Uncertain, Fugitive, Half-fabulous

"If they are not eating, then rats are usually having sex."

Shudder.

This is a great book. I haven't read much in the way of popular science books, but Rats was immensely enjoyable. Weaving in and out of discussions about the behaviors and history of rats to move into bits about the strange people who do (and did) populate New York City, about history, and even about 9/11 -- but almost entirely from a rat-centric perspective. It's funny, written in a voice that alternates between excitable and a sort of, almost pretended dryness. It's disgusting and fascinating, and the author never falls too in love with his subjects, interesting as he finds them. Really, though, I feel like I came out of it with more knowledge about the history and makeup of the city I live in than I did about rats in general, even though most of that knowledge is, er, rat-based. Basically, if any of that appeals to you, you should read it. The author is very present throughout, but he seems like he'd be a great guy to hang out with, so that works.