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When Eagles Roar: The Amazing Journey of an African Wildlife Adventurer Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 359 ratings

"One of the Best Wildlife Books of All Time" - BookAuthority
"One of the Best Books About or Featuring Birds" -
BookScrolling
Best Winter Trips, What to Read Before You Go -
National Geographic
"One of the Best Nature Books of 2014" -
The Guardian
"Book of the Year" -
Birder's Library
Follow the daring safari of James Currie as his love of birds, fascination with wildlife and craving for adventure lead him into humorous and life threatening situations. James captures the essence of what it means to be African today, facing everything from the Big Five to the vestiges of apartheid to the AIDS epidemic. He provides authoritative information on African wildlife and illustrates hair-raising encounters with lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and snakes though exciting and humorous stories.

The book follows James’s journey from city boy to conservationist and shows what it takes to become an African game ranger. From his first graphic encounter with the brutality of nature on Table Mountain in South Africa to his disappearance as a boy on safari in Malawi to the rigorous training he underwent to become a game ranger at Phinda Private Game Reserve, this book will delight and educate anyone fascinated with nature, wildlife, travel and adventure. James provides wonderful insights into African conservation and a fascinating glimpse into the importance of cross-cultural relationships in Africa’s wildlife tourism environment. He details his own inner journey overcoming physical challenges and finding the balance between following passions and what’s important in life.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Selected as Book of the Year by Birder's Library
"The stories... are spellbinding, but it's the way he connects them to a larger picture of conservation and people that really makes this book stand out. This was the most moving, compelling and entertaining book I read in 2014." -
Grant McCreary

"... a rollicking tale..." -
The Palm Beach Post

" ... the riveting memoir of South African native James Alexander Currie, an internationally acclaimed wildlife, conservation, and sustainable development expert." -
National Geographic Best Winter Trips 2016, What to Read Before You Go

"... one of the best books to read during lockdown." -
Namta Gupta, BookPleasures.com
Selected as one of "The Best Nature Books of 2014" -
The Guardian

"A fantastic read... Through solid research and masterful storytelling, Currie and Fladungweave key life events and mischievous deeds with life historyinformation about Africa's most captivating characters." -
Laura Kammermeier, Nature Travel Network

From the Back Cover

"James Currie is a naturalist's naturalist. His ability to share thatknowledge, along with the stories of his amazing experiences, can serveas an inspiration for all of us." - Ron Magill, communications director, Zoo Miami

"A riveting, roller coaster of a ride that offers arare personal glimpse into Currie's evolution from game ranger to TVhost as he crosses continents and explores cultures. This dynamic talent provides tremendous insight into animal behavior and conservation." -
Richard Crossley, author, The Crossley ID Guides

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00PMC2XPQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ukhozi Press (November 13, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 13, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2033 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 314 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0990766004
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 359 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
359 global ratings
Wish I Could Have Had a Job Like this!
4 Stars
Wish I Could Have Had a Job Like this!
Interesting account of his job as a bush ranger beginning with his OJT training and then his adventures with tourists and wildlife.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2015
This book is a very entertaining account of one man's relationship with nature, and family and friends that fit into this relationship. He is a great story teller and some of his incredible adventures with wildlife are the product of just being in the wilds of Africa (and elsewhere) for much of his life. Others were a product of his own recklessness and youthful enthusiasm. He is obviously very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about wildlife (especially in Africa) and this enthusiasm and quest for knowledge is contagious. Except for one relatively slow (but informative) part in the middle of the book, I didn't want to put the book down. I was very disappointed when I was done reading the book. I spent a month on a photo safari in East Africa with two native guides, but I was humbled by Mr. Currie's knowledge of wildlife and also horrified by his occasional lack of judgment in the field. But it sure made for some edge-of-your-seat situations! I learned about many of the animals I had seen in Africa and I grew along with Mr. Curry, who now appears to look back at some of the things he did with disapproval. I'm envious of his lifestyle and very appreciative that he has taken the time to share his life with the readers of his book. I also enjoyed his appreciation for the indigenous peoples and their cultures.
10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2015
Enjoyable read and remarkable experiences.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2014
I completely enjoyed this book. I've been on safari to Africa many times and I'm always searching for books about African wildlife and safaris in general. It's amazing how the authors captured the essence of the safari experience. I felt I was right there in the midst of every adventure, from being lost in the bush to facing the Big Five. I particularly liked the whole story of his game ranger training. It made me feel I missed my calling!

