Chasing Giants

If you got this hoping for pictures of giant fish, you will be disappointed. However, if you got this for the stories of learning more about giant freshwater fish, you will be thrilled! Zeb Hogan gives you the insider’s look at how he pursued the research and expanding the knowledge base of these monstrous sized fish. It is well founded and explained well (you don’t need to be brilliant or even science minded to understand it and appreciate it). It is informative and enjoyable as you travel through various regions in the world.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Zeb Hogan does a phenomenal job educating his audience about monstrous sized fish. He really draws in the reader with his writing, and it's clear he did his research. What I love is that he explains everything in a way that is both interesting and informative, expanding what the world knows about these creatures.

I was not the target audience and I had really hoped for pictures.
Nonfiction.
Who is the author? A research biologist at the University of Nevada, adventurer, conservationist, diver, photographer, videographer, educator, researcher.
What many of these enormous pisces face is extinction by greedy humans.
Where? Anywhere in this world where legends and rumor lead.
How? By travelling with a competent journalist to discover just what is happening in the world of fish.
Research includes local cultural anecdotes and scientific data.
I requested and received an EARC from University of Nevada Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

Review of eBook

Imagine a giant catfish caught in the Mekong River . . . almost nine feet from head to tail, weighing six hundred forty-six pounds. Is this the largest freshwater fish ever caught? Why did some fish grow so big?

And so begins The Megafishes Project.

Travel with the author as he searches for the leviathans of the river and seeks answers to their decreasing numbers. Can the giant fish be saved?


This fascinating look at leviathan freshwater fish is both informative and intriguing . . . travel with him to the Amazon in search of arapaima and piranha; search for alligator gar in Texas. Head to France to find wels catfish, to Cambodia in search of stingrays, and seek gnarled-toothed sawfish in Australia.

The only disappointment amid all these fascinating facts is the lack of pictures. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see a picture of these leviathans?

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from the University of Nevada Press and NetGalley
#ChasingGiants #NetGalley

#NetGalley asked, "Do you want to read a book about the search for giant freshwater fishes?" I replied, "Heck, yeah!" This was not the most readable science book I've ever read and we seem to jump back and forth and to and fro amongst the author's many fishery projects so it's hard to keep them all straight. That said, the enthusiasm and passion the author has for this subject is clear and conveys itself on the page. I've never seen the National Geographic series that this author did on the same topic of monster-sized freshwater fish, but the book was fascinating. We get to travel the world with the author learning about river eco-systems and conservation all while hunting for the largest freshwater fish we can find. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

Great insights into environmental issues facing freshwater ecosystems around the world and the amazing world of giant fish. I enjoyed traveling vicariously through the authors to Southeast Asia, the Amazon, Arizona, Mongolia, and more.

The book loosely follows Hogan’s quest to figure out what species is the largest freshwater fish in the world. I found the chronology a bit hard to follow in parts as the authors jump from place to place and topic to topic, but the book was full of fascinating stories that will appeal to readers no matter what their background in science.

While Zeb Hogan and Stefan Lövgren are co-authors, the book is written from Hogan’s perspective. While sometimes I found him a bit of a scattered storyteller, Hogan’s curiosity, empathy, experiences, and drive to protect the environment make him an able narrator.

Recommended for those interested in ecology and environmental issues, anglers and those who love fish, and those who are interested in what science research can look like around the world.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

We all know the biggest land mammal and the largest sea creature but, what is the largest freshwater fish? No one knows for sure and Zeb Hogan has devoted his life to trying to find out. This volume is a mixture of memoir, travelogue and science book. Hogan tells readers a little about his background, but mostly all of his adventures studying fish all over the world. It is heartbreaking to learn how much these creatures have suffered as a consequence of industrialization. I never thought how dams have affected their lives, leading to the extinction of so many species that we’re not even aware of. To be honest, I read every book I can about animals but I’d only come across a few about fish, and most are about the ones who live in the sea. Hogan finds many cool species, from electric eels, rays, catfish and many other creatures that I’d never even heard of. The science bits were a little too technical, but it was mostly all the content devoted to fishing techniques that went over my head. I’m more into ethology so this book didn’t engross me as much as I expected, but if you’re looking to learn about the denizens of lakes and rivers, this is a great way to start.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#University of Nevada Press!

