4.75

There are ridiculous reviews on here claiming the author is a sexist egoist -- don't believe them! He has a charming scientist personality and he mentions plenty of women (who make up only 35% of paleontologists in the world, so his percentage is about right). Wouldn't you rather read a book by a well connected paleontologist who knows all the big names in the field and can even sprinkle in descriptions of their personal quirks? I don't want to read something by a paleontologist who isn't professionally super-connected!

I came to my dinosaur fascination late -- age 55 not 11 -- and this book absolutely hit all the right notes. Seriously fascinating and thorough.

My only criticism is he starts to describe the death blow asteroid but stops short of an elaborate description by saying "you wouldn't believe me" and then glosses over the details. I want to know more! Also more could've been said about the primitive primate who made it out of the Crustaceous who he says we are descended from, and I would've liked lots of colored photos.