Shark

I love sharks so I'm always excited to read something new about them, I appreciate Paul de Gelder sharing his story. It was a beautiful tribute to the animal themselves, I was never bored and glad I was able to read this.

Forget Shark Week. How about Shark 400 Million Years? Because every week is apparently shark week. At least if you ask Paul de Gelder, who may be just a tiny bit fascinated by these pre-dinosaur apex predators:

“Sharks are winners. Not only do they exist in every sea and ocean around the world, but they are some of the oldest species on the planet, pre-dating even dinosaurs. They have survived five mass-extinction events, and despite 400 million years of evolution they remain wholly unchanged. Why? Because some things you just can’t improve upon, and the anatomy of the shark is one such marvel of nature.”

I know very little about sharks. If I were to see one swimming towards me, I’d die of fright in record speed. I share that cultural fear of a super-predator armed with rows of teeth - those that they can regrow over and over again - coming out of the depths and taking a bite out of me, even if I know I’m way more likely to die of much more mundane causes.

“Are some people attacked by sharks? Yes, and we’ll talk about some of them, but the truth is that far more people drown in their own bathtubs than are attacked by sharks. So why is it that so many of us are afraid to dip our toe in the ocean, but we have no worries about getting into a hot bath with a glass of wine?”

And then I read this book, and now not only do I know a bit more about sharks but I also feel very much fascinated by Paul de Gelder’s infectious enthusiasm about these marvels of nature. (By the way, he lost his hand and his leg to a bull shark, and *still* he admires them and does whatever he can to bring attention to them and to save sharks from truly terrifying merciless predators - humans, fueled by greed, revenge and memory of the movie “Jaws”).

‘The Jersey Man-Eater’ had given people a stark reminder that we’re not always top of the food chain, and as so often is the case when that happens, we lash out in fear, and the results are devastating.”

(Did you know that there is such an awesome shark species as a “ninja lantern shark”? Or a megamouth?? If nothing else, that would be an awesome band name, or at least a decently-titled single.)

Paul de Gelder has a very compelling narrative voice, and his writing style is very much that of a buddy narrating a story over a campfire — or perhaps a voiceover in the nature documentary. It’s easy to follow, funny, and quite earnest, but not in an cringeworthy way but in a way that makes you want to listen and pay attention. And it makes me think of all the times I scoffed at the news reporting a “shark attack” — it’s not like the shark got out and went to invade our homes; we are invading their territory and get surprised when an apex predator occasionally acts like one. Yeah…

“‘Shark-infested waters’ are an easy three words for a writer to use to conjure up fear, but let’s just stop right there. A shark isn’t infesting the water, it lives there. Would you say that humans infest their own houses? Although there have been tips of the cap to the majesty of these amazing creatures, I think it’s fair to say that the majority of movies, and works of fiction in general, have turned the shark into a misunderstood villain, often at times attributing to it the kind of evil qualities that are in fact only inherent in human beings. If sharks had lawyers. they could sue the hell out of studios for defamation of character, but alas, that’s not going to happen.”

4 stars, and maybe next year I’ll actually pay attention to Shark Week because now I actually know enough to care.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360, Mudlark for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I love Paul de Gelder. I've known about him for several years because I'm obsessed with sharks and Shark Week. Paul went from being scared of sharks to attacked by one to loving and wanting to protect these beautiful animals.

This book is his love letter basically to all things sharks. You will learn a lot about different shark types, eating habits, and so much more. ( Although, if, like me, you watch Shark Week religiously, there isn't much new in here you shouldn't know ) But not only does he help with learning more about sharks, he warns us about what will happen of things don't change. Sharks NEED to be protected. We all need to step up and do our part to help these beautiful animals from becoming extinct, which would cause harm for us.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

I am *fascinated* by sharks. I grew up terrified of the ocean because of them, but have grown to love both the ocean and a shark. Paul de Gelder's enthusiasm for this strange and wonderful animal leaps off the page, and I found such joy in reading it. It was like listening to a friend talk about something they've recently fallen in love with or are incredibly passionate about. I so wish I had done an audio version of this because I imagine that feeling would only intensify. Paul educates his audience in such an approachable, easy way!