Though I enjoyed reading about all his encounters with the wildlife, I found the sections of the book that describe his involvement with conservation particularly interesting. The book really showed what a big undertaking it was to create a reserve from old ranch land. Not just the challenges of reintroducing game, but also the issues surrounding the local communities and balancing their needs, as well as insights into the conservation issues Africa faces today and the impact of AIDS on the wildlife community. I highly recommend this book, it is very well written - the pace keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. You will not be disappointed!
10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2014
If ever there was a book that would keep you on the edge of your seat, this is it. I’ve read my share of fiction suspense novels, but they cannot compare to the real life adventures told in “When Eagles Roar”. Most of the time, I found myself fiercely gripping this book, eyes as big as saucers, my heart pounding, as I feared what would happen next. The author’s incredible storytelling ability pulls you into the action right alongside him. You’ll imagine yourself facing an unimaginable danger, snapping your head around looking for cover, all the while trying to remember the mantra: “Don’t run. Look at me and I’ll tell you what to do”. You’ll have moments to catch your breath, but keep your tissues handy; there are stories in this book that will bring tears to your eyes and make your heart ache.

Along the way, you’ll find that you’ve gained tremendous insight into nature. No guide book compares to the author’s ability to explain the thought processes and actions of a variety of animals, from insects to elephants. While his depth of knowledge is outstanding, it’s his ability to relay that information in the form of a complete story that is truly riveting and will captivate you throughout this book.

All this from a gentleman that I only knew was an outstanding birder and star of Nikon’s Birding Adventures television show. I have watched every episode of that show more than once, following Mr. Currie through my TV screen to exotic locations to see the rarest of birds, learning from him as he tells intriguing stories about each bird. Now that I know his knowledge extends far beyond birds, I’m hoping for a TV series or movie based on this book that includes all of his adventures!

The only caveat about this book is that there are occasional moments when adult language is used. Of course if you’re about to be eaten by a lion, killed by a puff adder or trampled by an elephant, you might utter an expletive or two!
23 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2023
This is one white game rangers memoirs of his years working at the exclusive Phinda Game Reserve in South Africa. He charts the path from his boyhood in Cape Town, then his training to hunt and track, then his time as a professional guide serving well-heeled foreign guests, then his subsequent birding adventures in various countries.

It’s a fairly informative read, with one or two funny moments. It’s not exactly literature though I would say. Tales of wonderful and uplifting African wildlife are to me somewhat degraded by his frequent peppering of expletives. He has something of an adolescent humor, the mentality of an overgrown public schoolboy perhaps, where everything can be ultimately viewed as a joke or an adventure. He relates the childish pranks of his twenties. His knowledge of the wildlife is interesting at points, but not entirely profound. He joins the stampede of white South Africans claiming they were the exception to the rule under apartheid, and had always entertained close and equitable relationships with blacks. Its not in the same league as the old hunting classics of a century ago of course, but its reasonably well-written and not bad for light reading.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Kieberger Günther
5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice book!
Reviewed in Germany on August 8, 2023
Spannende Geschichten aus dem Leben eines Safari-Rangers. Gut erzählt, mit informativen Ergänzungen über einzelne Tiere und das Leben in Afrika.
David Birch
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2021
Though only 'dipped into' so far, the content looks very interesting. Experiences are many and descriptions vivid.
Disappointed
2.0 out of 5 stars Pages missing
Reviewed in India on July 29, 2019
Several pages are missing and some pages are not in correct sequence
Lynne Cotton
5.0 out of 5 stars fast paced and brought back wonderful memories of Cape Town
Reviewed in Canada on April 14, 2015
Well written, fast paced and brought back wonderful memories of Cape Town, the most beautiful of cities and the excitement of safaris in South Africa.
One person found this helpful
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Well travelled birder
5.0 out of 5 stars fun and informative
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2015
having travelled to this part of the world and during the period this book relates too I was very keen to read it. I found the book to be true to life ( if a little exaggerated about the exploits of others !! ) but both a fun and informative read & one I recommend to others
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