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Summary: An absolute must-read for anyone who loves animals!
Review: Roger Fouts tells a sometimes shattering sometimes uplifting-but always compelling-story of his life with signing chimpanzees. Using simple, accessible prose, Fouts is able to focus on the scientific aspects of his research with the chimps, but more importantly, he is able to create a palette of basic truths about all living things. This book, unless you have an unreachable mind or heart, will permanently challenge your beliefs about human beings and animals. I cannot recommend it more strongly.
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Summary: A journey of discovery and truth
Review: Roger Fouts weaves a beautiful and inspiring tale patchworked with humor, sorrow, love, anger, despair and hope. For an aspiring primatologist and animal lover such as myself, this book was all I expected it to be; a human tale about a man and his chimp friend who battle the odds to create a better world for them both, risking it all. Yet it is so much more. I have always believed in the intelligence and spirituality of all life, not just humans. This book is a witness to that belief, that can no longer be denied. The animals that share our world are feeling, intelligent beings that deserve our respect, protection, and our love. We cannot deny it anymore. Thank you Mr. Fouts for writing this much needed testament for all those creatures who cannot be heard. And thanks to Washoe, too.
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Summary: One of my favorite books ever!!!
Review: Several books have influenced my way of thinking on a day to day basis. Reading this book (in hardcover) has influenced me into animal activism. I cried at the injustices brought out in this book, and realized my inactivity was a stamp of approval for the irresponsible and inhumane treatment of animals that Dr. Fouts has pointed out. I have fortunately never witnessed these horrible abuses first-hand like he has. (If I had, would I be able to sleep?) He does a beautiful job of creating our connection with chimps and other creatures, and I thank him for that. HEY EDUCATORS....CONSIDER MAKING THIS REQUIRED READING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Summary: A heartwrenching, beautiful story
Review: This book has affected my life. I laughed and cried out loud many times during the reading of this book. This book is for everybody-for primatologists and the layman. I urge you to buy this book, you will not be disappointed. Roger Fouts should be commended on his dedication and love for Washoe and her group. This book has given me the strength to keep fighting for the rights of primates.
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Summary: READ THIS BOOK
Review: This book has been such an inspiration to me. I am still in high school but have a growing library full of books by Jane Goodall, Birute Galdikas, Dian Fossey, Craig Stanford, Bill Weber & Amy Vedder... Dr. Fouts has inspired me in so many ways through his book. His book has become a second Bible to me. Whoever reads this book will be inspired to make a difference. Dr. Fouts brings an awareness to the reader of what goes on in the world, and what stereotypes surround his field. These stereotypes are endangering the lives of all primates and animals. Read this book.
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Summary: The best book I've read in years!
Review: This book is a beautifully written insight into the true nature of the chimpanzee. Roger Fouts shows us that chimpanzees are individual personalities with very human characteristics. The fact that these chimpanzees have learned American Sign language (ASL)is only the beginning of the wonders this book details. From their sense of humor to the touching evidence that they feel fear, sadness and loneliness; this book has changed my life. Everyone must read this book!
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Summary: Heart-warming, enlightening and terrifying all at once!
Review: This book is so enlightening.
You will be stunned and amazed by Washoe, Dar, Tatu, Moja and Loulis (not to mention the plethera of other Chimpanzees not fortunate enough to end up in Ellensburg with Roger and Debbi Fouts).
I found it difficult to believe how badly chimpanzees have been treated by humans - and what was even more shocking was that the further you read, and the nearer to modern day, things don't change. These social, thinking animals are still being experimented on and caged in windowless boxes.
The book is also very heart warming though - and anyone who has read it will never see chimpanzees in the same way again. I am looking forward to the day I make a trip to Ellensburg to meet Washoe et al in person.
Stunning, wonderful, adictive.
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Summary: A fascinating work
Review: This book was a joy to read. I attended Central Washington University in the eighties and had a chance to tour the old lab. The chimps, as so well described in this book, are filled with life and personality. Dr. Fouts has made an amazing contribution to our knowledge of ourselves and the world we live in. This book is part autobiography, part science, and mostly a plea for a more humane treatment of an animal far closer to us than many are comfortable in admitting.
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Summary: Astounding
Review: This book weaves together behavioral research, child psychology, linguistics, oncology, evolution, animal rights and a simple story of two friends who each learn incredible things from the other. The story was so intriguing no matter what topic was being covered that I read all 400 pages in 3 1/2 days. At the risk of sounding melodramatic I literally laughed out loud at points, and broke down in tears at others. Next of Kin demonstrates what man can do at his best as well as his worst.
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Summary: Wonderful book
Review: This is a really wonderful book. The relaxed style draws you in easily, and the mixture of science and compassion make this a unique read. Reading this book taught me a lot about the evolution of intelligence in primates.
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