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I did enjoy this book--actually, it's fascinating. It is also all over the place. I was expecting some straight-up nonfiction (languages that are dying out, what is unique to each, etc etc). This book is more of a memoir: Harrison's experiences with last speakers, the difficulties of traveling to them, logistics, why they are the last speakers, etc etc. I love me a memoir, but it was so not what I was expecting. I would rather read about the languages than about the problems of traveling with cameras when it is 0°F out. Rather than organize the book by continent, or language, or chronologically, or in any other of myriad ways this book could be organized, it is lumped into odd chapters. The first two are about his choice of profession and first field experience (Siberia, grad school). But then we have "The Power of Words," "Where the Hotspots Are," "Finding Hidden Languages," "Six Degrees of Language," and yes, four more chapters. Not all of these chapters divisions are clear. In one chapter you are in Paraguay! India! Siberia! Or Australia! Michigan! Siberia! As soon as he gets going on a good story or example, he bounces on to the next. It's like watching children's TV. Egads. And bummer, Netflix does not have The Linguists movie, which I do really want to watch.

2023-01-17 06:19