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Amphibious Soul: Finding the Wild in a Tame World

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“ Amphibious Soul is an important book. . . . This book isn't about learning how to be wild but rather a guide to recognizing and reconnecting with the wild in and around us. It is a book that will inspire hope.”—Jane Goodall A passionate love story about nature that inspires readers to reclaim their inner wildness—the debut adult nonfiction book from the naturalist, filmmaker, creator, and star of the Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher An adventure story, love story, travelogue, naturalist memoir, and spiritual guide, Craig Foster's Amphibious Soul is a scientist and adventurer’s perspective on “rewilding”—developing a deep connection to our animal selves that can reinvigorate our lives. Told in Craig’s warm and passionate voice, this extraordinary book will change not only the way we interact with the natural world, but the way we fundamentally see ourselves. A decade ago, living in a city and feeling exhausted and empty, Craig decided to return to his birthplace—the Cape of Good Hope—and dive into the great African Sea forest each day. His daily oceanic adventures not only helped him “rewild”, but helped him come to see his own “amphibious soul” as a powerful metaphor for the human condition. We homo sapiens are by nature wild animals attempting to exist in a docile world. So how can we reclaim our wildness in a world that wants us to stay so tamed? An extraordinary literary work, Amphibious Soul is a riveting narrative filled with meticulous descriptions of an adventure in the natural world that speaks to readers on an intimate level, challenging us to consider our personal relationship to nature, and inspiring us to realign our daily practices to help save the global ecosystem. Whether we live close to nature or in an urban jungle, Craig shows us how to nurture our individual wildness, tap into our empathy, and deepen our love for all living things. He teaches us to track the wild around us, and by doing so become present in the moment and revel in being wondrously alive. Featuring breathtaking original photos and QR codes that access mini-videos of never-seen-before animal interactions, Amphibious Soul is a remarkable experience that will transform us and ultimately our world.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024

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Craig Foster

31 books16 followers

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5 stars
88 (33%)
4 stars
99 (37%)
3 stars
60 (22%)
2 stars
15 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
57 reviews
May 1, 2024
I waffled on this rating because it is a wonderful collection of oceanic observations, but it sometimes disconnects the reader in its 300 pages. Then I watched the trailer for his award-winning documentary "My Octopus Teacher" and suddenly realized these chapters are more of a video narrative, and the visual magic of the South African ocean comes alive.

So, if you don't like that style of writing then don't read it. But if you accept the context then you'll discover a lot of things that you might never know otherwise. Many magical moments lie within.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
93 reviews
July 5, 2024
A mixed bag for me. Some of his personal stories were interesting and the stories and some of his thoughts offered good things to reflect on. But I struggled with his frequent broad assertions about humanity and his diagnoses of the world’s issues with the subsequent prescription of his teachings and guidance. He became a little insufferable to me on paper.
Profile Image for Suzy Brooks.
Author 0 books8 followers
June 10, 2024
In “Amphibious Soul,” Craig Foster takes us on a journey that transcends the boundaries between the wild and the civilized aspects of our existence. Having been introduced to Foster’s work through the visually stunning and emotionally resonant docustory “My Octopus Teacher,” I approached this book with high expectations, which were nicely met. Though I would much rather view this book with video clips to accompany the language, Craig does a great job bringing about the imagery needed to picture what he experienced.

Foster’s narrative is a seamless blend of environmental philosophy and personal introspection. His insights into the necessity of harmonizing our innate wildness with our cultivated personas are thought-provoking and resonate deeply with the current environmental discourse. The book urges us to consider our place within the natural world, not as conquerors or mere observers, but as integral components of a larger, living tapestry.

Listening to the Audible version, narrated by Foster himself, was an unexpectedly meditative experience. His voice, infused with passion and a deep connection to the subject matter, added a layer of intimacy to the journey. It was as if Foster was personally guiding me through the labyrinth of his thoughts and the depths of the ocean he so loves.

While certain elements, such as the glossary, are inherently more suited to a printed format, this did not detract from the overall experience. The essence of Foster’s message—about the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature—was conveyed with clarity and emotion, making the auditory experience enriching. Furthermore, Craig allowed us even closer by sharing details about living with anxiety and depression and how it was the ocean that helped restore his mind and body each time he struggled. We need nature.

