Rating: 
Summary: A Bit Far Fetched, I'd Say
Review: A weird book, written many years ago. I really think the author is a bit delirious---friendship with a fly..........? Judge for yourself. It has its good points, is easy and fast reading--makes some valid points about how humans should treat animals, that is true, but the whole book is just a bit far fetched. I would not recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: The Best Book I have ever read
Review: And it's that simple - I have changed my life, my viewpoint and my career after reading this book. It is without a doubt the best book I have ever read. I say this as an avid reader, a wife, a mother of a teenager, and now a veterinary student (as a result of this book). It is easy to read, amusing, entertaining, heartbreaking and the greatest eye-opener ever.
Rating:
Summary: It's One Of Those Books
Review: As you read through the reviews posted here, you may find a common thread. This book wiil change how you view life and the world. I read it when I was in high school, and thirty years later I still think of it most every day. This book should be recommended reading for the public schools. A great book for any age.
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Summary: Foreshadowing the next century.
Review: Being human is a lonely affair. At least, for most of us. Part of the problem is that we don't give equal recognition to any life form unless it is limited to two legs. After reading Kinship With All Life, I guarantee that your loneliness will significantly diminish, unless you are one of those "two-leggeds" whose arrogance takes precedence over truth. What truth? That we are not solely the creatures for whom the planet Earth was created. Boone foreshadowed the 21st C. by a good 60 years in his ideas that there is more to nonhuman creatures than meets the eye. Carrying that torch in our time is Daniel Quinn, whose book, Ishmael has stirred hearts and controversy all over the globe. Another tiein is When Elephants Weep, a review of the scientific material available on the emotional lives of animals. Some of us spend fruitless hours wondering if we are alone in the universe yet never stop to apply that to Earth. We take for granted we are. Add more meaning to your life on levels heretofore only imagined. Read Boone and lose both your arrogance and loneliness in the process. Zoe Calde
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding and Enlightening
Review: I couldn't put this down. Well written, quick reading. Boone does an excellent job of showing the reader that he is not the only intelligent life form on this planet and then subtly explaining why we would all do well to remember this!
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Summary: One of those "change your life books."
Review: I first read Kinship With All Life many years ago, set it aside and then experienced the changes it had made in my thinking. I can never look at the creatures who inhabit the planet with us in the same way again. When I realized the impact the book had made on my world view, I tried to find it again, but couldn't, until recently, when I found it had been reprinted. It is an amazingly humble, unassuming work, even though it proposes a revolutionary shift in human attitudes. It is very short, and can be read in one sitting, which is how it will be read by most people. Never preachy, it uses humor and anecdote to gently persuade the reader to behold the world in a new way. Maxine Carpente
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Summary: A different opinion.....
Review: I have know idea how this book got on the shelves. I like to keep an open mind about things but this book is total fluff. This is the only time in my life I've ever thrown a book away. Its really scary how bad it is....
Rating: 
Summary: Native Americans aren't bitten when barefoot?
Review: I haven't the ability, as Boone claims, to befriend and charm the flies from the air or persuade armies of ants to peacefully retreat from my kitchen. Nor have I sat with skunks and gazed at the moonlit evening sky, but I was intrigued. This read was well worth the small investment of time. I read it while my wife and I were expecting our first child. Late in the pregnancy we started filling our nest with baby necessities. To save money we borrowed a crib from a casual, but generous colleague of my wife. I've never been to their home before and I doubt that my wife had either. As soon as we stepped out of our car, their dog began pacing, barking, growling and getting really worked up. I could imagine lots of reasons: we're strangers; we're a threat to the woman and her child; we're taking their sentimental crib that contains all of their scents, etc. I've been bitten by strange dogs before, but I shrugged and thought this would be an ideal time to try out Boone's advice. I approached the dog, not the host, when the door was opened. While the dog backed up growling and posturing, I mentally told the dog that we're invited guests; that we are expecting a baby that we'll love just like this family loves theirs, that they're lucky to have such a loyal and brave dog in their home; how pretty the dog is; how if she calmed down I could pat her and tour the house; that we'll return the crib afterwards and so on. Well, to the astonishment of my wife, myself and most of all the hostess, the dog calmed down, wagged her tail and licked my face! I was glad to make a new friend. The hostess kept going on and on about how she couldn't believe that I was able to calm this particular dog - and so fast! I have had similar experiences with other animals whose 'owners' caution me 'don't like anybody'. I had never heard of the author, Strongheart (pre-Lassie & Rin Tin Tin) before Wayne Green mentioned it on a talk show. The title is off-putting as it sounds so impossibly enlightened, but after reading several glowing reviews, I began to look for it. I was amazed to discover the book is more pamphlet-sized, and reminds me of something you'd read at camp or in the waiting room of a doctor's office. If I were a vet, it would be amongst the leaflets and Cat Fancier, Dog Lover's Monthly titles. Anyway, the premises all underscore respect: be attentive to each animals perspective and needs. Tell the animal all of the things that you admire about it; Be willing and open to learn. Ask them for their patience and give them your attention. If you are skeptical, I understand. I was and I am still. New ideas and friendships takes time to establish any bond, trust and comfort. If, for example, an animal isn't willing (abused, hungry or tired) or you are impatient, the likelihood of any 'kinship' or communication diminishes. Also, some animals are bred or easily conditioned to perform certain tasks like herding, retrieving and guarding. Others, like Strongheart, are exceptionally communicative and are the best kind of learners and teachers. Currently, I have a parakeet and a stray tabby/burmese mix. Both get jealous, bored, lonely, silly and so forth depending on their circumstances. If I'm distracted, I won't notice their body language. Or if they're annoyed, they're less receptive. Boone's book helped me to consider their place in my life and they sure seem to respond. I didn't read the book to train animals. I have since successfully called out to the bird and/or cat from the other side of the house with just a mental image, like a vivid wish. Amazingly moments later they will fly or gallop into the room ready to play and receive my affection. I don't do this constantly but if it's sincere and not a trick, it usually works. I really do try to minimize the amount of psychology I project into the mix, and simply enjoy their company. Good luck.
Rating:
Summary: Most delightful and insightful!
Review: I just finished reading this book! It took one evening to read => I think that it could be one of the most enjoyable reads that I have had in a long time => I read it because Doris Day said that she read it when she was young and it influenced how she relates to animals to this day. I am going to get as many of my friends and family to read this as I can because I feel it is such a positive view on life and I am excited to use it more and more! Freddie the Fly - what a hoot! and and the army of ants! I tell ya - it's great!
Rating:
Summary: Most delightful and insightful!
Review: I just finished reading this book! It took one evening to read => I think that it could be one of the most enjoyable reads that I have had in a long time => I read it because Doris Day said that she read it when she was young and it influenced how she relates to animals to this day. I am going to get as many of my friends and family to read this as I can because I feel it is such a positive view on life and I am excited to use it more and more! Freddie the Fly - what a hoot! and and the army of ants! I tell ya - it's great!
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