• My Life with the Chimpanzees

  • By: Jane Goodall
  • Narrated by: Jane Goodall
  • Length: 3 hrs and 43 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (159 ratings)

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My Life with the Chimpanzees  By  cover art

My Life with the Chimpanzees

By: Jane Goodall
Narrated by: Jane Goodall
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Publisher's summary

From the time she was a girl, Jane Goodall dreamed of a life spent working with animals. Finally she had her wish. When she was 26 years old, she ventured into the forests of Africa to observe chimpanzees in the wild. On her expeditions she braved the dangers with leopards and lions in the African bush. And she got to know an amazing group of wild chimpanzees - intelligent animals whose lives, in work and play and family relationships, bear a surprising resemblance to our own.

©1996 Jane Goodall (P)2019 Grand Central Publishing

What listeners say about My Life with the Chimpanzees

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wonderful book about a wonderful woman

An enjoyable and informative listen. Loved hearing her read it herself, and sound effects were a fun bonus. the world needs many more Jane Goodalls in it

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Wonderful Listen

I really loved the book! The narration felt so much more personal since the author was reading it. The sound effects really added to the ambiance of the book!

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Fabulous Soundscape Narration of an Icon

"My Life with the Chimpanzees" is a marvelous introduction to Dr. Jane Goodall's career for those previously unfamiliar with her work, as well as a nostalgic revisiting for established fans. The first third of this short memoir describes Goodall's upbringing and training prior to her first assignment studying chimpanzees at Gombe, the middle highlights some of her most important discoveries there, and the conclusion discusses ways readers of all backgrounds can be more observant, respectful, and protective of animals.

Not only am I a perfect demographic for loving this 2001 book, but I also adored this 2019 audiobook production. Narrated by Goodall herself, her prose is supplemented by other human voices and a fabulous animal soundscape. This is a joyous listen for all ages, and one to revisit time and again.

Goodall is a seasoned storyteller who masterfully sets a scene, describes action, and utilizes reader empathy to make her case, all in a concise manner. No sentence is wasted here.

I am so glad I read this! I re-established my Jane Goodall Institute membership upon finishing this and am re-invigorated to help animals however I can. I recommend this to all those in love with animals, chimpanzees, wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability, ecology, ethology, anthropology, wildlife documentaries, wildlife photography, animal rights and welfare, citizen science, field research, African wildlife and conservation, Gombe National Park, and of course, Dr. Goodall herself.

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Love Jane, message & superbly crafted soundscapes!

One of the best Audio Books I have ever heard! I just loved being immersed in Jane's beautiful narration, accompanied by the amazing soundscapes-especially all of the authentic nature and animal sounds and the deep and meaningful message of this book. I will listen to it again and again. And, it will be at the top of my gifting list for friends and family for this giving season and beyond. It reminds me of an old fashioned radio show, its like being right there with Jane hearing and experiencing everything she is describing. I feel that the message of hope and Jane's exquisite role modeling and inspiration are so important for our world at this time.

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Perfect for all ages!

What a beautiful story. Only one proviso for parents of younger or very sensitive children: Please preview before sharing this with them. You may decide to edit out a few passages and soundscapes that deal with very violent scenarios.

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beautiful

It's a beautiful short story of her life and philosophy. The accompanying audio tract was nicely paired with the story and served to enhance her details.

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  • 04-22-23

lovely read

I think it must have been intended for kids not what I was expecting but still an excellent read. Love you Ms Goodall, and your gentle voice is a treat to listen as well as the fascination we all have with your work.

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Great Story, too many sound effects

I enjoyed listening to Jane Goodall tell the story of her life and all of her adventures. My one criticism is that there are too many sound effects throughout, and sometimes they are just too loud, especially when one is wearing an earbud!

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3 people found this helpful

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A 9 year olds point of view

In all, this book has taught me that I can be curious brave and daring. I like that Jane Goodall told us her story in her own words.

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My kids were mezmerized

It was such a beautiful story. The best part was that the Narrator was Jane Goodall herself. She has such a calm, soothing reading voice. Myself and my kids could not stop listening. It is her life story as well as a lot of conservation topics. This is a great book for kids and adults

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