Karen Magnuson Beil

This book was very well-written. I did not know the story behind Carl Linnaeus prior to reading this besides the fact that he was the gentleman who categorized as many living organisms as he could before his death, and taught his followers how to continue to do so. I was amazed at how much he accomplished during his 70 years of life. Back then, that was definitely a healthy ripe old age that many were unable to live, so it makes me wonder if he would have lived until nearly 100 if he had been born today. I was fascinated with all the connections he made, and progress that happened even after he had passed. To know that one of his apostles had been responsible for the Slavery Abolition Act was heartwarming, indeed. I was also amazed and humbled how his faith in God helped him prove scientific theories as real. Sometimes scientists want to use Science as a way to discredit God, but Linnaeus was the total opposite, so for that one fact alone I will always have an appreciative place in my heart for him. His accomplishments during his lifetime were many. Linnaeus was an inspirational character long before he was schooled. He hated his Lower Grammar School, and would "cut" school to go outdoors with a notebook to document the similarities and differences of different organisms. Fortunately, Johan Rothman, unlike his teachers, saw that Carl had amazing potential, encouraged him to study medicine, and was the first person in Carl's journey to guide him into the amazing life he led. If you want to know more, get the book. It is amazing. It is also a great teaching tool in middle and high school. The end of the book also has a detailed timeline for review, to reinforce that major points were not missed by the reader, and then a scientific glossary. If you love Science, inspiration, God, nature, or the enduring human spirit, this is YOUR BOOK!… (more)