I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Becoming an Ecologist is a non-fiction book for anyone within or looking to go into a career within science and ecology.
The author recounts his journey through different subfields of ecology giving the reader an insight into science and how it works as well as recounting the joy he's found within his career and the discoveries made. He brings forward an insight into other aspects such as questions ecologists ask within their field, how they get the answers they need and what they do when they find an answer they did not expect to find. The author adds in additional thoughts and findings on a more personal basis too such as influences of those around them, disciplin, backgrounds, interests and lifestyle contingencies which added more than I expected to find within the book contents.
This book may be helpful to offer a practical and pondering approach for anyone looking at a career in ecology.

This was a fascinating narration of the emergence of landscape ecology and changing in paradigms from the point of view of one scientist. Dr. Wiens has had an impressive career filled with lots of interesting research. As an aspiring ecologist, I found it really useful for thinking about where my career might go and how many unexpected opportunities might come up in the future. However, I was lucky enough to go to a school that really emphasized DEI and ethical conduct in the life sciences, and there was very little addressing current social issues in ecology in this book. Like, this guy married his grad student...and then barely addressed the ethical questions and power dynamics inherent in that relationship. I recommend reading this book, but with a critical eye.