"Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks," by Juliet Eilperin
Jeff Glor talks to Juliet Eilperin about "Demon Fish."
Jeff Glor: What inspired you to write the book?
Juliet Eilperin: I wanted to write a book about the oceans, because I think it's such a fascinating subject and we're learning more about them through science than ever before. As the sea's top predator, and one that's at a critical juncture, sharks provide a perfect lens through which to look at the ocean, And they're a creature that people find compelling, which always helps.
JG: What surprised you the most during the writing process?
JE: I was amazed to find out both how connected we are to sharks, and how different they are from us. We get the bones in our inner ear, and the muscles and cranial nerves that allow us to chew and speak, from sharks. But sharks are much less social than humans, and females in some species can even reproduce on their own, without males.
JG: What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?
JE: I'd practice law, like both of my parents. When I was 6 I wanted to be a Supreme Court justice, and I still haven't entirely given up that dream.
JG: What else are you reading right now?
JE: I'm reading both a book of fiction and non-fiction: "Illumination," by Kevin Brockmeier, and "Tomatoland," by Barry Estabrook. Both of them are fantastic.
JG: What's next for you?
JE: I think I'll begin on another work of non-fiction in the near future, but not immediately. I still have my day job covering the environment at The Washington Post, and I'm looking forward to getting a little beach time with my family this summer. It's time to get back into the sea.
For more on "Demon Fish," visit the Random
House website.