“Amphibious Soul” is a compelling read—or listen—that challenges us to dive into the depths of our consciousness and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose in our interactions with the natural world. I give it a well-deserved four stars and recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our environmental responsibilities and the dual nature of our spirits.
Profile Image for Patrick Witts.
15 reviews
August 25, 2024
There are many interesting stories in this book that eventually proves to be about storytellers and how species speak these stories to us. But the writing can be disengaging at times, written more like a storyboard for a new documentary than a comprehensive narrative.
15 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2024
An enjoyable memoir that plays with lots of cool ideas about living better. I think some of it wanders into endorsing some less than scientific practices, but generally serves as a useful call to live more in touch with nature, individually and all together.
Profile Image for Daphyne.
525 reviews21 followers
July 1, 2024
I almost hate to give this two stars because I absolutely love nature memoirs but this is just way too “whoo-whoo” for me. I needed more science/nature and less shaman/Mother Earth/channeling animals stuff.

I appreciate that the author found his way back to a balanced life and he clearly loves nature. I just needed more substance.
July 1, 2024
I wanted to love this book, but Craig’s sea adventures did not captivate me. It had tales of wonder that just didn’t produce wonder in me.
Profile Image for Helen O.
14 reviews
June 6, 2024
I loved My Octopus teacher, so I was looking forward to reading this book. It was an interesting read, for all sorts of reasons. It focuses on specific areas of the writers life and philosophy. The wild life v the tame world. Tracking. The immense importance of the natural world. The power of being cold. Relationships with wildlife. I always find it fascinating when someone perceives reality from a slightly different perspective from me. It offers the opportunity to learn, but also to compare and lay one perspective over another. So I offer a little of my perspective in the hope it may do the same.
I view what the author calls the tame world as wild in a different way. It is dangerous, destructive, selfish, it seeks greatness, and though it sometimes achieves it, it seems to lack the ability to share the planet with nature and even other humans in a mutually beneficial way. So I would say it’s the natural world v the unnatural world. Of course, as this book exemplifies beautifully, we are very much part of that natural world, and when we immerse ourselves in it we become more, not less. A desire to have control over the planet diminishes, not increases us. The seduction of the false, materialistic, greed based narrative may appear to lead us towards increase, but it disables us. Surrendering to the whole, to become a cell in an organism, makes us both tiny and vast. Having to skew my vocabulary to see the writers view, like communing with another species, or nature is healthy and life enhancing. So I am increased by this book.
It’s written engagingly and well, though I would say he writes more like a film maker than a writer. There is no timeline and stories are raised when they seem to fit in with the narrative, which can take a bit of getting used to but is not unpleasant. The areas he explores are delved into deeply in many ways, circling and weaving. All in all an enjoyable, enlightening read.

Profile Image for Genna.
426 reviews9 followers
July 31, 2024
"Wildness dies in the froth of cluttered, rushing life, but thrives in spaciousness. The wild mind needs space.

Mixed feelings on this one, as Amphibious Soul is less "how-to" guide and more disjointed (albeit lovely) musings on Foster's experiences in the wild. There is no clear narrative thread to follow through this book, which may be how Foster's creative mind works, but makes for a sometimes laborious read. Amphibious Soul is made up of Foster's observations, stories, philosophies, and lessons, all rooted in nature and ancient human wisdom, but some difficult to grasp and others overly-romanticized. I found myself needing to suspend disbelief to connect with many of the insights being proposed, which is a concept I struggle with while reading nonfiction. A curious read with pockets of astuteness and magic, but overall a more dubiously spiritual and less scientific experience than I was expecting.

"The stress we feel as adults to achieve certain things or to behave in a certain way puts the brakes on our curiosity and wonder—behaviors that are quite natural in children, both human and animal. Responsibilities born not out of joy but out of anxiety and expectation separate us from our wildness.
196 reviews16 followers
May 12, 2024
From a magical boyhood spent (literally) immersed in the sea life along the wild South African coast near Cape Horn, marine cinematographer and naturalist Craig Foster has continually broken barriers between his humanity and the complex, compelling lives of our ocean-dwelling nonhuman neighbor creatures. A stellar addition to Mr. Foster’s acclaimed oeuvre of film and printed page is this memoir/natural history of his personal (and often harrowing and/or groundbreaking) up-close observations of octopi, sharks, crabs, along with much humbler and rarely studied creatures of the sea, mostly in his own South African backyard, so to speak. In the process of nurturing his own amphibious soul over decades, Mr. Foster has drawn in his wife, son, and fellow researchers to share in his delight and awe at our marine fellow travelers, both common and rare, and the responsibility we share to secure their thriving future and our own. Curious readers, too, are sure to relish encountering the remarkable denizens of this complex underwater ecosystem vicariously on these pages, and come away with more than a little amphibious fellow feeling themselves.
Profile Image for Susan Ballard.
1,969 reviews77 followers
May 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️


“An important book that will transform how we think about being human.
… that will inspire hope.”—Jane Goodall



I’m a little envious of Mr. Foster, who has spent most of his life exploring the natural world. As a famous natural history filmmaker, he has witnessed the beauty and wonder of the wild, as well as the dangers.

