You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
255 reviews for:
Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, Seaworld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
Howard Chua-Eoan, John Hargrove
4.22 AVERAGE
255 reviews for:
Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, Seaworld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
Howard Chua-Eoan, John Hargrove
4.22 AVERAGE
This book is amazing. John Hargrove's life and writing is everything that I wanted after watching Blackfish. His personal experiences have made a lasting impression on me and my nightmares. My heart aches for all the orcas still at SeaWorld and now for the trainers who have to come to terms with what is happening with their beloved whales. He adds an enormous amount to the discussion of the captive whales. He discusses his experiences with beautiful prose and recreates them without slinging mud (at individuals-- I can't say he is kind to corporate SeaWorld).
emotional
fast-paced
An interesting book despite itself. Not well written and repetitive, it can sometimes be a bit frustrating to read, but the unique experiences the author has make it worthwhile. He’s a bit arrogant and full of himself, but I actually believe he cares about the whales themselves and he can be honest about his mistakes and naïveté.
informative
sad
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
I have never read a nonfiction book before, but I couldn’t put this one down.
This book brilliantly highlights the conflicts the SeaWorld trainers went through on a regular basis. Taking care of these highly intelligent beings they have formed an intense relationship and trust with, while also realizing that the orcas living conditions are unsustainable.
The author talks about the way orcas live in the wild, painting a stark difference to lives and behaviors of captive orcas. It was distressing to read about the painful medical procedures necessary because of their self-destructive behavior. What SeaWorld put those orcas through, as well as their trainers, who often destroyed their bodies trying to make the animals life better for laughably little pay, was horrifying.
I was already a Sea Shepherd supporter and had seen The Cove and Blackfish, but I still learned lots of new information and I hope I will someday be able to see these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
This book brilliantly highlights the conflicts the SeaWorld trainers went through on a regular basis. Taking care of these highly intelligent beings they have formed an intense relationship and trust with, while also realizing that the orcas living conditions are unsustainable.
The author talks about the way orcas live in the wild, painting a stark difference to lives and behaviors of captive orcas. It was distressing to read about the painful medical procedures necessary because of their self-destructive behavior. What SeaWorld put those orcas through, as well as their trainers, who often destroyed their bodies trying to make the animals life better for laughably little pay, was horrifying.
I was already a Sea Shepherd supporter and had seen The Cove and Blackfish, but I still learned lots of new information and I hope I will someday be able to see these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death
Minor: Drug abuse, Homophobia
Thoughtfully written with a good narrative thread. Expands on the themes of Blackfish through the eyes one very experienced trainer.