I love Montgomery's style of writing (and thinking). There were times which were poetic, educational, reflective, and others in which I found myself laughing out loud.

A long-time dolphin lover, I appreciate Montgomery's enormous effort she undertook to connect with pink river dolphins. I'm happy to have found and read this book so she could share them with me...

This was the next best thing to being there.


Freshwater Dolphin at Shedd Aquarium   April 23, 2000
"I can't believe how many people (including myself) had never heard of freshwater dolphins before seeing this book." Visitors to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago for many years saw a fresh water dolphin named 'Chico'. He was a nice critter despite suffering from a chronic skin rash. We were lucky enough to have visited Chico behind the scenes. Like other dolphins he was inquisitive and came over to see us. My wife scratched his face and head and Chico asked for more. In fact I had turned my back and was talking to the curator when I had the sense someone was looking at me and turned to look into Chico's eye. He seemed to want me to beat it and leave the lady to him. Although he lived a long life the Shedd did not replace Chico when he died. It's likely they were worried that they had never understood why he had a skin problem and didn't want to take the chance it was aquarium related.

I am giving my wife the book, so the number of stars I awarded in this review is simply to please the system which won't accept a review that doesn't rate the book at all (hard to do with a book one hasn't read yet). Buying a book is a pretty good vote of confidence, I think.

jc


Why haven't we heard this before?   March 25, 2000
 22 out of 25 found this review helpful

I can't believe how many people (including myself) had never heard of freshwater dolphins before seeing this book. Why isn't there any information out there about these intriguing cousins of the saltwater dolphins that we all know and love? Well, now there is! And Sy Montgomery takes us deep into the habitat of the freshwater dolphins --- the Amazon (where, as she explains, there are trees and ants that can kill you, among many other things). She not only explores the life and biology of these dolphins, but she also explores some of the myths that surround them. She learns that many native Amazon peoples believe that these creatures can take the form of humans in their efforts to seduce women into their underwater world. She relates first hand accounts of these stories and myths. But the author doesn't stop there, she writes extensively about the atmosphere of the Amazon, the people, the ecosystem, the cultures, the tourists, the industries, etc... She provides alot of interesting information about a very unique subject. As I read the book, I felt as if I was being pulled into the Amazon. Her writing is clear and approachable, sometimes poetic, but other times drawn-out. There are some very insightful passages as well. And fascinating photographs are scattered throughout. I recommend this book to anyone interested in animals, conservation, adventure travel, aboriginal/native cultures and all those intrigued by the idea of a freshwater dolphin!