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher University of Nevada Press for an advance copy of this book on the freshwater life that is found all over the planet, and how little we still don't know about them.

About 71 percent of the planet is covered in water, and yet in many ways all that water is still a mystery, a final frontier in a way. The seas and oceans teem with life, as does every waterway stream, lake and rivers. What lives there is still being discovered even now. Though our conservancy leaves much to be desired. The news is filled with stories about poisoned waters making it hard to towns and cities to even get clean drinking water. What this is doing to the creatures that live in these waters is anyone's guess. Many mysteries will probably be unsolved or in many cases undiscovered, as is pointed out in the following book there wasn't even a consensus on what the largest freshwater fish is. Which makes the work of educators and media personalities so important in pointing out the mysteries not only of the deep sea, but what lives near our homes, and what many people gather to provide food for their families. Zeb Hogan, host of the National Geographic television show Monster Fish and writer journalist Stefan Lovgren have written Chasing Giants: In Search of the World's Largest Freshwater Fish, a book about their travels discovering fish, and what lessons they have learned and shared along the way.

The book begins with a Thai fisherman hoping for a good catch that will provide for his family. The fisherman offers a tribute to the spirits for a catfish, a large one, but one that has become rare in his area. Something much have worked for soon the fisherman and his companions were pulling a huge catfish to shore. One that weighed almost 650 pounds, and was over nine feet long. This was thought to be one of the largest freshwater fish, but as Zeb Hogan knew, no one could really be sure. No one was really keeping track, or knew for sure what different varieties of fish could grow to, or if there could be larger. Many fishermen who fish for their families survival might be far out of contact with authorities to share information. Hogan had set up hot lines and dealt with fisherman on rare fishes before, and thought that this would be a good project to get behind. Soon Hogan and his team were traveling the world finding sting rays, fish in the Amazon and even France, learning about the culture of the people fishing, and the fish themselves. And how the world of the fishes were changing, sometimes not for the best.

The book is a bit of memoir, along with fish stories and conservation efforts dealing with fish and other animals. The writing is very good, very informative and interesting with a lot of fish stories, and again even more in trying to get information. Stories about driving through monsoon rains to get to where certain fish have been caught. Followed by stories of trying to release these large fish into the waters, tagged as part of tracking experiments. The biology is well explained and tells a lot about the fish, the people who count on the fish for life, and what is happening to them as the world changes. The details are informative and would be interest for young readers who like to read about the natural world.

Recommended for readers of both fishing stories and conservation efforts. Also for people who might like to get into marine biology, just to learn about the different aspects of study, and how one little question can lead a person around the world for the answers.

This is a great book, 5 stars for Fish lovers.
In this book the author details a search for the largest freshwater fish- explaining all the difficulties with ascertaining with certainty that we have globally found the penultimate largest fish- or if someone or someone’s are just telling “fish stories”! The narrative weaves skillfully between story telling- and educational fact regarding fish taxonomy, habitat, climate change and world politics. While the author is the “Star” of a very popular Nat. Geo series, which I’ve enjoyed in the past,-this in not simply an extension of the program. It is far more in depth, and nuanced, allowing the reader to understand the very complex, multifaceted issues and concerns facing fresh water fish across the world. Although not a main focus, I found author’s description of how he came to be one of the world’s foremost Freshwater fish experts - and the description of his career trajectory- to be very interesting, and I imagine it will also interest younger people interested in working in science but not inside of a lab.
There were some moments where I felt the information was possibly too dense, and it did take me a while to complete the book, but I suspect those with a slightly stronger interest will have no problem at all. I’m not 100% sure this book is for everyone, but I think it’s for many- and definitely belongs on school and public library shelves.

