Chasing Shadows: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Great White Shark by Greg Skomal
Product details
Web ID: 19875834Glorified Animal Cruelty, Not Conservation
I purchased Chasing Shadows expecting a thoughtful look at shark conservation and the resurgence of great whites, but unfortunately, I couldn’t make it past page 90. The early chapters focus heavily on detailed descriptions of shark killings, some of which are extremely graphic and difficult to read. Rather than showing empathy or a shift in mindset over time, the author seems to downplay the suffering of these animals—at one point implying that their deaths are worth it because it allows him to study them (pages 81-82). I had hoped the book would eventually move into more humane, modern research methods, but the tone never shifted enough to keep me engaged. I was hoping to be inspired by science and conservation, but instead found myself reading something that felt closer to glorified animal cruelty than respectful marine biology. If you’re looking for a book that genuinely respects sharks and explores their survival in an ethical, compassionate way, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com