Review: 20th Century Casanova
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 16, 2012
Most guys only dream about being named "Bachelor of the Year" especially when the awarder of such a lofty title is Cosmopolitan Magazine whose readers are females who are fun and fearless (according to the publication's mission statement) and targeted by articles claiming to explain "How to Heat Up Sex: Naughty (but Easy) Tricks to Try Tonight" (Cosmopolitan, June 2006).  What lusty, red-blooded American male wouldn't want to assaulted and captured (at least for an evening) by any member of the hordes of women amply equipped, philosophized and psychologized into thinking and acting like the quintessential wild and crazy Cosmo Girl?  In "Wild Life," Cosmo Bachelor of the Year, wildlife biologist Michael Modzelewski recounts what it was like to step out of the Alaskan wilderness and into various urban jungles where the subject of his studies is definitely less hirsute and much more on the wilder side of sexual adventure.Often while recounting his "year in the life" with sometimes raucously amusing detail--both easy to read and relate, Modzelewski  asks the quintessential male question:  Why hunker down with just one woman in a monogamous relationship when the male species, just by its very biology, is meant to sow as many "wild oats" as possible with a multitude of females that will help refresh and replenish a healthy gene pool for the furtherance of its continued life?Most of Modzelewski's comments support his tendency to look at things from the naturalist's perspective.  Man is hardwired to find many women attractive--ladies, just think about that annoying boyfriend we've all suffered through who couldn't keep his eyes in his head whenever a good--looking woman entered his space--thankfully, some hide their need to swivel their heads like owls better than others and this reviewer thinks that Modzelewski is probably better equipped than others to keep his raptor's gaze in check just based on his need for stealth and patience while in the wild.  I point this out because Modzelewski demonstrates "good guy" instincts throughout his narrative; his pleasure even in the most outrageous situations is always tinged with a strong degree of respect for the women involved no matter what their philosophy or daring-do.  Modzelewski loves women and has no need for conquest.Rather, he demonstrates a genuine need to understand and thereby gain a deeper appreciation for each of his experiences.  His encounters with the various women are not strictly relegated to the physical.  Instead, he delves into their sensibilities for a multi-faceted view of their inner selves in order to discover their actual drive even though confined by the short time in which he must allot them.  In one instance, he actually participates in the ablutions and preparations of a woman preparing for an evening out, garbed in a wig and female clothing!  Quite an anthropological experiment for such a man's man, which only underscores his sincere desire to fully engage in his project.Nonetheless, even as he plucks many savory apples from his own personal tree of pleasure, Modzelewski wonders at the oddness of being devoted to only one woman.  How could he, or any other man, give up so many for just one and actually stay committed and not struggle with the boredom of monogamy?And just like any other "Adam" he finds the "Eve" that stops him dead in his hunter's tracks with the sudden desire to--of all things--"settle down!" Whenever that four letter L-word rears its mischievous head, it can definitely make a grown man cry. How refreshing!  A man who actually indulges in his own fairytale ending with the girl of his dreams with absolutely no chagrin!Modzelewsi's extreme likability endows the entire book with strength.  The reader, amused by Michael's adventures, bears him no ill-will, no matter his/her personal stand: feminist, confirmed and jealous bachelor, geeky nerd, fire and brimstone preacher or steadfast matron.  Modzelewski is like Tom Selleck inMagnum P.I. - The Complete Series - Seasons 1-8; you cannot fail but to like him.From a technical perspective, Modzeleweski's memoir could use a bit of editing.  Whenever he waxes eternal with regard to his big biological question, he tends to reiterate his opinion regarding men, women and monogamy which leads an astute reader to believe he wrote various portions of this book at different times.Bottom line?  Wildlife naturalist and Cosmo Bachelor of the Year, Michael Modzelewski relates a pivotal experience in his life as he avidly explores the biological cravings of man for women in a pleasant and fun read that proclaims him the Casanova for the 20th century.  `Wild Life' will make you shake your head, laugh and wickedly and knowingly grin all the while feeling as if you have been part and parcel of this grand adventure. Recommended.Diana Faillace Von Behren"reneofc"