LITERATURE

GoatMan: How I Took a Holiday from Being Human

by Thomas Thwaites
Princeton Architectural. May 2016. 208p. photos. bibliog. ISBN 9781616894054. $24.95. MEMOIR
COPY ISBN
This extremely entertaining book describes a highly unusual experiment—the author's attempt to transform into a goat. A designer by profession, Thwaites describes his undertaking in a very tongue-in-cheek manner, though he is quite serious about his project. We learn plenty about how goats think, move, and eat, as Thwaites becomes deeply absorbed in his pursuit and at one point ponders (half seriously?) whether he should mate with another goat to bring the idea to fruition. He ultimately rejects the notion, but this is representative of the mind-set he brings to his endeavor. In the end his study turns into an insightful meditation on both what it means to be human and the limitations all creatures face.
VERDICT Though one of the more amusing memoirs in recent memory, its audience will probably be limited to academics and intellectuals.
Reviewed by Staff , Jan 28, 2016
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

Dear Readers and Riders: The Beloved Books, Faithful Fans, and Hidden Private Life of Marguerite Henry
by Teague, Lettie
NONFICTION

Zora Neale Hurston
by Hopson, Cheryl R.
NONFICTION

The Vanishing of Carolyn Wells
by Barry, Rebecca Rego
REFERENCE

The Design of Books: An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers
by Berne, Debbie
NONFICTION

Greasepaint Puritan: Boston to 42nd Street in the Queer Backstage Novels of Bradford Ropes
by Cantu, Maya
NONFICTION

The Lede: Dispatches from a Life in the Press
by Trillin, Calvin
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?