Customer Reviews

In the Way Elephants Do

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Wow! Want to experience the life of an elephant? Learn about the behavior of man as perceived by elephants? Visit the African elephant homeland? Learn about the role of elephants as trained warriors during ancient times? Then read this book!

Noah the Wanderer creatively speaks directly to the reader. He shares his fascinating life of adventure, sorrow, pain, and happiness as he grows up in the flatlands of Africa, explores the continent, is captured and forced into slavery in Europe, and how he eventually ends up in North America.

This is a book filled with insights into not only the psyche of the elephant but of men throughout the ages. Highly readable, the author provides ample exciting and humorous incidents that give reason to continue to discover next what will happen to this noble, loyal, courageous, and astounding friend.

Touching, thought-provoking, and beautifully told, the story of Noah, and that of mankind, is one that will linger in your heart and your mind for a very long time.

In The Way That Elephants Do by David Kilpatrick is a deeply moving epic tale of one elephant's life. Although the story is told from the perspective of an inquisitive and nomadic pachyderm, you're drawn into his world with ease. Danger, love, history, the world, and the connection between humans and animals are deftly combined in the portrait of Noah, the Wanderer.

Noah tells his story to a boy, one of the few "Keepers" who can understand his tale. The story isn't just about him, it's about elephants, man, our relationship through history, and it's done in a way that our history books will never allow. History, the good and the bad, is revealed without revision. No excuses for bad behavior, only the understanding that this is simply how we humans, and elephants, are.

There is something here that rings so true and pure. Moving, even haunting, without ever becoming preachy. The story of Noah, and of all elephants, isn't that different from that of humankind. Perhaps the story flows so well and with such clarity because it's told simply. Maybe it's the honesty and the "no excuses" manner in which the tale is related. Or, possibly, the magic of this story is in the relationship between man and animal and our desire to be the chosen one. The one to whom this story is told. Because of the way the book is written, the reader does become the chosen one. We're taken into Noah's confidence as one who will understand.

I can't imagine the months of research put into this book. I don't know how David does it, but he blends the history of man and animal seamlessly into a thought-provoking tale that turns the way one views the world on end. Man's stewardship of animals is examined, and exposed - warts and all. Our failings and our successes, painted in loving strokes on the canvas that becomes one of the best books I've ever read. I will never look at animals the same again. I bet you don't either.

Buy two copies. One for yourself and one for your best friend.

This is a monumental piece of work! The author was clearly driven to write it, and his inspiration is quite clear throughout. It is a must for any reader who loves elephants. I read it on a recent family trip to Africa, and it was wonderful accompaniment.

This is a lengthy but excellent novel.

It is set up as an autobiography of an ancient African bull elephant whose true name is Noah. Noah telepaths his story to a young human boy as the elephant nears the end of his exceedingly long life.

The nature of the story is one of high adventure, told always in the first person by Noah himself but including dialog from other characters, most notably animals he befriends.

The narrative traces his birth on the savanna through his leaving his family, as bulls do, and wandering his way through all kinds of adventures, mischiefs, calamities and so forth.

The writer uses Noah's voice to express ideals of friendship, loyalty, faith in God, and other virtues and includes pretty solid facts about wild and captive elephant life in the time span of the story ... late 19th century through the two great wars and into the late 20th century.

By all means read this if you truly enjoy and appreciate elephants.

The book is amazing!! The author beyond words and all in all is equal to an amazing reading and great learning. Noah is the best elephant friend, a person can ever relate to. He talks in a very human language about how the world had presented to him.I enjoyed every minute.And will advise anyone to read it, is worth the trip. As as someone said: " You can't judge a book by its cover." Don't let the elephant in the front fool you. The book is terrific.

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I believe we all need a little dose of something that fills the spirit. In The Way That Elephants Do, you travel the road of life with Noah the Wanderer and feel his triumphs, heartaches, and at times deep pain. I found myself indentifying with Noah as he met the various challenges in his life ranging from coming of age, to the death of a loved one, to the betrayel of those closes to him. This is a must read for those that are real "feelers" and enjoy characters in a novel coming to life. I found myself laughing and crying, as will you.

I just finished reading "In the Way That Elephants Do." My mother read it, and immediately ordered copies for my sister and brother and me.

The story of Noah the Wanderer teaches the reader many things, from patience, perserverence, and practicality, to strength, stamina, and stability, and all the wonderful qualities in between. I laughed with Noah at the antics of his wonderful friends and at himself; I cried with his disappointments and trials; I rejoiced with him during achievements and successes.

As soon as my mother-in-law finishes the book, I will read it again. This time with my children.

A fascinating journey into elephant family life as told by one of their own. Very inspirational. The perfect book for the animal lover on your "any occasion" gift list.

I loved the book!!! The book was very amazing and it made me travel with Noah to a different land, I haven't visit or knew about. I learned a lot from Noah, and discover that elephants are exactly like us. The author paints very nice the theme. I must defenetly recomended to anyone. And as someone siad " you can't judge a book by its cover" don't be fooled by the cover and how many pages you will have to read. For it is worth it.