Where Are You From? by David JS Montagnes ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Where are you from? explores biodiversity across the British Isles. It highlights contemporary issues, challenges beliefs, and offers thought-provoking alternatives to some of our more dogmatic opinions regarding ecological change and conservation. There is also a socio-political subtext, as it subtly explores societal approaches towards culture, immigration, and integration.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

January 2025; Indie; 979-8304214490; print (98 pages); nonfiction

While I was in Prague for work, I met the author. David Montagnes was at the same conference that I was at. We got to talking (he has some great stories), and the conversation got around to books, and he mentioned that he wrote a book, and I mentioned that I review books. He happened to have a few copies of his book with him, and he gave me one. 

Where are you from? is only available in paperback format. With the wonderful illustrations, I'm not sure an ebook could do it justice.

Each species gets a two-page spread. One side is artwork that makes me think of Canterbury Tales for some reason (I've never read them, so I'm not sure why it would be a comparison), and the other page of the spread is the text. 

I loved the illustrations. If I were one to tear up books, I would so rip out the pages and have them framed.

If you are thumbing through the book in a bookshop, you might think it is a children's picture book. But it is not. It is aimed at adults. Montagnes has a very accessible writing style; even if you have no science background, it is easy to understand. Older children and young adults could get something out of this book.

Though the tag line is "An A to Z of our Flora and Fauna," not all the letters of the alphabet are actually represented. It is already hard enough to find species to fit every letter, and then Montagnes limits himself to the British Isles. I was impressed that he had something for X and Z. 

I'm on the fence when it comes to non-native species. On one hand, they can be "invasive" and outcompete what was there. But on the other hand, it could just be the next evolutionary step. 

No matter where you live, this book will give you some "food for thought" as to the ecological implications of introduced species.

Buy Where Are You From? at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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