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

I read all these books that have come out over the last 35 years since I earned a lowly bachelor's degree in Anthropology. All are interesting and help keep me filled in on new discoveries and new theories of human origins. This one offered something more, however; advances in the way things are being done. I was thrilled to read of the talented women recruited (and the novel means by which this happened) to carry out the initial excavation. I admit that the first part of the book, though interesting, seemed almost like an introductory textbook, in spite of the fabulous finds at the first cave site. But once the Dinaledi cave story got going, I was spellbound! Berger's effort to bring my field into the 21st century are vital. Had the opportunities he has helped to create been available sooner, not only would we know more about our origins, but many more good minds would be participating in that story. Too many promising anthropologists are forced to move on for lack of opportunity. The changes in process and access instituted by Berger and Hawk will bring much needed attention and funding to Paleoanthropology, as well as stimulate a host of new careers. This story is a win-win, for science and the public.

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!

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.

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!

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".

I have to say that the most remarkable thing about this story is not the unique fossils which were found, but the willingness of Mr. Lee Berger to share in his research, discoveries, and credit. That being said, this book was written with such passion and in such detail that it was easy to picture myself in the caves. A most exciting experience. I hope to read more books by Lee Berger in the future. This one was a real treat.

Ever since I read African Genesis as a young man, fascinated by the early work of Raymond Dart and the Leakey's, I have endeavored to attempt to keep up with the methods, techniques and discoveries of paleoanthropology and the many attendant scientific disciplines it necessarily functions in conjunction with. As a forensic pathologist I have a rudimentary basis of understanding, but this book does not require a rigorous science background. It is a thoroughly absorbing account of some of the most seminal discoveries of hominids in recent years. It's a lively, accessible story not only of the discoveries but of the intrepid team who discovered them - and the difficulties they faced. This is a superstar group dedicated to divining the origin of us. I don't see how anyone can resist this account - or fail to have an abiding interest in the origins of man.

A well-written and engaging book. I was somewhat familiar with the subject already, but it was nice to read the first-hand account of the discovery. The only critique I have is one that I often have of this genre of first-person science books for a broader audience- the author spends a fair amount of time discussing their critics but always in a somewhat patronizing manner. They are understandably passionate about their find and their work, but a clear statement of what their critics were concerned about and a straightforward response would make for a better book. If you're reading this review and enjoy this book, I'd also recommend The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story for another exciting tale of anthropological discovery, written by an author with a background in fiction. This sense of narrative helps to present a more cohesive story.

I have always had an interest in paleontology. not only is this a remarkable story of discovery but it provides a lot of background on the human evolutionary tree that made it all the better. I loved this book !

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.

Absolutely fascinating! I read the whole book in one day! Loved it. I tell the story to everyone. It was amazing all they had to do to get to the bones, protect the researchers, make the excavation site safe and thoroughly scientific. I also admire and agree with his philosophy that findings of such importance should be public and made available to all scientists.

I couldn't put this book down! I barely slept until I'd finished it and I've already lent it out three times! Panicking in case it didn't come back to me, but each time it has, thank goodness. Simply amazing and Lee Berger writes in a way that keeps you wanting to read more. He transports you right there with his excitement and explanation. You won't regret buying this book! :-)

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