Among Animals 3 — John Yunker

The third edition of the pioneering book seriesAnimals speak. But humans are, with few exceptions, ill-equipped to understand them. Fortunately, we have writers.Writers play the critical role of interpreter, positioned between humans and the billions of nonhuman animals with whom we share this planet. In Among Animals 3, you will meet some of these writers as well as the animals who inspire them.The short stories in this edition feel more visceral, more urgent than ever. Perhaps it is climate change and the plight of animal species around the globe that compels us all, writers and readers alike, to take a closer look at what we are so close to losing. Perhaps it is also the plight of the human species and the many stresses of a tiny virus. The rapid spread of Covid has underscored that we humans are not just animals but highly social animals who can spread a virus faster than any other species on this planet. And perhaps because of Covid, we face the simple realization that life is short and we must make the most of our time and our talents.Fortunately, these writers have made the most of their talents in writing about animals, about species ranging from dogs and cats to chickens and pigs. In one story, we meet a donkey. In another, a jaguar. And we even encounter a species or two not yet formally identified. These stories challenge us see what we have tried to avoid seeing. It's only by looking straight on-and acting upon what we witness-that we can ensure a better future for animals and the planet.