“For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what lies beneath the surface of Western waterways, Beautifully Grotesque Fish of the American West offers a lively primer to the region’s aquatic biodiversity.”—Ben Goldfarb, High Country News
"This is a book that beautifully navigates the space between entertainment and information. Moments will stick with readers, and will make them look at the fish and fisheries with new eyes."—Erin H. Turner, Big Sky Journal
"Spitzer, like many of us, is looking for utility and finding it in the wildness of underappreciated fish. The beautifully grotesque fish represent possibilities for us in our ever-changing world."—Donald J. Orth, Pacific Northwest Quarterly
"Mark Spitzer's Beautifully Grotesque Fish of the American West is a compelling read about many of the lesser known, underappreciated, or "trash" fish of the western United States. One of the major western issues Spitzer anchors his study to (perhaps obviously) is water. Water scarcity, irrigation, power generation, dams, and so forth are all issues that affect both the people and fish of the West."—Cory Willard, Western American Literature
"Reading this book is a little like sipping on an old, rich whiskey—it's smooth, interesting and exactly what you need after a long day on the water."—Joshua Peterson, Casper Star Tribune
"A powerful, beautiful, and ultimately kind book. We're lucky to have it."—Max Wilson, Lesser Places
"[Spitzer's] a hard-core fisherman."—Daryl Bauer, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
"Here is a book that captures that rhythm. Every page. The fish-obsessed will smile knowingly and follow Spitzer as he encounters everything from endangered razorback suckers to burbot on ice. And along the way, you’ll realize you’re enjoying a lot of science and conservation as well."—Matt Miller, Cool Green Science
"We highly recommend Beautifully Grotesque Fish of the American West to scientists, conservation biologists, and all who consider themselves fish enthusiasts. . . . Those who believe there is beauty in the interesting and unique ecology of all fish species will find a strong connection with the theme of this book. Importantly, this general theme provides a solid framework and conversation ethic toward a group of animals that do not get as much attention as other species that have been marketed as more popular fisheries."—Keith B. Gido and Garrett W. Hopper, Great Plains Research
"This is a book I have to recommend highly for all fishermen and nature lovers. It is written in a humorous and colorful style with information that makes you smile, chuckle and think about the importance of fishes in the future of mankind."—Chuck Mattson, Denver Westerns Roundup
