Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees

This book is a comprehensive review of several different species of bees. If you are looking for a book that is easy to read, discusses various types of bees, and the evolutionary history of bees then this is a good start. However, if you are looking for a book on honeybees, beekeeping, or anything along those lines then you may be disappointed (although this information is certainly helpful to the craft).

As a North Carolina certified beekeeper with a great grandson, Charlie, as an assistant, I enjoyed this slim volume on the origins and importance of bees. Although the author stated up front that his book was not specifically about honeybees, I do wish, however, that it had been more focused on the honey bee. If he had, he could have presented a call to action along the lines of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.”Thor conveys his love of bees and shares his sense of wonderment as he studies them in various localities. He quite rightly highlights that pesticides and parasites have contributed to declines in bee populations. I feel that he should have included poor nutrition due to extensive monoculture cropping as another cause as well as pointing the finger of blame at Byer for encouraging the high use of neonicotinoids.“Buzz” is not for someone wanting a general book on bees or honey bees. The author casts too large a net by not concentrating on the honey bee. The language is sometimes a bit technical, and many of the photographs all of which are black and white are not detailed enough to be of use. Having the “Notes” at the end of the book makes it unlikely that most folks will read them. Which is a shame. The “Notes” contain a great deal of useful information much of which should have been included in the main text.Thor’s son, Noah, ends “Buzz” with two profound statements:- “Bees are special, Papa.”- “The world could do without us, but it couldn’t do without bees.”Amen, Noah! Charlie agrees.

Interesting, educational book about bees, and the problems faced to save them. I especially liked the chapters where the author described the actions of farmers to increase the population of not only honey and bumble bees, but more unknown types just as essential to plants. The theory that plants evolved to attract bees, and vice versa is well explained and compelling. The book is too short, and pictures not only drawings would have been nice. Specific instructions on how to help bees by growing certains plants could be helpful. I noticed in my own garden a tree whose flowers are long lasting and attracts numerous bees everyday, while other flowers are all but deserted. Ultimately, it will be down to farmers and gardeners not beekeepers to save bees, by creating environments suitable for them, and altering their practices to preserve them. Those alfalfa farmers described in the book are the trailblazers of the trend. They will need to not only farm the land but become beekeepers, as my father was on his farm.

I've learned so much about bees and find myself getting close to those I see in my yard and trying to identify them. Very interesting. Very few pictures so if you're looking for something exciting this isn't for you but if you really want to know about bees it's spectacular

Interesting and important subject.

This was an eye opening book for me as a new beekeeper. I heard the author interviewed on NPR and immediately ordered a copy. I am now thrilled when I look around and spot native bees wherever I am. The stories in the book and history of bees that we have studied I find fascinating.

This is a wonderfully written book that takes you on a poetic, brilliant, and educational journey of the bee. I could not put it down!A must read for anyone interested in the plight of the bee and pollinating world. I especially enjoyed the literary references.

My husband has been keeping bees for over 30 years, so I was uncertain if this would be a good gift for him. But he loved it! He said he learned a great deal and enjoyed the book tremendously.

Lots of juicy facts about bees and wasps too as a bee is a hippy wasp, vegetarian flower lover as the author puts it. I had no idea that there are 20,000 different species of bees. We now have a spoonful of honey with breakfast each day as a result of reading this book. Fun easy read, take you about five hours. The last 37% of my Kindle copy was bee species facts, an appendix, notes, bibliography and a word search. The notes are underlined in the text, not numbered or asterisked so when turning a page you may end up at the back of the book and have to negotiate your way back to the page you were reading.

I have ready everything Thor Hansen has written and every single book is just as good and just as detailed and interesting as the last. I came across his book "Feathers" which I couldn't put down, then he wrote one about seeds which was really fascinating, and now this about bees. Who knew that a bee was a vegetarian wasp originally?! Be prepared to be completely amazed by bees and also to not be able to put the book down once you've started.

For anyone remotely interested in the evolution of bees and flowers, and their place in society this is a must read. Thor Hanson explains some complex evolutionary theories with great humour and for the lay person to understand. Interesting and thoroughly entertaining.

Not my usual type of read but needed it for group. Interesting collection of science and experiences. Not just about honeybees but about mainly all the other kinds!

Really interesting book on the evolution, biology and importance of bees all around the world. Definitely worth reading if you want to learn more or are a fan of bees!