Unlocking the Secrets of the African Bush: My Journey as an Elephant Whisperer

Melissa B.: Very interesting account about elephants and what the author learned about them. The book also tells a lot about African culture and other wildlife in Africa besides elephants. I would recommend this for anyone with an interest in nature and/or adventure in the outdoors.

United States on Dec 26, 2023

bkm: The author includes us in his plans and dreams, the dangers and the joys of living on the reserve in Africa,

United States on Dec 20, 2023

B: Lawrence Anthony's life took a wild turn when he accepted a herd of "rogue" elephants on his game reserve. Common sense said no, but he said yes – because apparently, elephants have a better chance of survival with him than without. What follows is a heartwarming, exciting, and downright hilarious memoir of Anthony's journey into the pachyderm world. From life lessons on loyalty to the comedic escapades of an unlikely human-elephant family, 'The Elephant Whisperer' is a must-read for anyone who's ever dreamt of having an elephant buddy. It's conservation with a side of comedy – move over, stand-up specials!

United States on Nov 26, 2023

Alka P.: You love Lawrence, you love the elephants and you feel the beauty of their relationship warm your heart, making something beautiful to grow within you.

Alka Parikh

India on Nov 19, 2023

Amazon Customer: This book is a 5 star read. No matter if you are a new reader or have been reading books for years, this hooks you up with it and you want to keep reading. Lawrence did an amazing job at writing his experience down in this book. It makes you wish that you could also experience this in life. Great job!

Canada on Apr 23, 2023

Amazon Customer: This is a heartfelt love story written by a human about his elephants.
There is nothing like actually seeing these majestic animals in their own environment. However, sit back imagine and enjoy the visual journey you will take while reading this incredible account, of one man’s quest to save this rogue band of elephants. You will want to hop on the next plane
to South Africa.

Canada on Feb 26, 2023

Jackson Coppley: Lawrence Anthony has a job he loves, and few others would. He’s responsible for a sprawling game preserve in South Africa. The Elephant Whisperer is his journal of experiences focusing on, as the title implies, his experience with a herd of elephants. That’s where the story begins. The herd, led by a stubborn matriarch, is so destructive, the current owner is at his wit’s end. He begs Anthony to take them. It’s either that, or they will be destroyed. He takes them.

Thus begins a tale of gigantic land animals wanting no part of playing along with people. They are restricted from wandering off the preserve by high electric fences. Think Jurassic Park with such fences keeping dinosaurs captive and having the same failure in doing so. But rather than eating people, elephants charge and stomp them. Anthony continues to remind the reader that elephants fear no other animal because of their sheer size.

Anthony has the patience of Job and works with the elephants over time, not to control them, which he could never do, but to live with them in relative peace. I say ‘relative’ since such animals can create havoc by just dropping by the house for a visit. Something...

United States on Dec 03, 2022

L. G. Cullens: First off, understand that the title of this book is highly misleading. This story is actually a balance of wondrous and woeful perspective of the reality of physical life, especially in the latter chapters, depicted through fascinating experiences. There is a powerful, elemental message threaded through this writing about all life forms journeying together, connected, and dependent on each other for existence, which includes humans. If strong emotions aren't aroused, then I suspect the reader may be blinded by their human bubble and/or have a heart of stone.

"<i>In our noisy cities we tend to forget the things our ancestors knew on a gut level: that the wilderness is alive, that its whispers are there for all to hear – and to respond to.</i>"

"<i>Living rough in the wilderness is a salve for the soul. Ancient instincts awaken; forgotten skills are relearned, consciousness is sharpened and life thrums at a richer tempo.</i>"

"<i>Under the microscope, living organisms are just a soup of chemicals and minerals. But what about what the microscope doesn’t see? That life force, the vital ingredient of existence – from an acacia...

United States on Sep 22, 2020

Patrizia Leone: Sigh an enjoyable read about Africa and its wildlife, and I mostly appreciated all that concerned the elephants. Highly recommended.

Italy on Aug 20, 2020

Autumn: 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.

United Kingdom on Jul 31, 2012