Almost Human: The Astonishing Tale of Homo naledi and the Discovery That Changed Our Human Story

Even though Berger indulges in some self-congratulation throughout the story, it’s a pleasure to read his writing. Overall he paints a believable picture of the satisfaction of pushing back some of the curtains of the unknown, figuring out the best way to implement the scientific process in new contexts, and coordinating a modern-day dig. This lay person was impressed by his description of the many clues that can be gleaned from the context in which bones are found, their sizes and shapes, and their differences from previous finds. It’s fascinating how tiny is our window into the deep past, and how very deep that past is!

Perhaps the best written book on early hominid fossils I've ever read. The book is truly an exciting page turner so I give it a "5". On the other hand, I do have questions. First the author is almost too good to be true. He makes good--even great--decisions--99% of the time. He is the hero of his own story--and maybe he is--although I've never met another person, in any field, quite so flawless. On the other hand, that's part of the readability of this particular story. I almost reads like good fiction but, why not? Poor writing skills is not a professional necessity in scientific fields. That's one of the reasons we are experiencing a sea-change in the way scientific data is presented. We are all familiar with traditional scientific papers: Methods and Materials; Results; Discussion. It is significant that Darwin chose a very different method and style to present his discoveries, ruminations and conclusions. We are seeing a change probably driven by computers and the internet but answering a need of many scientists.No matter. Berger says he had to work fast, fast, fast on the H. naledi site because somebody [a spelunker?] had entered the cave before and he feared that he might come back and accidentally damage priceless fossils. I ain't buying it. The chance of this happening was very small and, to negate even this small chance, would have only taken somebody guarding the site. More likely Berger was worried about competitors. Word was bound to get out quickly and other paleontologists and fossil hunters would follow soon thereafter. If I'm right, there must have been some problem about ownership of the site and permissions. If Berger found the owner and signed [and payed for] a lease, the site was his without the danger of competitors. Guard the site until all preparations were carefully made, then proceed with the excavation with all due caution. But, no, Berger and the others stuck their necks out and fortunately got away with it.I would like to have heard a lot more about comparisons of neledi with the Georgia fossils and those from Flores Island. Why? Berger and team are obviously excellent paleoanatomists and would be fascinating to know how their early Homo compared with early, out of Africa, Homo species. He talks a lot about the details of other African discoveries but only touches on Georgia and Flores. Berger clearly accepts the 'out of Africa' theory without question but, why? H. Florensis is now thought to be non-derivative from H. erectus or H. sapiens. It is thought to be a member of a very early Homo species. I don't know as much about Georgia but something similar seems to be the case. Therefore, it appears that very early Homo, and perhaps even Australopithecines, occurred outside of Africa. Given details of their anatomy, they probably hadn't migrated for thousands of miles. They may have been 'native' to non-Africa i.e. very early hominids may have occurred over vast portions of Africa and Eurasia. Right now fossil evidence suggests the POSSIBILITY that H. sapiens evolved from H. erectus in Africa…but…most exploration for hominids has been done in portions of dry Africa. Generally speaking, fossils may not fare as well in more moist Eurasia so, it's like the guy said when asked why he robbed banks, "It's where the money is".

This is a book about a pair of recent discoveries (with a hint at a third) of early ancestors (possibly) of modern humans. Since the discoveries were only made in the last few years, there is a lot more research needed before the findings become definite. This book walks you through the two discoveries as they are occurring and gives a modern day look at the workings of paleontologists and universities as they try discover some of our early history.This book also gives a good history of some of the more famous discoveries such as 'Lucy' and the Flores (hobbits). The author has met and/or worked with some of the more famous scientists working in the field right now. He is a strong believer is getting the information and the fossils available to as many people as possible so that everyone can see where we (may have) come from.The reason I only give the book 4 stars instead of 5 despite the great content is that I feel that in many places in the book, the author is being a little self-serving in trying to show himself as trying to change the system of paleontology while he is in the midst of making these discoveries. I do not believe that he should be trying to re-fight his political battles while telling the lay reader about the science and history of such discoveries.I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the history of the discoveries of our ancestors well at the same time, seeing some new discoveries being made. The book was an easy read with short chapters which allow you to take the information in small bites which helps to avoid being overwhelmed.

It’s very hard to believe I had missed these developments. Thoroughly informative and enjoyable book. Well told story of the events.

Quality of writing/story-telling, clarity and organization of ideas, etc., is superb. It's easy, but clearly adult, reading. The authors method of publishing is brilliant - Timely and refreshingly collegial, rather than the usual secretive, jealous and petty hogwash often seen holding back many areas of antiquities, [and other], disciplines, no matter how old. Obviously, I am very impressed. I have an honors degree in Anthropology. I would give this 20 stars if I could. BRAVO!

I received this book a day earlier than expected and it is in perfect condition. I am very happy to receive this because I fell in love with the Homo Naledi after viewing “Unknown Cave of Bones” a few months ago. I am eager to learn more and how we are more alike than we are different. Thank you!

A quite remarkable study of anthropology, mystery, and discovery. The team that first went into the narrow strictures of the cave where the humanoid remains were found was a group of small women, whose stature permitted them to squeeze through the frighteningly tight confines of the passages. These women were not mental midgets by any stretch and their enthusiastic response to the call for academically trained scientists led to a major discovery of our human ancestors. Their work will take years and much more study to finally realize the impact of this discovery. Thrilling and scholarly!

Prompt delivery and exactly as described.

Takes the reader into a world only known to the world of searching for ancient human remains in Africa.The author of the book makes a discovery deep in some caves revealing another link to the ancient family tree of our ancestors.

Exciting new development in palaeontology, well written

Too self indulgent. The author seems to be more interested in anecdoes about his enterprise than explaining the science. It is also badly written. Too many adverds, adjectives and tacky anecdotes.

The subject of the book is interesting but the it is writers style is not appealing.

the book is mind blowing, the story of 'human kind' is so interesting, it is suitable for everyone, and dosen't need to have a big paleoanthropological background for understating it.