Search Results for: Memoir and Biography

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The Volunteers

The Volunteers

Contributors

Carol Donaldson

Price and format

Price
£10.99
Format
Paperback
“A gentle, warm, vulnerable book that buzzes and sings and blossoms… Donaldson shows that it is not just nature that benefits from working with the earth – the human soul heals and grows too. With lives as tangled and bright as the wildflowers in the verges, this book is a joy to read. ” – Mary Colwell, author of Curlew Moon and The Gathering Place


A heart-warming true story of the woods and wildlife, conservation and community, perfect for fans of Detectorists and The Outlaws

When Carol’s world suddenly unravels, leaving her single and jobless, she stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: leading a ragtag team of countryside conservation volunteers. At first glance, the prospect of nurturing Britain’s diverse wildlife in the great outdoors seems like a dream come true. However, reality paints a different picture: her office is a ramshackle porta-cabin overrun with mice and plagued by leaky ceilings, and the volunteers are far from impressed with her lack of practical skills.

Despite this rocky beginning, Carol gradually earns the respect of her eclectic group of volunteers, forging a tight-knit community that will grow to become essential to each member. This diverse group spans generations, from twenty-somethings to septuagenarians, with each of them looking to get something different out of volunteering, whether it’s a sense of purpose, a fresh start in life or a tick on their community service form. They also bring their unique quirks and life experiences to the mix.

Volunteer days soon evolve into the highlight of Carol’s week, as they bond over their love of nature, mental health battles, and the desire for companionship. As they work together outdoors, the team discover a simple yet powerful recipe for self-confidence, improved well-being and a newfound perspective on life’s challenges. This journey not only brings solace and new joys to Carol’s weeks, but eventually it helps her move on with her life, too.

The Volunteers is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the redemptive force of the woods and wildlife. It underscores the universal need for belonging and illustrates how, even in the most unexpected places, we can find a community to call our own.
Gorillas in Our Midst

Gorillas in Our Midst

Contributors

Alan Toyne

Price and format

Price
£10.99
Format
Paperback
Step into the fascinating world of Bristol Zoo with Alan Toyne, a dedicated zookeeper and primate expert whose extraordinary story of hand-rearing two baby gorillas will warm your heart

When Afia, a newborn Western Lowland Gorilla, is rejected by her mother Kera after a difficult birth, her human keepers must start the challenging – but rewarding – experience of hand-rearing her themselves. Teaching her the ropes of life in the Gorilla House at Bristol Zoo is tricky enough. But providing 24/7 care for a baby gorilla means Alan must hand-rear Afia in his own home too; an experience which forges a remarkable emotional bond between the two of them over the course of many sleepless nights.

Soon a second baby gorilla, Hasani, is facing rejection from his mother, and Alan and his colleagues must embark on a daring mission to train Kera – now recovered but socially isolated – to become Hasani’s surrogate mother. Can she learn to protect and love Hasani as her own, in a way she couldn’t for Afia? Can she find her maternal instincts and claim a place within the troop at last?

With a vibrant cast of characters – from the volatile Silverback Jock to the mysterious Sal and the stately Romi – Gorillas in Our Midst offers a unique glimpse into the intricate world of primate social dynamics, in all their complicated, human-like glory. More than just a behind-the-scenes look at zoo life, this thought-provoking and heart-warming memoir is a testament to the enduring bonds between humans and animals, and to the power of resilience and compassion.
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