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lawrence anthony elephant whisperer thula thula well written south africa must read highly recommend true story animal lover herd of elephants heartwarming thoroughly enjoyed great book beautifully written learned a lot passed away page turner books i have ever really enjoyed book club
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Katherine
5.0 out of 5 stars The world needs more Lawrence Anthonys
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2018
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This is one of the best books I have ever read on so many levels. A great bush story - you feel like you are at a campfire on an African reserve, listening to wonderful stories. Author Lawrence Anthony is an amazing person; his story is inspiring. And the real stars of the show are the elephants!! We could all learn a lot from their behavior.
I seldom read books again. Indeed, only 3 have merited a re-read, as I always feel like there are “two many great books, too little time” to spend rereading. This is my third go-round on The Elephant Whisperer, however. I read it first when I was traveling through South Africa - the descriptions in the book are dead on. Since, I have recommended it to two book clubs, hence the retreads. Each time I am even more impressed - rather than “skipping” the parts I already know, I find I reread parts just because . . .
If you like books that make you think, help you remember what life should be like . . . If you love elephants the way I do . . . If you like to laugh, and cry, and become completely absorbed in a great read . . . this book is for you!
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Gatorfan
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5.0 out of 5 stars great read, every school room should have this book available
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2018
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WOW. I read this book at one sitting. Why I picked it I have no idea as I usually read nothing but romance, but something about the cover had me downloading. I am SO GLAD I did. I learned more about Africa and the animals there than I thought possible. I will admit that I read with my heart in my throat. I am so glad there are people like Lawrence but there is no way I could have ever done what he did. To say every day is adventure is putting it mildly. It is a beautiful story about Africa as a world unto itself and the way of life that exist there. I have never understood how a human could kill an animal of any kind and i have always hoped there was a special place in hell just for them. I know there are hunters, etc. but I still just can't understand it. I guess it takes all kinds.

I loved this book and all that it taught me. It was funny, educational, at times sad, at times emotional tears, i.e. when the female elephant brings her baby out to meet Lawrence, I was moved to tears. There is a lot more to this story than just the elephant connection. Life in Africa is dangerous and serious. Lawrence was raised in Africa so as an adult he knows more of the culture and ways of the tribes than most would. I was amazed at all the things that go on. It seemed like every day was a major crisis of some kind. I don't know how his heart stood all the stress except that he seemed to love every minute of his chosen vocation. Again, I don't know how they do it but thank God for people like Lawrence. A great read. I definitely recommend it. I am so glad I did.

I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 4/8/18 One reviewer said that Lawrence has since passed away. I hope the proceeds from this book go to help finance the wonderful work he did while alive and what I am pretty sure he is still overseeing from the spirit world. Namaste.
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Catherine
1.0 out of 5 stars LONG SLOG TO GET TO ANY ELEPHANT STORY
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2020
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I'm an "elephant-a-holic" and was so delighted to see this book. Now, I don't think I can make myself finish it. I am just shocked to read the many 5-star reviews. My experience is that it was way too long on details that don't need that type of examination (how long can one talk about building a fence, and finding scat?).

Are there some magical elephant moments? Certainly. But you have to slog through a lot of poorly written, self absorbed stories to get to those rare moments. And many of the stories were so puffed up with self importance at the risk and disregard of others -- only the author's purpose seemed to hold any import.

Example: The author was out with two young rangers and is charged by a elephant. He tells the young men to stand their ground. They, amazingly, do. The elephant pulls away at the last moment, but turns and begins to charge again, and again the author tells these men to stand. They are fearful and scamper up a nearby tree. To "teach them" he leaves them in the tree after describing a group of honey badgers arriving on the scene, and according to the author, the badgers have "pickaxe teeth and a bear trap death grip."

He drives off! He leaves them with no way to get back to the reserve but by foot. He is proud of himself for making them have to deal with this situation as punishment. Hours later when they arrive at his home he thinks, "They have learned their lesson." And what is that lesson? To do whatever you say even when they fear their life is in danger?
The machismo and arrogance of believing it's your choice to decide if someone wants to risk their life or not because YOU tell them to was to me, so disgusting, that I lost any respect for the author.

And that was an "exciting" part. Lots, and lots, and lots of tedious details. So disappointing.
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Sam Smart
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2017
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Wow. Loved this book. Originally purchased it as an audible book to listen as I exercised. It was so good, I sent a copy to a friend who loved it so much she sent it on also. Then, purchased it as a Christmas gift for another friend who spent several years raising a family in South Africa. She absolutely enjoyed the book as well and is passing it along to her daughter. Who knows how many more copies will be purchased and read by my family and friends simply because it's so good!
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Top reviews from other countries

JADED LADY
5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL BOOK BEAUTIFULLY WRITEN, PERFECT FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN CONSERVATION OR LOVES ELEPHANTS.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2018
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Read Excerpts in the media so bought the book. So far only read first chapter. it is captivating and so hard to put down. Beautifully written and if you are interested in Conservation you will love this book. I highly recommend this and the seller who sent it swiftly. Cant wait to pick it up again but will keep it to take on holiday. Give it a try you wont be sorry.
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Autumn
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 31, 2012
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This book has to be one of the best I've read. It pulls you into a different world and the warmth, passion and understanding of Lawrence Anthony towards all life is a joy to read. I didn't want it to end. It's rare you come across such an uplifting, warm, easy to read, very sad in parts, inspiring book.
The loss of Lawrence Anthony to the world earlier this year is so tragic and there are few so dedicated, understanding, respectful and caring towards wildlife and humans as he was.
I can't wait to read his other two books.
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Shell OC
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2019
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I absolutely loved reading this book. I couldn’t put it down once I started. Recently getting back from safari myself it was a lovely reminder on how spectacular it is. Highly recommend to any animal lover!
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Cookie 75
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 29, 2013
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I absolutely loved The Elephant Whisperer. Hard to find words to describe how much I was taken by the story... Full of depth, knowledge, fun, love and humour. I could not read it in a straight line for weeks as it was so captivating that I would look ahead and all over! Finally I managed to do it in the order of the chapters. The fact that the author doesn't idealize or infantalize the elephants brings out all the nuances of their life and consciousness. Can't imagine not having read now.
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Vijayakumar Kandampully
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read For Every Human
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2012
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A book that will teach you to use your senses to understand others living around you,they are not created by a lesser God. Love them all like your children but do not harm them and the love is reciprocated. Leave the world without destroying its contents living or non-living. Greed is self harming where as service is creative force. May be this should be a school book to be taught in every school all over the world. It is well written, good plot, conflict, beginning and end with a moral to learn.
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