Chasing Giants

Yes, there are still monsters on earth! Giant size freshwater fish that is. Biologist Zeb Hogan has spent 25 years traveling the world studying these rare and unusual fish. Many of these creatures are in danger of extinction. The authors’ point out that once these creatures die out they are gone forever, and so is whatever knowledge might have been gained from them.

This is a fascinating look at some little known animals. There is a tie-in with a television program. Both teens and adults with an interest in nature would enjoy this book.

It took me a while to get into the book but I wound up enjoying it. It was interesting to learn that there are so many species of giant freshwater fish but at the same time it’s disheartening to read that so many are in danger of disappearing. But hopefully the research that the author and other scientists are undertaking to understand and save populations of these giants will help.

I read this on a kindle and the one thing that I wish had been set up differently was having all of the pictures in the center of the book. While it’s easy to flip back and forth in a print copy, I wasn’t able to see the fish the author was talking about until I reached that section and going back to take another look was difficult.

Have you watched the Nat Geo show "Monster Fish"? If you have, you know Zeb Hogan as the host. I have watched his show and loved the way he tells a story, so when I learned that he had written a book, I HAD to read it! This is the story of his search for the largest freshwater fish on the planet. Zeb has a way with words, and this book is like walking through this story with him sitting across the table from his as he shares one of the best fish stories ever!

As the author rightly points out, freshwater fish are somehow neglected animals. There are so many popular science books about birds, large predators, even insects - but I think this is the first I have read about the creatures that live in our lakes and rivers.

Zeb Hogan's quest to find the largest freshwater species is just a pretext for a compelling story of fish biology, evolution and ecology. The book combines scientific memoir, travelogue, popular science and behind-the-scenes details of how National Geographic TV shows are made. It is well written, full of adventure and curious details - my only complaint is that it can be a little chaotic as the author jumps between different topics in subsequent chapters.

I think it will be a pleasant read for anyone interested in biology and the realities of fieldwork in exotic parts of the world.

Thanks to the publisher, University of Nevada Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

The journey of a lifetime…or a lifetime journey. In Chasing Giants, Zeb Hogan invites us to join him on his lifelong journey to discover the world’s largest freshwater fish. And I have to admit, it’s an extremely interesting, informative, and entertaining journey. I have to admit even after all these years of watching shows like Zeb’s own Monster Fish or Jeremy Wade’s River Monsters I’m still amazed and fascinated by the incredible variety of aquatic life out there, and even more fascinated by the prospect of what has yet to be discovered.

Zeb’s is a fascinating story, and is written in a way that is both easy to read and understand. But it is also about more than just the almost too incredible to believe aquatic ‘monsters’ he is searching for. Zeb also explores their migration patterns, the importance of them, as well as man’s effect on their ecosystems/populations and the need for conservation. This is one fish story that’s definitely worth your time. I’d like to thank University of Nevada Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Chasing Giants.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R346AGC5FETXXA/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Spanning roughly 25 years of searching for the largest freshwater fish, Prof. Hogan’s stories of research, conservation and adventures are engaging. Freshwater fishes are often overlooked because they are not as exciting as their saltwater cousins. However, the story of freshwater fishes growing to giant proportions in environments not so far from home is engaging and keeps you turning pages.

As a fisheries and wildlife major myself, but one that doesn’t really fish, I found the story of Prof. Hogan’s journey through his PhD work into his career beyond really interesting and relatable. It also brought back great memories of my field tech years doing fisheries work. Too bad I was chasing minnows and not giants. Recommend for anyone interested in conservation, fisheries and river ecology. 4 stars.

Review based on a digital Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by University of Nevada Press and NetGalley. Thank you!

Fisheries research biologist Dr. Zeb Hogan and science journalist Stefan Lovgren share fascinating stories about efforts to study and save the world’s largest freshwater fish. Dr. Hogan has spent the last 25 years trying to determine the largest freshwater fish species, a question that has been surprisingly difficult to answer. He has traveled all over the world studying fish populations, the threats to their health, and efforts to save them.

