Review
“It is tragic and unforgivable that humanity, in its arrogance, continues to assert that other animals are mere 'things.' In this powerful and beautifully written book, David Neiwert explores the extraordinary intelligence, rich social life, and obvious consciousness of orcas. He points out the psychological cruelty inflicted when an individual is stolen from the wide ocean and incarcerated in a concrete prison for our 'entertainment.' Of Orcas and Menhighlights the need to rethink our relationship with other animals.” (Jane Goodall, New York Times bestselling author of Seeds of Hope)
“Human beings need to learn from and understand the cooperative nature of orca society. Everyone who is interested in both animal and human behavior should read this remarkable book.” (Temple Grandin, New York Times bestselling author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human)
“One of the most comprehensive works to date for anyone who has become enthralled by this magnificent animal.” (Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Director of Blackfish)
“Humans and killer whales have a long and complicated history, one that David Neiwert describes forcefully and eloquently in this fascinating and highly readable book.” (David Kirby, New York Times bestselling author of Death at SeaWorld)
“A wide-ranging, interesting book that should be required reading for school-aged environmentalists.” (Kirkus)
“A triumph of far-ranging research and vivid storytelling. Eloquent, astute, and compassionate.” (Brenda Peterson, author of Build Me an Ark: A Life With Animals)
“Many of the stories are incredible and heartwarming, other shocking. This book is a great read for any nature lover.” (Jeffrey Ventre, Blackfish cast member)
“[A] breathtaking survey of orca science, folklore, and mystery.” (The Stranger)
“David Neiwert is no scientist. But his latest book is full of the stuff, as the US journalist runs through the history of our relationship with orcas, and the light being shed on the behavior and rich culture of these magnetic but mysterious mammals. He talks to conservationists, captains, researchers and observers, and combines their reports with his own inspirational encounters with the wild whales of the Pacific Northwest . . . The overall tone is celebratory, tinged with the hope that a growing appreciation for the species will improve our connection with nature.” (BBC Wildlife)
“Human beings need to learn from and understand the cooperative nature of orca society. Everyone who is interested in both animal and human behavior should read this remarkable book.” (Temple Grandin, New York Times bestselling author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human)
“One of the most comprehensive works to date for anyone who has become enthralled by this magnificent animal.” (Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Director of Blackfish)
“Humans and killer whales have a long and complicated history, one that David Neiwert describes forcefully and eloquently in this fascinating and highly readable book.” (David Kirby, New York Times bestselling author of Death at SeaWorld)
“A wide-ranging, interesting book that should be required reading for school-aged environmentalists.” (Kirkus)
“A triumph of far-ranging research and vivid storytelling. Eloquent, astute, and compassionate.” (Brenda Peterson, author of Build Me an Ark: A Life With Animals)
“Many of the stories are incredible and heartwarming, other shocking. This book is a great read for any nature lover.” (Jeffrey Ventre, Blackfish cast member)
“[A] breathtaking survey of orca science, folklore, and mystery.” (The Stranger)
“David Neiwert is no scientist. But his latest book is full of the stuff, as the US journalist runs through the history of our relationship with orcas, and the light being shed on the behavior and rich culture of these magnetic but mysterious mammals. He talks to conservationists, captains, researchers and observers, and combines their reports with his own inspirational encounters with the wild whales of the Pacific Northwest . . . The overall tone is celebratory, tinged with the hope that a growing appreciation for the species will improve our connection with nature.” (BBC Wildlife)
About the Author
David Neiwert is an investigative journalist based in Seattle. He is the author of many books, including And Hell Followed With Her: Crossing the Dark Side of the American Border and Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. His reportage for MSNBC.com on domestic terrorism won the National Press Club Award for Distinguished Online Journalism in 2000. He is also a contributing writer for the Southern Poverty Law Center.
