Whatever You Do, Don't Run

True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide

By: Peter Allison

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Whatever You Do, Don't Run is a hilarious collection of true tales from top ­safari guide Peter Allison. In a place where the wrong behavior could get you eaten, Allison has survived face-to-face encounters with big cats, angry ­elephants, and the world's most unpredictable animals: herds of untamed tourists and foolhardy guides whose outrageous antics sometimes make them even more dangerous than a pride of hungry lions!

Join Allison as he faces down charging lions (twice); searches for a drunk, half-naked tourist who happens to be a member of the British royal family; drives a Land Rover full of tourists into a lagoon full of hippos; and adopts the most ­vicious animal in Africa as his "pet". Full of lively humor and a genuine love and respect for Botswana and its rich wildlife, Whatever You Do, Don't Run takes you to where the wild things are and introduces you to a place where every day is a new adventure!

©2007 Peter Allison (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Allison's infectious enthusiasm for both the African bush and his job showing its wonders to tourists is readily apparent, making for a fast and very entertaining read." ( Booklist)

Quick Laugh Out Loud Read

I really enjoyed this book. I listened to it while hiking and I had to laugh out loud several times or said oh-oh to myself, depending on the situation.

This is a quick read that makes you want to visit Botswana!

Great set of stories

Would you consider the audio edition of Whatever You Do, Don't Run to be better than the print version?

Was a very easy listen, did it in a day since it was so enjoyable

What about Antony Ferguson’s performance did you like?

Very easy listening

Peter Allison will make you want to go on safari

What did you love best about Whatever You Do, Don't Run?

First - Peter is a great storyteller. Second - he doesn't shy away from admitting his mistakes, scary or sad moments = he keeps it real (and good, comedic writing doesn't shy away from the trials of life - it just helps us laugh at the absurdity or helps us realize we're not alone). 3rd - amazing adventure stories with animals in Africa.

What other book might you compare Whatever You Do, Don't Run to and why?

Not a book, but I think this is like a David Attenborough's Africa TV series - stories of Africa's people and animals

What about Antony Ferguson’s performance did you like?

Antony Ferguson's performance was alright (B+/A-). He has an accent like Peter, but I wondered why they didn't have Peter narrate his own book, because the man himself probably would have done a slightly better job at the tone and expressions of how he really tells a story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

lots of parts, actually.

Great stories and imagery

I read this book while traveling around Botswana and thought it was a lovely addition to my trip. After going on a few safaris it's easy to relate to his stories, descriptions of characters/tourists, and adrenaline involved in suddenly seeing animals in your path. The stories are light hearted and entertaining and they give insight to life and perspective as a guide.

A must listen

What did you love best about Whatever You Do, Don't Run?

I loved the fact this books was several short stories tied in together as a collection. Great for keeping you entertained.

What other book might you compare Whatever You Do, Don't Run to and why?

This book stands alone.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

stories of people behaving badly in the bush

Interesting Journey

This was very interesting! I enjoyed listening to the adventures of a safari guide, including some of the unusual animals and guests. The author also provides details about the life of a tour guide, both positive and negative.

Classic!

Having enjoyed several safaris, including in Botswana, the account was authentic and for me nostalgic. If you too have enjoyed the African bush the book will make you want to return, and if you have never had the privilege, it should make you start booking! The accounts of close encounters (cheetah crawling & elephant Salvador) may or may not be entirely accurate, but they seem quite possible and certainly most entertaining!! And the self deprecatory humor adds a smile. Highly recommended!

One of our favourites

Any additional comments?

Difficult to beat the stories in this book - a classic on our audible shelf!

Great

I really really enjoyed this! Very fluid and witty. I honestly couldn't stop listening. I highly recommend this to anyone!

Very Funny! But wish it was longer.

The story about Dick, the Frankenstein Landover was my one of the funniest. My only complaint was I wished the book was longer with more stories.