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macksbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Chasing Lemurs is a novel that made me feel like I was on an adventure. A book about exploring the nature of Madagascar and scouting out lemurs. What isn’t to love?
This novel tells the story of Kerriann traveling to Madagascar in hopes of studying lemurs. We follow her adventures, along with some misadventures, as she travels north with her project crew from the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, eventually ending up in the remote area of Kasijy Reserve.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt as though I could relate to the author in many ways. I took an anthropology class during my undergrad as well, and I can definitely understand her pull to the subject and how intriguing it is. I am also an overall big animal lover, and very passionate about protecting our environment as well. This book gave me the perfect balance of learning about animals and the environment in Madagascar. I definitely recommend this book, and am very thankful that NetGalley gave me the opportunity to read it!
This novel tells the story of Kerriann traveling to Madagascar in hopes of studying lemurs. We follow her adventures, along with some misadventures, as she travels north with her project crew from the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, eventually ending up in the remote area of Kasijy Reserve.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt as though I could relate to the author in many ways. I took an anthropology class during my undergrad as well, and I can definitely understand her pull to the subject and how intriguing it is. I am also an overall big animal lover, and very passionate about protecting our environment as well. This book gave me the perfect balance of learning about animals and the environment in Madagascar. I definitely recommend this book, and am very thankful that NetGalley gave me the opportunity to read it!
jennaw's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment and Animal cruelty
anjana's review against another edition
4.0
This was an unexpectedly straightforward read for a non-fiction title. Usually, it takes me a while to plod through even the most simple of stories like these because I am more of a quick fiction reader. Either I am learning to read other types of titles, or this was written for people like me, and at this point, I am heavily leaning towards the latter.
There are some petty reasons why I am not giving this a full five stars. If possible, I would have given it a 4.5, but that’s not an option anywhere. The first is the lack of photos. The vivid descriptions had me hankering for pictures, and I was only given a couple in the middle. If the sightings of the lemurs were even provided with caricatures, I would have loved it more. The second reason is that I wanted more of the story. This is the tale of a small, tiring but pivotal moment in the life of the author but despite being given enough of a backstory and an update as to where she is now, it is still a too-brief narrative. I felt like I was just starting to get invested when the book wrapped up. It has some genuine discussions, and the highlight of it has to be the constant tussle in the author’s mind as she considers her status as a conservationist in a country (Madagascar) versus the needs of a growing population of humans with innumerable troubles. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the complicated life of a passionate field researcher.
It is a well-written and exciting narrative, and I enjoyed the way Keriann managed to use the instructions her advisor had given in a sort-of booklet form.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the entire review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
There are some petty reasons why I am not giving this a full five stars. If possible, I would have given it a 4.5, but that’s not an option anywhere. The first is the lack of photos. The vivid descriptions had me hankering for pictures, and I was only given a couple in the middle. If the sightings of the lemurs were even provided with caricatures, I would have loved it more. The second reason is that I wanted more of the story. This is the tale of a small, tiring but pivotal moment in the life of the author but despite being given enough of a backstory and an update as to where she is now, it is still a too-brief narrative. I felt like I was just starting to get invested when the book wrapped up. It has some genuine discussions, and the highlight of it has to be the constant tussle in the author’s mind as she considers her status as a conservationist in a country (Madagascar) versus the needs of a growing population of humans with innumerable troubles. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the complicated life of a passionate field researcher.
It is a well-written and exciting narrative, and I enjoyed the way Keriann managed to use the instructions her advisor had given in a sort-of booklet form.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the entire review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
booksandbuddy's review
5.0
I picked this book cause I love a good memoir and it did not disappoint. Dr. Keriann MacGoogan, a primatologist working on her research of Lemurs in Madagascar took me on an adventure. As she recounted the process, the preparation required, unforeseen struggles, and victories, I felt I was right there with her. I only know of Jane Goodall, whom she mentioned several times in the book, so if you know Jane, you’ll be happy to meet Keriann. Her journey into the Madagascar forests opened my eyes to the environmental changes that we don’t see everyday living in the comforts of our city life. For that I am grateful and I am inspired to take steps to help in the work that the conservationists, like Keriann do.
As a homeschooling mom, this inspired me to read more about Lemurs and share it with my son. Excited to share this too with my network of homeschooling moms and nature lovers.
As a homeschooling mom, this inspired me to read more about Lemurs and share it with my son. Excited to share this too with my network of homeschooling moms and nature lovers.
serendipitysbooks's review
4.0
This was such an educational and enjoyable read for me. In one of my alternative lives I’d be a wildlife biologist. At the very least I’d visit Africa, not just for the traditional safari tour but for as many wildlife experiences as I could manage, especially in hotspots like Madagascar. In Chasing Lemurs, based on a trip made for the author’s PhD research, I got a realistic insider’s look at all that can be involved in fieldwork - language and cultural barriers, the special difficulties women can face, the fairly primitive living conditions, homesickness, not to mention the logistical issues. How exactly do you transport all the food and equipment required for three months in a remote location - especially when at the last minute officials require you take extra people for safety reasons? The answer is with great difficulty and a lot of hard, physical effort. Then there are the life and death decisions that have to be made when a crucial member of the research team becomes very ill with what is probably malaria. Field work in remote places is clearly not for the faint of heart or body - probably best I don’t pursue that alternative life after all! Although it certainly has its rewards. The author’s joy at observing lemurs shines through as does her belief in the importance of research and the role it plays in conservation.
Apart from an insider’s look at the reality of field work, I loved learning about lemurs, the conservation challenges faced by Madagascar, plus a more about the country and it’s people through the eyes of a vazaha (foreigner).
This is an engaging read perfect for nature lovers or anyone in need of an armchair adventure.
Apart from an insider’s look at the reality of field work, I loved learning about lemurs, the conservation challenges faced by Madagascar, plus a more about the country and it’s people through the eyes of a vazaha (foreigner).
This is an engaging read perfect for nature lovers or anyone in need of an armchair adventure.
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