The Secret Life of Clams

The Mysteries and Magic of Our Favorite Shellfish

By: Anthony Fredericks

Narrated by: Jason Culp

Get up close and personal with an amazing creature that has invaded our lexicon as well as our restaurants. It breathes with tubes, it has no head or brain, it feeds through a filter, and it is the source of dozens of familiar proverbs ("happy as a clam!"). Clams, it turns out, have been worshipped (by the Moche people of ancient Peru), used as money (by the Algonquin Indians), and consumed by people for thousands of years. Yet The Secret Life of Clams is the first adult trade book to deal exclusively with this gastronomic treat that is more complex than its simple two shells might reveal. The Secret Life of Clams features compelling insights, captivating biology, wry observations, and up-to-the-minute natural history that will keep listeners engaged and enthralled.

Written by award-winning science author Anthony D. Fredericks, The Secret Life of Clams includes a comfortable infusion of humor, up-to-date research, fascinating individuals (scientists and laypeople alike), and the awe of a fellow explorer as he guides listeners on a journey of wonder and adventure. Along with an appreciation for oceanic creatures, this is a guidebook for armchair marine biologists everywhere who seek amazing discoveries in concert with compelling narration.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2014 Anthony Fredericks (P)2014 Audible Inc.

I expected something just a little more scientific

Not that the book wasn't interesting, but it focused more on the history of clams (their prehistoric roots), the various different types of clams, how they differ from oysters, their use as food, the various terms that have evolved using the word "clam," and a good deal about growing and harvesting them in the fast-growing industry of aquaculture. There's even a little (because there really isn't that much) about how clams have made their way into popular music.

Precious little of the book is really about their biology. It rambles on for good stretches about how clam shells help reveal the habits of ancient civilizations, speaks about some myths about clams (mostly the giant kind), about how to go clamming (tools of the trade, both commercial/industrial and for the casual clammer), and provides a chapter of recipes for preparing clams. You'll also learn about the nutritional value of clams, their value as an aphrodisiac, and uses for their shells once the tenant is cooked and eaten (a shovel? a spoon?).

Like I said, enough to keep you listening, and certainly things to learn. But sort of like listening to an old salt chowdering on about the many virtues of clams. Which isn't bad. Just not what I expected.

Meh

The factual information was interesting, but this might be geared a little more towards the farmer or water of clams than the info seeker.

Very entertaining

Alot of interesting facts and stories. It was a little sporadic but I did enjoy that, it kept my attention.

great read for science and biology nerd like me!

great back story, history, and current situation on all aspects of the crazy shelled little buddies!

Clam-ourous

A really fascinating discourse on clams. Reproductive process, habitat, historical info, even recipes and suppliers. I loved this book.