At the beginning of the southern hemisphere spring I was asked by a representative of The University of Chicago Press whether I would be interested in reading James B. Nardi's new book Life in the Soil: A Guide for Naturalists and Gardeners (aff.). Being that I'm not a great reader of books - that's my wife's department for future reference - I hesitantly accepted and received a copy a short time later.

Now if I don't like a book, I'm not about to blow it's horn just for the sake of it. In reviewing Nardi's latest offering, all I can offer is that it's...well...it's good. And it will be received, and perceived, differently by whoever it is that reads it.

I can see why Amy Stewart gushed over it and subconsciously I have similar endearing thoughts. Yet, while it is certainly a fascinating insight into the circle of life beneath our feet - I couldn't be fascinated with it for hours on end.

No. This book will certainly keep pride of place on my mantlepiece but it will be used more as a resource than a quick read. And, I'm pretty sure that's how Nardi intended it to be. Heck, there's so much insight and research poured into it I'm sure he would want us to savour his efforts.

I can see that I'll be working away in my garden, stumble across some unknown arthropod, and then curse belligerently as I rummage through the bookshelves seeking this book's answers to my petty queries. Or, the kids will ask one of those "Dad?" questions where I need to be the font of all knowledge, and it will come in more than handy in these scenarios.

However, the beauty of Nardi's book lies in its simplicity of structure. For the novice gardener who wants to understand a little more of what they're dealing with it has all the facts and stats one could ask for. And for those gardeners who have been blessed with a naturalistic bent, you're going to discover some great ways to interact with this unseen world and explore the richness of your own gardens.

While Stewart stated, "This is the book I've been waiting for!" I would declare that, "This is the book I didn't know I needed!" I probably wouldn't have picked it up at the bookstore - but I should have.