Rating: 
Summary: Read On....
Review: I gave this book four stars primarily because it needed to be written. I had already read much of the source information (ie hyena, lion study etc) from previously published books by Kruk et al. and therefore was already familiar with the scientific method as concerns animal behavioral studies. The book was absolutely correct in it's assessment of how scientists view correct animal study data. I do believe, however, that just because something can't be absolutely quantified, it does not exist. It has always disturbed me that science and scientists throughout history have for the most part been inflexible concerning new ideas and protective of the status quo. Now back to the review.. Essentially I found this book to be necessary but boring because I was already familiar with much of it's material. It plays the devil's advocate and does a very good job if you are new to the subject. Read it for balance and then make up your own mind...
Rating:
Summary: Interesting and beautiful.
Review: It infuriates me when someone tries to make the argument that because non-human animals are not, in fact, human, that they are lesser. It's arrogrant and stupid. What I love about this book is that it gives concrete examples, through research results, of animals acting more "human" and more civilized than many people roaming this earth. The best example is the study about the rats saving infants of many other species. They knew it was a baby and risk endagerment to protect it. Rats protecting chicks and kittens... Now imagine a human (other than animal lovers, that is) risking him or herself to protect a rat? Have you ever seen how they keep rats in pet stores? Piled on top of each other...food for snakes. But have you ever held a domesticated rat? (one from a pet store that is, not a NYC subway) They're affectionate, mild-mannered and sweet. They know people...they know if you're their human or if you're a stranger. They cuddle. Animals are amazing, amazing creatures. They're beautiful and pure, not tainted by long hours on the Internet or in front of the TV. They do exactly what is natural to them. Watch your house cat stalk or scratch his claws on a thick tree. We live peacefully with animals--our pets--but for some reason, we (they) lose that love and respect. Because animals are not human, doesn't mean they inferior. In any way. They have emotions and they feel pain and they're often suffering at the hands of humans. And I hate to say it, but PETA is making it worse. If people associate a desire to treat animals with dignity with PETA's terroristic acitvities, they instantly turn off. They don't even listen to the message. This is an awfully long review, isn't it? Well, the book is beautiful and intelligent and interesting. It's, I hate to be corny, but it's actually heartwarming.
Rating: 
Summary: A MUST READ for whether or not you are an animal advocate.
Review: From the Animal Defense League of New York City: <<The struggle for animal rights requires the recognition of the individuality of other-than-humans. Advocates of animals commonly frown at expressions and stereotypes that belittle others. However, we are frequently the ones who, in our attempts to individualize animals, "objectify" animals by holding them as "pure beings" who can do no evil. We, like those who demean animals with stereotypes, are just as guilty for depriving them of their individuality by stereotyping them with these objectifying views (i.e. animals do not wage wars, animals do not rape, animals only kill when necessary). Jeffrey Masson's "When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals" (with contributions by Susan McCarthy), a New York Times Bestseller, is a must read book for all advocates of animals and those who question the emotional capacities of nonhuman animals. We have all unconsciously objectify animals and deprive them of their individuality. Masson's book illustrates the whole spectrum of the individuality of animals, from love, joy, happiness, to sadness and cruelty. "When Elephants Weep" will awaken you to the identities of animals. - Reviewed by Patrick Kwan >>
Rating:
Summary: A Keeper!!
Review: As an avid reader I see alot of books come and go,and this one is definitely a keeper. I plan on re-reading this book over and over throughtout the coming years. I loved it...any animal lover would!
Rating: 
Summary: waste of time
Review: This book was chosen by my bookclub and eight out of eight readers gave it no more than a 2 (out of a possible 10). There is nothing here that is worthy of note, and it is utterly boring, clinical and common. Perhaps someone who has never had a pet or any interaction with animals will find it amusing and maybe even interesting.
Rating:
Summary: How does this rubbish sell?
Review: This turned up in the 'books people are raving about' section. Since there are some good reviews showing what utter rubbish the book is, this is clearly not true. Maybe there are not enough people raving about books that are actually good - or too many people raving (literally) about unscientific nonsense.
Rating:
Summary: A load of drivel
Review: Scientific inquiry is the single most reliable way we have of learning about ourselves and the world around us, but you wouldn't know it from reading this book. Scientists wear black hats here, standing in the way of understanding with their insistence on reproducible results and their disdain for anecdote. In fact, circumspection (at least) in the handling of anecdotal evidence isn't just a pose scientists affect so that they can deny consciousness to our animal friends; it's a necessary safeguard against reporting bias and self-delusion. (I certainly don't want my doctor prescribing a drug because he heard it worked for a guy down the street.) This is not to say that there is not legitimate issue to be taken with the way science has approached animal consciousness, but don't pick up this book expecting to find a thoughtful, nuanced discussion of the issues. The authors apparently feel that if they bash scientists hard enough and toss out enough entertaining and heartstring-tugging animal stories, actual reasoned argument isn't necessary. Don't expect to come away enlightened.
Rating:
Summary: A Celebration of the Anthropic Fallacy
Review: This book is unfortunately nothing more than the projection of human emotions onto animals from an entirely subjective viewpoint. The authors want animals to have human like responses- and so they do. Do animals have emotions in the same sense that humans do? Very possibly, especially among the higher animals. Does this book add anything to the debate? No.
Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: At first I skeptical about the importance of this book. But now that I have read it, I can't wait to read it again and wait for a sequel! It thoroughly examines the emotions that we have not noticed in animals. It has helped me regard animals as individuals whose rights we are morally obligated to respect.
Rating: 
Summary: spends more time trashing scientists than discussing animals
Review: I was really disappointed in this book. No reasonable scientist today denies that many animals have emotions, thoughts, and consciousness; unfortunately, this book spends too much time trashing scientists and not enough time on its main topic.
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