We Bought a Zoo: The Amazing True Story of a Young Family, a Broken Down Zoo, and the 200 Wild Animals That Change Their Lives Forever

He took an interesting story and made it irresistible. A lot went on in the re-opening of this zoo, and it could have been very dry reading. The author did a good job of interspersing the details with bits of humor, drama, and, yes, sadness, while the narrator did a fabulous job bringing the story to life. I wouldn't mind listening to it again, and I hope the author does a sequel, because I'd love to hear more about the zoo now that it has been open for a few years and the changes that have been made. I'll definitely be looking for other books the narrator has done the reading for, too.

I have never written a review before but felt compelled to now. I have been listening to Audible books and books on tape for over 12 years and this is the worst narration I can remember. I think this is a great story, but Jackson's reading falls short. I felt it was stilted with no emotions. I even checked to see if the author was the reader. I would love to hear the story read by someone else.

Written as if a project plan. Dry and boring. I am an animal lover, and the concept was appealing, given the additional attractiveness of settings in France and England. I gave up about half way through. Perhaps others who enjoy those same things will persevere. I could not.

Actually, yes! I was steadily listening to books, one after the other. This one was not completed, and it has been several months before my return.

Weariness! I tried hard to get through it, but the story was written as a documentary, a project plan --- "next we did this". Not at all compelling.

Loved this book! A very enjoyable listen. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie but it did not adequately portray the absolutely insurmountable challenges and amazingly colorful characters that made up the actual story. I found myself laughing so hard I was crying through parts of it. I highly recommend it.

The narration was almost painful.. I couldnt finish, I hate spending money on a book that is too boring to listen to. Only made it to 2nd or 3rd chapter and I couldnt listen any more.

A good story for listening while you're walking, etc. as there are no major plot twists or mysteries to have to keep up with. This is the real story - not the movie - and it takes place in England. I recommend this for a time when you just can't decide what you want - and you're not in the mood for more murder, mayhem, political intrigue.

Would have liked to get to know the characters more. More indepth on the children, interaction with the animals.

Narrators performance is great.

I would read a follow-up book - if he puts a little more "beef" in it.

I realize the author was giving us his real life "diary" of events and not making up sensational happenings.

I didn't know it was a true story. That was pleasing. It was well written and flowed nicely. It was interesting. I have not seen the movie so can't compare, but I don't think the movie had the sadness of his wife's sickness. Not sure, though. I listen to several books per week driving and doing chores. I enjoy a good reader. I feel they make the story. I did not like the reader of this book. I found the voice flat and unimaginative. He did not do female voices well. I never forgot that a male was reading the book. I actually thought it was read by the author (seldom a good idea-most should stick to writing and leave to reading to the pros), until I looked to see. I would probably listen again.

The wife. I liked her positive attitude and tenacity. And the mother. She was interesting. I would have liked to hear more about her. She was very generous and trusting with her life's savings.

I would have found someone else. I did not like his performance at all.

If someone else was the reader, I would listen to a follow up. Otherwise-no. I would like to hear more about the family.

Get a new reader.

Cute story, I would have prefered more about the relationships and less banking,
financial and legal data. The animal stories were great and the people were inspirational.
Quite an impressive undertaking. Interesting reading.

The fact that it was so different from most books I read

The author

The day the zoo finally opened

This was such a fascinating story--interesting, funny, poignant and informative. The movie just cannot compare, and I'm surprised the author didn't object.

i gave up about 2 hours in. so very boring. i hope the movie either ditches vast amounts of boring detail or completely revamps the story. wow.