In this memoir, he shares many of his experiences, observations, and a few lessons, too. After decades of diving into the depths of the oceans and encountering creatures such as sharks, crocodiles, octopi, and many others, Mr. Foster reminds us that we are all connected - this is our planet to share and care for.

While more of a personal journey, it is a book you can take your time with, savor, and reflect on as you go. It is perfect for travel, adventure, or nature lovers.

Thank you to @dartfroggco and @harperonebooks for a gifted copy.

Profile Image for David B.
34 reviews
September 12, 2024
Like many others, I was astounded by Octopus Teacher. It made a huge impression on me.

So I was eager to check out this book. In the end I liked the concept but not so much the delivery. It reads like a scattershot personal journal with abrupt sub-chapters that go for only a few paragraphs before moving on to the next reflection/experience. Like the life he describes, the book reads as if he has just had a full day of his seaforest routine, time with family and friends, and now is scribbling down his impressions for 15 minutes, leaving off from where he was in the book the day before.

Perhaps the biggest compliment I have is that Craig’s experiences can be awe-inspiring and I think it will translate into me valuing quiet times in nature more, as well as sharpening my attention to little things. Will I swim with crocodiles? Um, no. But it’s fun to armchair scuba dive like this in the book.
August 28, 2024
This is a light read that is part memoir and part conservation philosophy. Foster has some incredible stories from his 25 years of documentary filmmaking in 25+ different countries. The story gives more context to My Octopus Teacher in terms of how his years spent working with trackers throughout Africa strengthend his connection to nature and allowed him to immerse more deeply within the African seaforest. Foster's curiosity, wonder, and desire to fully connect with the natural world drove him to extremes, and it is fascinating to read about. I think it is evident that writing is not his primary mode of storytelling, as he isn't able to weave these stories together to create a more compelling thread of logic within his narrative. But this is still worth the read as it gives meaningful context to how My Octopus Teacher came into existence.
461 reviews
September 20, 2024
A fascinating and interesting read but I must admit there were some parts which were "above my paygrade" in understanding some of the ideas and concepts Craig writes about. It is not a book which can be read in one sitting - you need time to absorb the content.
I was fortunate to work with both his parents way back (35 years ago) - great people and wonderful to hear Craig talk so fondly of them and acknowledge their contribution to who he is today.
Reading about Craig's ocean swims encourages me to be brave when I head back to the Cape in 2025 - the sea has not been my favourite swimming pool - I blame watching "Jaws" as a child!!
The book also encourages us to explore the "wild/untamed" part of ourselves whilst at the same reminding us that we need to take care of Mother Earth, failing which we could all be in a lot of trouble!
Profile Image for Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase].
941 reviews58 followers
May 20, 2024
Foster writes a lot about his experiences with the wildlife animals and cold water immersion, both subjects I found to be quite fascinating to read about. His description of the places he visits, works and lives is so detailed you can picture it in your mind. I also liked that he explored interpersonal connections as well, even when they were hard. Amphibious Soul will definitely change the way you see the ocean, wildlife and how our lives as humans fits in this big wide space.

The animal depicted on the cover is called a Blue Button. It's an open ocean free drifter, and Craig Foster feels this creature looks like a planet made mostly of oceans with a small landmass, blue, wild and free.

Thank you Harper One and Dart Frogg Co for the gifted copy.
Profile Image for Mimo Valente .
2 reviews
August 12, 2024
Lots of interesting observations but really struggling with the esoteric romanticism, often coming across as extremely pretentious and contrived. On seeing some ostriches walk over rocks near the sea, it’s Craig’s unique “tracker mind” asking why? Is it to feed? As he draws closer he finds “the smoking gun that proved his theory correct..”.

Or Craig’s descriptions of the unique language of trackers: describing the important of the senses for tracking and “seeing with sound” - I know of this sense, and call it “listening”.

What I did appreciate was his honesty and openness regarding the dangers and hazards of dedication to work and detrimental this can be to one’s life and contentment.

“We lit a little fire on the beach and toasted our food over flames, telling stories and jokes, and there we became part of greater human story”. Really?

So cringey. I’ll stick to Craig’s documentaries.
Profile Image for Missy.
25 reviews
June 17, 2024
Listened to Craig’s calming voice read on Audible. This book is magnificent.

If you are at a stage in your life contemplating what still needs addressed and stitched up, Craig will share his wars within, and measures taken to find personal peace and grace. Craig learns to accept himself and more importantly, find honestly with those closest to him, through nature.