Part memoir and part scientific adventure, this is a well-written, exciting story for anyone interested in fish biology, field research, and conservation efforts. I discovered interesting new facts on almost every page. I was particularly happy to learn about how researchers are working with local villagers and fishermen to study and preserve these species.

I was provided an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.

I read about 25% of this ARC before it disappeared from my device and I was unable to download it again. I will write a review based on the 25% I was able to read.
This book is intelligently written and interesting. I have not watched the author's TV program or heard of him before. The topic intrigued me. I have a strong science background which is not necessarily required to enjoy this book. It seems to have been written for an educated reader or at least for someone with some general knowledge of science. The ARC I received does not contain photos, at least not in the section I accessed. It also does not include references, a bibliography, or appendices other than an index, which was inserted as a place holder in the ARC. In my opinion, photos would broaden the appeal of this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is one of those books that while you are reading, you keep showing the pictures nad articles to everyone in the room. Then you tell someone else about one of the stories, so you pull the book out to show them. This is repeated so often, you don't put the book away, you keep it handy so you can show and tell. Just be careful that no one "borrows" it. A great book full of information and amazing stories.

This book is a fascinating read! It's full of facts and information about monster fish. Great read!
I received a complimentary copy from University of Nevada Press via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Reading this book made me reflect on the plight of our waterways and fish. How did I not know about these giant fish? So much is happening beneath the surface in all of our fresh lakes and rivers. This book sheds a little light into those depths.

This book is an entertaining and informative amble through a career spent searching for, and appreciating, the giants of the freshwater deep.

If you weren’t already interested in fish, you will be after reading this book.

The topic is an interesting one as there is so much fresh water on the earth and so little is known about the fish that inhabit the rivers and lakes. Hogan gives us an interesting adventure, providing readers with information about fresh water fish. We are taken along on his travels so we learn some about the areas as well. In that respect, this is part memoir and part scientific investigation with personal reflection added.

This is a good book for anyone interested in learning about the environment and habits of fresh water fish. While the age suggestion for this book begins with elementary age, I do not think Hogan's writing style is suitable for young readers. It is a good read for those who have long dreamed of catching that big one as well as those interested in fresh water studies.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

This begins with the author wondering what the world's largest freshwater fish is......& then the book follows his quest to search out that answer. He actually makes a great career out of it, does a lot of traveling & has lots of adventures. He really put together a very readable book, even to a person who isn't into fishing! I learned a lot about freshwater fish....all over the world....paddlefish, rays, gar, sturgeon, eels, catfish & others, about different countries & their landscapes, conservation, about habitat loss, overfishing, the effect of dams & pollution, & sadly....extinction. It's quite an interesting look into that career/vocation/science. I learned a lot, & could recommend it to anyone!
I received an e-ARC from publisher University of Nevada Press via NetGalley, & offer this ....my own fair & honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t quite what I expected, but I liked the different threads that Hogan includes, such as his own research work, trying to find the world’s largest fresh water fish, conservation efforts, history, and ichthyology. My favorite parts were the descriptions of rivers and dams, something I knew nothing about before this book, and the history of various fishes, especially the ancient and weird fish. The voice of the narrative is very lively, and I found the whole book engaging, whether I was reading about Hogan’s adventures in Cambodia and Mongolia or about Hogan’s childhood. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to people who like fish, weird things, conservation, and rivers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this book for an honest review.

Non-fiction that seeks to answer the question: What is the world’s largest freshwater fish? Author Zeb Hogan is a research biologist at the University of Nevada, Reno, and host of National Geographic’s show <i>Monster Fish.</i> Hogan has traveled the world for twenty years searching for and studying rare, large freshwater fish species. This book documents his travels to places such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Brazil, Guyana, Australia, Russia, and more. In addition to the search for the largest freshwater fish, he informs the reader of the role these species play in the ecosystem. He relates the environmental consequences of human actions such as overfishing, dam building, and pollution.

