Rating: 
Summary: Compelling stories, somewhat less compelling arguments
Review: "Next of Kin" is really several stories interwoven into one book. It is first and foremost the story of a chimp, Washoe, but also of the journey on which she takes Roger Fouts. The story of Washoe and the other chimps in her extended family are the most engaging aspects of the book, but Fouts' career and personal development alongside them is interesting as well. Intellectually, Fouts is at his strongest when he describes his language development research and the scientific debates that raged around it. The ethical links between ape intelligence and ape rights were also well developed. His stances on animal rights for other species were not as well motivated and in some sense undermine the justifications he put forth for an end to the use of great apes in research. While at times oversentimental, Fouts does strike a chord emotionally as well as intellectually. Our "next of kin" are lucky to have him on their side.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling stories, somewhat less compelling arguments
Review: "Next of Kin" is really several stories interwoven into one book. It is first and foremost the story of a chimp, Washoe, but also of the journey on which she takes Roger Fouts. The story of Washoe and the other chimps in her extended family are the most engaging aspects of the book, but Fouts' career and personal development alongside them is interesting as well. Intellectually, Fouts is at his strongest when he describes his language development research and the scientific debates that raged around it. The ethical links between ape intelligence and ape rights were also well developed. His stances on animal rights for other species were not as well motivated and in some sense undermine the justifications he put forth for an end to the use of great apes in research. While at times oversentimental, Fouts does strike a chord emotionally as well as intellectually. Our "next of kin" are lucky to have him on their side.
Rating: 
Summary: A great book that no one should miss.
Review: A wonderful book written by an inspiring man. Through his graphic details of imprisoned chimps, he makes you want to go out and single handedly save every chimp. Reading this book opened my eyes to how similar chimps are to humans.
Rating:
Summary: An awe inspiring glmipse into the life of one who cares
Review: After reading Fout's Next Of Kin I was speechless. I can express how wonderful it is to learn from an indivdual whose humility, concern for life and compassion is his life work. I simply could not put the book down! It was one of the most thoughtful, eye-opening, and educated books that I have ever read. Having the opportunity to listen to Roger Fouts speak on booktour, my heart opened to his message of compassion; his willingness to express his feelings and experiences to a group of strangers further enhanced my view of this incredible individual. A book that will change your life and the way you see our next of kin and the fellow animals of this world.
Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Tale of Friendship and the Heartbraking Truth
Review: An amazing book that reveals how close chimpanzees are to ourselves in a dramatic and inspiring way. Next Of Kin tells the tale of a chimpanzee - Washoe - raised as a child, in a deaf invironment where people speak American Sign Language, or ASL. Very quickly washoe has a large vocabulary of over 100 words. In a surprising way this book makes you feel good inside and makes you want to vomit as you hear of the horrible things done to our Next of Kin. I reccomned this book to anyone who wants a good read that I couldn't put down!
Rating:
Summary: A book that will change its readers
Review: As a former student of Dr. Fouts' many of the stories and concepts in "Next of Kin" were familiar to me, but it was such a fascinating book that I had difficulty putting it down. One of the concepts in the book is that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny," the idea that an individual may typify in its own life the evolutionary development of its species. Learning about individual chimpanzees educated Dr. Fouts not only about the development of chimpanzee society, but also more about the possible origins of human language and culture. His longstanding friendship with Washoe, the oldest of the chimpanzees he observed, also taught him that it isn't necessary to be human to be a person worthy of respect. "Next of Kin" is a book that will change the way its readers feel about the other creatures who share our planet. They may be stirred to action, or at least to feel compassion and understanding.
Rating:
Summary: An perfect story of humor, pain and science
Review: As a student of Dr. Foutes at CWU, we were assigned to read this book as part of his class. Before I started reading it, I thought it would be another boring psych book. This book has an incredible story of teahing chimps to communicate and makes you think very deeply about what, if anything makes us so much more special than other animals. It has awesome ideas about the development of human language and thought processes and insights on how bad most research centers treat their animals. There is no way any one can read this book and not be moved by it. It is truly an incredible book.
Rating:
Summary: Odessey of a unique chimpanzee and a unique primatologist
Review: Chimpanzee Washoe was the first ape to talk to human beings. Primatologist Roger Fouts found being the protector of Washoe conflicted with his rapid rise through the academic hierarchy of American universities. The true-life story of Washoe, Roger, and a supporting cast of flawed chimpanzees and humans and institutions is a captivating tale filled with believable comedy and tragedy. Along the way the reader is informed of the plight of the great apes in general and of many particular individuals. A new family, the American Chimpanzees, has arisen from the detritus of terminated research and experimentation. Fouts' expert conclusion that the American Chimpanzee family must not be allowed to continue beyond this generation is understandable, deeply disturbing, and perhaps morally wrong.
Rating:
Summary: A book of the decade
Review: Communication with another species is as important as communicating with aliens. The old "if" questions (Can animals use tools? Do they think?) are now beautifully replaced with What? and How? This book is required reading - and a most pleasant experience.
Rating:
Summary: Silent Words
Review: Fouts does an excellent job of relating his life's journey understanding chimpanzees. The stories that he tells are intriguing and emotional. It is fascinating to know that we can communicate with another species through sign language. It is amazing to learn about the comprehension and ability that chimpanzees have and also devastating to learn of the conditions that they have endured and are trying to endure today. This book was very powerful and I thank Roger Fouts and Washoe for opening my eyes and shaping my future.
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