My Life with the Chimpanzees

By: Jane Goodall

Narrated by: Jane Goodall

Length: 2 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the time Jane Goodall was a girl, she dreamed of a life spent working with animals. Her earliest fascination with animals inspired her to hide in a henhouse so that she could watch hens lay their eggs. After years of study, at 23, Jane Goodall made her first voyage to Africa and began her determined steps, one after another, to achieve her goal of studying animals by living among them. On her expeditions she braved the dangers of the jungle and survived encounters with leopards and lions in the African bush. Her detailed observations of many kinds of animals, but especially generations of chimpanzee families, reveal a world few human beings ever come to know. Her story covers the proud achievements of a lifetime, including raising her son in the Africa she loves.

In My Life with the Chimpanzees, Jane Goodall shares the remarkable journey which took her from her childhood in London and Bournemouth, England, to the realization of her dream in the wilds of Gombe, Tanzania.

©2001 by Jane Goodall, All Rights Reserved (P)2001 Time Warner AudioBooks, a Division of Time Warner Trade Publishing

Feels a bit lightweight

I probably misunderstood the ambitions of this title. I think I was hoping for more insight into Goodall's work with primates than this title sets out to give. Basically I was hoping for chimps featuring Jane Goodall and what you get is Jane Goodall featuring chimps. As an inspirational story for children it's probably great but as science or natural history less so. I'm afraid that I also find it offputting when scientists make reference to supernatural beliefs in their writings. Personal prejudice. I'm stacked full of them.

So basically this was interesting but not what I was hoping for when I purchased it. Goodall is a competent narrator as well.

5 people found this helpful

My 10-year old loved it!

I haven't listened to it yet BUT I had to write. I took this audiobook on our first-ever mother-daughter trip to Africa and my 10-yr-old listened to it three or four times during the trip on her portable player. It was really wonderful for her to have listened to it right before we visited a Jane Goodall chimp reserve in Kenya... she knew as much about Jane and chimps as the guide! The audio book held her attention, presented sophisticated information in a way that was understandable to a mature 10-year-old, fascinated her, entertained her during some interesting and difficult travels and taught her a lot at the same time. It gets all my votes!

8 people found this helpful

Held the Attention of the Entire Family

We played this on our Chromecast in the living room. Ages 5, 8, 19, middle aged parents. We were all enthralled. The two youngest are begging to listen to all of her books. The only complaint was my very sensitive son didn't like "all the dead chimps"...but in was done gently and with the emotions appropriate to the death of a good animal with social connections so overall was touching more than disturbing. I teared up at the story of the elderly mama chimp and her loyal son (previously a spoiled brat who ended up being the comfort of her old age). My sensitive son's favorite was the daring rescue of the chimp who fell in the water. My daughter's favorite part was the detailed descriptions of how she earned the trust of the chimps. We definitely plan on listening to the rest of her books after this pleasant first taste! I also really appreciated that she narrated the book herself...I felt like I really got to know her.

1 person found this helpful

A life story told

A quite straight forward account of Jane Goodall's life among the chimpanzees in Africa. However amazing her life was, the story isn't very interesting. She does however build a strong case for looking after the nature and that everyone can do something to make a difference.

1 person found this helpful

Very Interesting

This audio is one the whole family can listen to and enjoy. My family and I learned many things about her life and about chimpanzees. She does a good job reading her own story and is inspiring to listen to.

1 person found this helpful

An amazing human

Thank you Jane Goodall for telling your utterly important and beautiful life story. And thank you for the work that you have done and continue to do. You are the finest spokesperson planet Earth and all it’s living creatures could have. In a way this book insures you will live forever as I wish you could. ❤️

Just mesmerizing

It’s hard to go back to your everyday life after listening to this. She’s absolutely extraordinary.

Jane Goodall Has Done So Much Good

Pleasant surprise that Jane Goodall is the voice for the Audible version. She has lived an incredible life, and helped us understand so much about the importance of her work.

wonderful story

wondering real life story, sad and inspiring at the same time. 1st jane goodall book i’ve listened to . will get another of hers

As remarkable as expected

Exceptional and extraordinary, very pleased that Jane Goodall narrated this herself. Her message is poignant and profound as always.
Beautifully written and narrated.