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haleyyoung's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
5.0
I was not ready for how emotional this book made me. I loved everything about it! Roger’s devotion to and love for the elephants and other animals in his life comes across so clearly and is very moving. I enjoyed learning more about elephants and the Oregon Zoo as well, especially since I visited the zoo growing up. I appreciate how the book is organized chronologically and includes graphics and sweet pictures. I would definitely recommend for animal lovers and those local to Portland/the Pacific Northwest.
msoul13's review against another edition
5.0
NOTE: I won a free eBook copy of this book in PDF format from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers (June 2020).
When I was a kid, I took beginning piano classes. One of the pieces I remember learning was entitled "Packy's Parade." I remember the teacher saying how Packy was a real elephant who lived in Portland, Oregon and was beloved by its locals. Needless to say, I was thrilled to read more about Packy and his elephant cohorts in this memoir. Crandall's account of Elephant Keeper Roger Henneous' tenure at the Portland Zoo gives an inside glimpse of the social life of elephants and the challenges facing their health, conservation, and well-being. As I read, I came to adore the elephants and their personalities and rode the roller coaster of career highs and lows along with Henneous. Throughout the book, I was continually impressed by how Henneous, who fell into the role of Elephant Keeper almost by chance, proved to be the right person for the job in so many ways. His devotion to the elephants is a powerful force permeating the text. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for all animal lovers.
When I was a kid, I took beginning piano classes. One of the pieces I remember learning was entitled "Packy's Parade." I remember the teacher saying how Packy was a real elephant who lived in Portland, Oregon and was beloved by its locals. Needless to say, I was thrilled to read more about Packy and his elephant cohorts in this memoir. Crandall's account of Elephant Keeper Roger Henneous' tenure at the Portland Zoo gives an inside glimpse of the social life of elephants and the challenges facing their health, conservation, and well-being. As I read, I came to adore the elephants and their personalities and rode the roller coaster of career highs and lows along with Henneous. Throughout the book, I was continually impressed by how Henneous, who fell into the role of Elephant Keeper almost by chance, proved to be the right person for the job in so many ways. His devotion to the elephants is a powerful force permeating the text. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for all animal lovers.
katieshe's review against another edition
5.0
The heart of this book leaps out from every page. Roger and his elephants show us what true compassion and humanity is. This is a must read for anyone who loves these amazing animals. So often we take part in observing these animals in zoos without truly understanding what life is like for them and their keepers behind the scenes. Elephant Speak gives a much needed personal perspective on elephants in captivity.
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