A Wolf Called Romeo

By: Nick Jans

Narrated by: Tom Perkins

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

No stranger to wildlife, Nick Jans had lived in Alaska for nearly 30 years. But when one evening at twilight a lone black wolf ambled into view not far from his doorstep, Nick would finally come to know this mystical species - up close as never before. A Wolf Called Romeo is the remarkable story of a wolf who returned again and again to interact with the people and dogs of Juneau, engaging in an improbable, awe-inspiring interspecies dance and bringing the wild into sharp focus. At first the people of Juneau were guarded, but as Romeo began to tag along with cross-country skiers on their daily jaunts, play fetch with local dogs, or simply lie near Nick and nap under the sun, they came to accept Romeo, and he them. Written with a deft hand and a searching heart, A Wolf Called Romeo is an unforgettable tale of a creature who defied nature and thus gave humans a chance to understand it a little more.

©2014 Nick Jans (P)2014 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"An astute, deeply respectful encounter between man and wolf." ( Kirkus)

Taking Responsibility

Very well written. Including the information on the plight of wolves, and misperceptions about them. This info was important to include in the story because it is the foundation upon which the controversies in the story (and all human & wolf encounters) take place.

Wow, what a story!

I heard Nick Jans speak recently and decided to listen to his book. The story of Romeo the Wolf is heartwarming, informative, inspiring, disconcerting, and sobering...all at the same time. Read this book and learn about the world of wild animals & inspiring and disappointing humans that we live with on Planet Earth.

Truly Heartbreaking

As a millennial Juneauite, I was too young to ever see this wolf. Nor hear in detail about his story. And just as Romeo's namesake, this book is filled with passion, love, hate, and longing. I wish I could have met Romeo. Even though i was only eight years old when he first appeared. I also would say that I'm proud to be born and raised in a town with such magic that this book entails, but pride in this matter doesn't seem to fit, rather I think a sense of comunity, and respect we can have for eachother feels more atune. I suggest this book to anybody around the world, even if they didn't even know of Juneau's existence. The underlying morals can maybe instil a guide to your future actions to fight for your comunity and what is just. This heart tugging tale has changed me in a profound sense, and I fully intend to visit Romeo memorials.

Easy Listening

The book was easy to listen to and enjoyable. Lots of good background information about wolves and culture in the United States. The book was surprisingly informative for a simple story about a friendly wolf.

North Carolinian who loved Romeo

Why do the worlds most perfect and beautiful creatures always come to this end? I know one should take stock in the miraculous being and his time here on earth but I can't help but feel as though the real "wolf" (both Park Myers and Jeff Peacock) always come out unscathed. I knew before I read the book that Romeo was murdered but the details of death are heart breaking. I am left wondering what can we do as a concerned human to better protect wild animals and habitat.

You Won’t Forget This Wolf

A poignant story about an Alaskan wolf who lived within a community for over seven years. What a gift for the dwellers who were wise enough to realize what a beautiful creature was sharing space and time with them.

Romeo Remembered

Good insight about Romeo and wolves. Saddened that his life wad ended by some Asshole.

Must read for wildlife lovers

The story of a wolf and an Alaskan community is disappointing and uplifting at the same time. Truly a remarkable wolf and the community that loved him. The author does a wonderful job describing the images of wolf, dogs, and humans that came together to form a "family." I've listened to it twice already and plan to again and again. Nick Jans - Thank you for sharing your experiences.

moving and insightful story of wolf vs. humans

I found this book very insightful and moving. Always a fan of wolves I appreciated how this challenges wolf haters to reconsider their assumptions. ..but sadly those folks will never read this. At times there was a bit too much of the "about wolves" stuff but I did learn new things. There was also plenty of the story itself.

Narrator did a great job.

Wanted to love it, missed the mark

Though understandably a true story, and I greatly admire and thank the author for telling of his experience and events around the story, I just felt it could have been more engaging. I truthfully and just personally found the book long, tiresome and generally redundant though I truly wanted to love it. I do have to say it gets 5 stars for the cover picture though. Beautiful!