I found Craig’s process unique and scientific, even beautiful - motivating me to find peace in my own life, starting in my backyard.
Profile Image for Matt George.
1 review
Read
August 10, 2024
Hello!

I’m going to start writing a short 1-2 sentence review of books I’ve finished. I won’t rank them - that feels too reductionist. Reviews will be short, initial thoughts after having just closed the book.

Amphibious Soul was good! I loved the documentary and so it was natural, reading Craig. It’s more a collection of short essays, categorized by theme. It reminded me of Michael Easter’s ‘Comfort Crisis’ in some ways.

If you’re trying to find wellness, it’s a great reminder that reconnection to nature is always available to you.

Thank you Craig.
Profile Image for Julie Gavin.
211 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I found this rather slow to start, and preachy. Over and over again he espouses getting back to nature and connecting with our wild ancestors and being more "wild," while admittedly spending 10 hours straight at a computer to edit his film. It seemed sanctimonious and hypocritical to me. But there were loads of cool animal facts and encounters that balanced that out toward the end, and I really liked the penultimate chapter on how to track. I feel like I learned something here, if I can sift through it a bit.
Profile Image for Kim McGee.
3,337 reviews86 followers
March 15, 2024
3 1/2 stars
A deep dive into our lost connection to wildness. Famed wildlife and natural history documentary filmmaker Craig Foster shares his wild upbringing in the southernmost part of South Africa shore and life after as a filmmaker. Growing up braving cold Atlantic seas and countless dangerous opportunities where the wild could have killed him just made him appreciate the encounters that much more. He has followed and filmed giant crocodiles into their dens, swam beside sharks and pushed his senses and body to extremes. In doing so he has found wonder and peace that he feels is missing from most of our lives. Part memoir part natural history tale, it is a lesson in being still, observant and appreciative of what is left of the truly wild world. This would be the perfect read for dedicated National Geographic or Animal Planet viewers as well as those of us who fell in love with octopus thanks to MY OCTOPUS TEACHER. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Ayesha | عائشہ.
155 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2024
3.8

I'm not a devoted fan of non-fiction, but you know what? they can be really intriguing at times.

'Amphibious Souls' explores oceanic observations in South Africa. This book is just like Nat Geo documentaries and is really indulging. The author delves into our connection with nature and highlights how materialism often leads to negative outcomes. If you enjoy this style of writing, it's a perfect choice for you.
Profile Image for Jessica.
75 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2024
●●Audiobook●●
I enjoyed it at 1.8 speed. I'm not usually a fan of being read to, but Craig's voice was soothing and engaging. I liked the transitions between the actual chapters, and the special input of music from his son's drum that he helped to make. I was not a fan of the subdivision in the chapters being read because it seemed out of place within the audiobook. It was nice to know other people acknowledge the healing capabilities of the Earth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aurora Knight.
3 reviews
August 28, 2024
This book spoke directly to my soul. I listened to it as an audiobook and Craig’s voice and stories of his connection with his environment and nature are so comforting and validating of my own world view. I am now reading it on kindle to experience his words and experiences all over again. One of the most important books I’ve ever read. Craig gets what it is to be a human part of the natural world.
Profile Image for Duffy.
69 reviews
May 26, 2024
If for no other reason to get this book, craig fosters voice in the audio version of this book is beautifully soothing. His story told in this book is an honest telling of a full adventure filled life to bring himself back to a nature. All accolades already acquired by who's who of the studies of our natural world are well deserved. Loved this book and own both audio and print versions.
201 reviews
August 25, 2024
The bits about his life are interesting, but he's tried to turn what should have stayed a memoir into a manifesto about connecting to our wild prehistoric ancestors through the art of tracking animals, and these parts are absolute nonsense, embarrassing pseudo spirituality along the lines of "you are the universe".
Profile Image for Bekah Quirin.
4 reviews
June 23, 2024
One of the best books I've ever read about connecting with our natural world. The way his stories are written transported me into surreal moments that made me feel like I was there. It gave me a craving for more of these types of experiences of my own.
10 reviews
July 6, 2024
Craig Foster takes us on a journey of connecting with what is wild. We are meant to live in nature, for we are animals and we are part of nature. To be disconnected with nature is to be disconnected with ourselves. Social ills result. All is one.
Profile Image for Ashley.
231 reviews
July 22, 2024
Foster provides incredible details and imagery to depict his journey into his own “rewilding” mostly through his tracking practices and daily dives into the ocean. He encourages the reader to find a closer bond with nature and our ancestors.
Profile Image for Andie.
128 reviews
July 27, 2024
Started out good but boy oh boy, how dull towards the latter half (no offence, Craig). A bit esoteric for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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