Name: Reiza H's review of Sapiens: a Graphic History by Yuval Noah Harari
Item: Sapiens: a Graphic History
Rating: 4
Author: Reiza H

Yuval Noah Harari

The first volume, in a hardcover edition for libraries, of the graphic adaptation of Yuval Noah Harari's smash #1 New York Times and international bestseller recommended by President Barack Obama and Bill Gates, with gorgeous full-color illustrations and concise, easy to comprehend text for readers of all ages. One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one--homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us? In this first volume of the full-color illustrated adaptation of his groundbreaking book, renowned historian Yuval Harari tells the story of humankind's creation and evolution, exploring the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human." From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens challenges us to reconsider accepted beliefs, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and view specific events within the context of larger ideas. Featuring 256 pages of full-color illustrations and easy-to-understand text covering the first part of the full-length original edition, this adaptation of the mind-expanding book furthers the ongoing conversation as it introduces Harari's ideas to a wide new readership. --Wall Street Journal

The Birth of Humankind (Vol. 1)

Sapiens: a Graphic History

Lisette

Reiza H

What a ride!

I spent around 3 hours 20 minutes to finish this book. It's the rich addition to the acclaimed Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. The illustrations and the stories, all contribute to giving the readers easier ways to contextualize.

It's the first book of the series. Apparently, they still have 4-5 books to talked about how we, Sapiens, change not just ourselves, but our environment and our universe. The first book talked much about how an insignificant ape in East Africa managed to take over the world. How we outperform our cousins (Neanderthals, Denisovans, Erectus, etc) to be the sole dominant Homo on the planet.

It all started with fire.

Once we had the ability to control fire, we can conquer almost everyone. Even the beasts and our surrounding environments. But controlling fire wasn't enough to be the dominant species. Surely our cousins utilize fires too, right? Yes. But it gave us advantages over other animals.

Next, comes the most important: The ability to develop and use complex communications.

All other animals surely have their own means to communicate. But, as far as we know, it's only us that have the ability to use communication to talked about entirely everything. We can articulate our environments, describes the recent situation on the forest near our villages, explaining our dreams, visions, and even beyond. We can talk about the seen and the unseen, and even create laws, norms, and rules from that. Therefore, we can create stories, fictions, complex systems that can ensure one stranger to work together with another stranger.

All in all, it's been a wonderful journey. Can't wait for another books!

every child should read this entire series. but man this made me even more sad that i havent finished the real thing, as it inevitably lacks the full picture (hence the 4.5 stars). running to read the real sapiens now...

Ashna Nirula

I haven't read the textbook version, but the graphic novel version is a lovely book to read over and over again. You can take a step back from society and people, and see history of ourselves as a human 'being', or 'species'. 

Seungmee Lee

Keven Wang

This is the first graphic novel I have finished. Great job Yuval

Aakankaha Dwivedi

It was fun to read. Took me out of the reading slump. I totally loved this illustrative edition of a magnificent book of our time. Loved it.

Aditi

3.5. WIll need to read it all again to really come to terms with all the information, but it was an interesting read.

Aditi Verma

Lotta

3.5 stars

Pretty cool graphic novel. I randomly picked it up from the library and I did enjoy it! I'm not sure who is the target audience for this, as the language used can be a little childish at times, but the topics discussed and jokes made are often more on the mature side. Didn't bother me though!

Erin 

This was excellent. I am very easily amazed at things, particularly science and/or history types of things. Science and evolution and humans are so cool in what they can do and accomplish. Although, humans are the ones on trial in this book, which is very interesting. I haven't read the full of Sapiens yet, but this is a great introduction to it and I can't wait to dive in (I've had a copy sitting on my bookshelf since April).

Volume one of the epic, beautifully illustrated graphic history of humankind, based on Yuval Noah Harari's internationally bestselling phenomenon In a world deluged by irrelevant information, clarity is power. How can we see the big picture without getting caught up in an infinity of little details? One way is to step back, to look at the really big picture: the entire history of the human species. Sapiens: A Graphic History, The Birth of Humankind is the story of how an insignificant ape became the ruler of planet Earth, capable of splitting the atom, flying to the Moon, and manipulating the genetic code of life. With Yuval Noah Harari as your guide, and accompanied by characters like Prehistoric Bill, Dr. Fiction, and Detective Lopez, you are invited to take a ride on the wild side of history. The graphic format offers readers a new intellectual and artistic exploration of the past. Human evolution is reimagined as a tacky reality TV show. The first encounter between Sapiens and Neanderthals is explored through the master-pieces of modern art. The extinction of the mammoths and saber-toothed tigers is retold as a "whodunit" movie. Sapiens: A Graphic History is a radical, and radically fun, retelling of the story of humankind, bursting with wit, humor, and colorful characters. If you want to know why we are all trapped inside the dreams of dead people--read this book.

Ellie

Marcos Porto

The first volume of the graphic adaptation of Yuval Noah Harari's smash #1 New York Times and international bestseller recommended by President Barack Obama and Bill Gates, with gorgeous full-color illustrations and concise, easy to comprehend text for readers of all ages. One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one--homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us? In this first volume of the full-color illustrated adaptation of his groundbreaking book, renowned historian Yuval Harari tells the story of humankind's creation and evolution, exploring the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human." From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens challenges us to reconsider accepted beliefs, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and view specific events within the context of larger ideas. Featuring 256 pages of full-color illustrations and easy-to-understand text covering the first part of the full-length original edition, this adaptation of the mind-expanding book furthers the ongoing conversation as it introduces Harari's ideas to a wide new readership.

Lisette &
Sapiens: a Graphic History by Yuval Noah Harari

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Lisette &Sapiens: a Graphic History by Yuval Noah Harari

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Lisette &
Sapiens: a Graphic History by Yuval Noah Harari