SHARKS

A challenge to see sharks differently.

Former journalist Marcovitz opens with two dramatic recent examples of shark attacks—one fatal and one (on a 10-year-old) not; he contrasts these terrifying accounts with facts about the rarity of shark attacks on people, whereas “some 80 million” sharks are killed by people each year. The following two chapters extol sharks’ unique qualities and their contributions to the environment as apex predators or mesopredators, depending on their species. Unfortunately, the prose in these sections is lackluster, more awkward exposition than stirring storytelling or convincing argument. However, the writer reengages his audience in the third chapter, with a recap of the book and film Jaws and a surprising quote from movie director Steven Spielberg, who said “I truly, and to this day, regret the decimation of the shark population because of the book and the film.” Marcovitz describes myriad other threats, including the demands for shark fins for soup, sharkskin shoes and accessories, and squalene (from shark liver oil) for cosmetics. The book concludes with descriptions of global efforts to protect sharks and hopeful examples of changing attitudes. Subheadings break up the text, making it more accessible, although their connection to the information that follows isn’t always immediately clear. The striking photographs and ample text boxes containing quotations and background information don’t fully redeem this unexceptional survey.

A pedestrian overview.