The Penguin Lessons

What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird

By: Tom Michell

Narrated by: Bill Nighy

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

A unique and moving real-life story of the extraordinary bond between a young teacher and a penguin, this audiobook will delight listeners who loved Marley & Me, Dewey the Library Cat, The Good Good Pig, and any book by Jon Katz.

In 1975, 23-year-old Englishman Tom Michell follows his wanderlust to Argentina, where he becomes assistant master at a prestigious boarding school. But Michell's adventures really begin when, on a weekend in Uruguay, he rescues a penguin covered in oil from an ocean spill, cleans the bird up, and attempts to return him to the sea. The penguin refuses to leave his rescuer's side. "That was the moment at which he became my penguin, and whatever the future held, we'd face it together," says Michell in this charming memoir.

Michell names the penguin Juan Salvador ("John Saved"), but Juan Salvador, as it turns out, is the one who saves Michell.

After Michell smuggles the bird back to Argentina and into his campus apartment, word spreads about the young Englishman's unusual roommate. Juan Salvador is suddenly the center of attention - as mascot of the rugby team, confidant to the dorm housekeeper, cohost of Michell's parties, and an unprecedented swimming coach to a shy boy. Even through the collapse of the Perónist government and amid the country's economic and political strife, Juan Salvador brings joy to everyone around him - especially Michell, who considers the affectionate animal a compadre and kindred spirit.

Witty and heartwarming, The Penguin Lessons is a classic in the making, a story that is both absurd and wonderful, exactly like Juan Salvador.

Praise for The Penguin Lessons

“I loved this book, and you will, too! It’s as charming, heartwarming, and surprising as a penguin on a roof terrace. What’s more, The Penguin Lessons teaches an important truth: that a single act of compassion can be repaid a thousand-fold.” (Sy Montgomery, author of The Good Good Pig and the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus)

“[Tom Michell’s] tone suits the material perfectly.... You believe every word.... No fool, this penguin. No fools, these publishers, who have unleashed such a delightful and charming book just in time for Christmas.” (Daily Mail [UK])

“Heart-warming is a wholly inadequate phrase to describe this captivating story that is pure delight from beginning to end.” (The Bookseller [UK])

©2015 Tom Michell (P)2015 Random House Audio

Fabulous story

I really enjoyed the way details of the biology of penguins and the history of Argentina were woven into the storyline .

Unusual and touching story

This is the true story of an unexpected companionship and what it taught the author. It has a dry British sense of humor which comes through in the narration. It could be make a good movie.

Heart-warming and hilarious!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, read superbly by Bill Nighy. His reading of Juan Salvato, the voice of the penguin, adds the right note of warmth, humor and a bit of sarcasm. The tales of Tom Mitchell's peripheral adventures were very interesting, but his connection with Juan really takes center stage. Very enjoyable.

I want a penguin!

Not a huge animal story fan - but this is one terrific story! Tom Michell and I are about the same age and I vaguely remembered stories of oil soaked penguins washing up many places. Knowing that there were people out there saving these adorable animals made me feel much better. I like to think that if I were in the same position, I would have had the the chutzpa to take one home with me. I fell in love with this little guy from the first. What's not to love about a creature who just wants to be, "one of the guys"?

Bill Nighy's narration is spot on. I can hardly wait to find more he has read, to listen to.

Thank you

Thank you, Tom Michell and Bill Nighy for bringing Juan Salvado to us so perfectly.

Wonderful

Beautiful story, well written and perfectly narrated. Thanks to the author for sharing Juan Salvador.

Just a wonderful tale

Loved the narration pace and accent; learned about penguins! On my way to Argentina to meet some!

sweet story

It was a nice, sweet story if you're looking for something light to read/ listen to. Had some funny & interesting parts as well. enjoyed the narrator.

Terrific true story beautifully narrated .

I suffer PTSD. in order to minimize nightmares I have a book playing while I sleep. it is pretty effective if you have a good narrator and a fun story. Bill Nighy is my favorite voice to listen to. His reading this beautiful true story of an adventurous young teacher who saves the life of a penguin and then keeps him at the Argentine boarding school where he is working is truly heartwarming. This is one I can play over and over.

Outstanding

This is a remarkable story of a country, a man, and a penguin. I to spent my early adult years in this vibrant country. The author brought back memories that are 40 years gone. Thank you for sharing your story. I to have a story that may in the future be told. Others not privy to this life adventure may have their own memories dusted off ready for remembering. Thank you.