One of the aspects of this book I most enjoyed was the way Hogan engages the local inhabitants of the regions he visits. Many of the people who guide him are those who fish as a way of life. Readers learn about the culture and history of these regions in addition to specifics on the types of fish that live in their waterways. Examples of “Monster Fish” include paddlefish, sawfish, sturgeon, catfish, and rays. I was astounded that fish weighing hundreds of pounds live in these rivers! I learned a lot from this book. Recommended to those who enjoy learning more about and preserving our natural world.

Chasing Giants: In Search of the World's Largest Freshwater Fish by Zeb Hogan and Stefan Lovgren

Chasing Giants: In Search of the World's Largest Freshwater Fish is a captivating book that takes you on a journey with Zeb Hogan, a biologist and host of the National Geographic television show Monster Fish. The book, told from Hogan's perspective, is co-written by Stefan Lovgren a journalist and filmmaker. Together, they explore the fascinating and endangered world of "megafish" - the giant freshwater species that can grow to enormous sizes.

The book is based on Hogan's 20 year quest to find out which megafish is the largest in the world, a question that was sparked by a photo of a 646-pound Mekong giant catfish caught by a Thai fisherman in 2005.

Hogan's quest proves to not only provide a thrilling adventure story, but also a sobering reminder of the threats that these megafish face. Fresh water fish, and megafish especially, suffer from overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Hogan and Lovgren make a compelling case for why we should care about these ancient leviathans of our lakes and rivers, and what we can do to protect them before they disappear forever.

Along the way, Hogan and Lovgren encounter amazing creatures such as arapaima and piranha in the Amazon, alligator gar in Texas, wels catfish in France, stingrays in Cambodia, and sawfish in Australia. They also learn about, and explain to us, the environmental threats and conservation challenges facing these ancient leviathans, and the complex cultures and places that depend on them.

Hogan's passion, curiosity, and empathy shine through as he relays his experiences as a scientist and adventurer. He gives us insights into the biology, ecology, and behavior of the megafish, as well as the history, myths, and legends surrounding them. The book is full of fascinating stories and anecdotes that will appeal to readers of all backgrounds and interests.

I enjoyed Chasing Giants. I learned about a hidden and mysterious world that I had known very little about before cracking open this book. I was impressed by the authors' dedication and courage to pursue their quest, and by their efforts to raise awareness and protect these magnificent creatures. The book is well-written, informative, and engaging, with vivid descriptions and anecdotes that bring the fish and their environments to life.

I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in fish, wildlife, nature, adventure, or science.

RATING: Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

NOTE: I read an advanced review copy of the book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher University of Nevada Press. The book was released to the public on Thursday, April 25, 2023.

2.5 stars

Chasing Giants is a treasure trove of fish factoids that satisfies the itch of the armchair traveler craving something exotic and aquatic. Although a great read for amateur ichthyologists, this book is not for everyone. If you yearn to learn about big fish around the world and how local communities react to their presence you will be well met. However, if you just like to see big creepy fish, I'd recommend you just watch River Monsters reruns.

Interesting and educational, albeit somewhat bland, Chasing Giants is a middling nonfic selection.

Everyone has a dream, a fairy tales in childhood. But how many people will keep believing it when grown-up.
Do believe, and chasing your dream, you will know all. The giants does exist, keep slient and watch out this world.

I used to love the show River monsters with Zeb Hogan and couldn’t wait to read this book chasing Giants written by Zeb Hogan and Stefen Lovgren End it did not disappoint from his studies in Thailand as a young college student to his day is on the show with his good body Brant Allen it’s all here and his search to find the biggest freshwater catfish, something that continues to this day. He even talks about his days in Cambodia his heart for stingrays and much more I truly enjoyed this book and hardly recommend it if you’re a fan of adventure in those living life the Rhône original way then you’ll definitely love this book I certainly did and highly recommend it. I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.