I’m Booked.” When she’s not writing or taking photos, Ally’s probably outside, reading or running.
