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kelseymay 's review for:
Next of Kin: My Conversations with Chimpanzees
by Roger Fouts
One of the most challenging and gutting books I've ever read, "Next of Kin" is the story of psychologist Roger Fouts and Washoe, the chimpanzee who changed his life and our understanding of language.
Washoe was the first chimpanzee to learn American Sign Language, and she gained a mastery of over 100 signs which she used to converse with her caretakers and eventually other chimps.
I don't really have words to describe how much this book means to me. I'm so glad I finally read it after my husband insisted I do so for three or four years. While it was absolutely heartbreaking and maddening to read about animal cruelty, testing, imprisonment, and poaching, this story will forever be one of my favorites. Washoe feels like a dear friend, and her and the other chimpanzees in the book are amazing, strong, kind, and smart as hell.
If you enjoy challenging reads and care about climate change, habitat destruction, and improving the lives of animals in captivity, this book should absolutely be on your list. It's astounding that I grew up believing evolution isn't real; now, I'm so proud to be reading and learning from some of the most profound and compassionate thinkers to have ever existed. Thank you, Roger, for this incredible story and for giving your life to protect chimpanzees.
Washoe was the first chimpanzee to learn American Sign Language, and she gained a mastery of over 100 signs which she used to converse with her caretakers and eventually other chimps.
I don't really have words to describe how much this book means to me. I'm so glad I finally read it after my husband insisted I do so for three or four years. While it was absolutely heartbreaking and maddening to read about animal cruelty, testing, imprisonment, and poaching, this story will forever be one of my favorites. Washoe feels like a dear friend, and her and the other chimpanzees in the book are amazing, strong, kind, and smart as hell.
If you enjoy challenging reads and care about climate change, habitat destruction, and improving the lives of animals in captivity, this book should absolutely be on your list. It's astounding that I grew up believing evolution isn't real; now, I'm so proud to be reading and learning from some of the most profound and compassionate thinkers to have ever existed. Thank you, Roger, for this incredible story and for giving your life to protect chimpanzees.