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Harper 360 for and advanced copy of this new book that is both a memoir and a look at the creatures who live in the sea and scare us the most sharks.

For something that covers 71% of the planet, we don't know a lot about oceans, nor a lot about the creatures that live under the seas. Especially sharks. All that we know is by observation, the fossil record and the occasional bodies that scientists find that can be necropsied. However even with all the bad press, Shark Week, the media portrayal of attacks, the movies and more, sharks have defenders, who seek to educate the populous about the need to care for sharks, and their environment. One of these defenders lost two limbs to a shark, but found a calling in defending them from misinformation and humans Paul de Gelder. de Gelder's book Shark: Why We Need to Save the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator is a memoir of his life swimming with the sharks, plus information on why we need to protect both sharks and the ocean they dwell in.

Paul de Gelder was a pretty aimless child, becoming a problem teen, before deciding to enroll in the Australian armed services. de Gelder was never a fan of sharks, but upon joining the Royal Navy and given the opportunity, soon became a clearance diver. de Gelder's job was to patrol the harbor for threats, human threats, until one day he was attacked by a bull shark. The shark took off two limbs, and suddenly de Gelder was out of a profession that he enjoyed, though he did his best to recover and proof he could still a Navy person. Investigating sharks, and why he was attacked de Gelder began to feel an appreciation for them, and a want to know more, and be among them. Soon he would be diving, swimming and discussing shark, filming his encounter, and educating people.

The book is not just about de Gelder but is full of information about sharks, encounters, troubles and their future. Different breeds are covered, their diets and a lot of fun information about their teeth, persistence and ability to swim and the lengths they will travel. de Gelder has a very good style, both informative, funny, and yet not dull derivative. The future looks very difficult for shark as we continue to poison both sky and water, making their lives even harder. A reader can learn quite a bit about the problems all life around and in the oceans are having.

What comes across most is that de Gelder has seen these creatures at their worst, losing to limbs in an accidental encounter. Instead of being bitter or angry, de Gelder has channeled those feelings in both love respect and compassion. And this has given de Gelder a purpose which is probably the best thing. The strength to come back from something so overwhelming, and to help and aid creatures that no one blame him for hating, is both powerful and a real show of compassion and humanity. A great book for people of all ages, especially for people interested in the natural world, or for those going through hard times. Watching Paul de Gelder recover and find a reason to on could inspire others.

A shark attack survivor and former Australian clearance diver, De Gelder has turned a harrowing experience into a compassionate, immersive approach to sharks. He explores various facets of what is known about sharks and their environment, what they eat, why they attack, and more. Overall, the book is well-researched and offers a unique perspective to the science. Fans of sharks, informational books, and shark survivor non-fiction will want to pick this one up.

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

This book was so fascinating! I loved the author's perspective on shark's after losing two limbs. His writing is relatable and lovely. I look forward to reading more of his work!

The author lost two limbs to a shark and, instead of hating them, he got to know them, understand them, and protect them. In this fascinating book, he shares his knowledge and experiences with these amazing animals that predate, not only the dinosaurs, but even trees! His writing style is so approachable that even younger readers will be able to follow, but it’s not dumbed down. The information provided here is varied and interesting. There is a little biology, but nothing too technical, and mostly a study of what makes a shark a shark, how they behave, relate to each other and to other creatures, their species and the threats to their survival. There is also a chapter on the way that pop culture has influenced how we see the species and how the fear of sharks may be more due to Spielberg than the actual animals. I had to skip one section, about killing them for sport, and the final chapter, about legislation was a little dry. The last part includes a list of organizations you can support, as well as what anyone can do to help protect them. I read as many books about animals as I can get, including Emperors of the Deep, so some facts were familiar. The best part about de Gelder’s book is his personal experience going from prey to protector. He writes in a relatable way. I have no fear of any animal other than humans (if anything diving with sharks is on my bucket list) but, to anyone who may fear sharks, this will help get over it. The author respects and loves these animals and, after reading this book, you will too.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Harper 360, Mudlark!

Not only was this a good book, it is an IMPORTANT book. I've watched Paul de Gelder for years on Discovery Channel's Shark Week, so I was aware of his story about losing limbs due to an encounter with a bull shark, but I was surprised to see he had written a book. That said, I'm a huge fan of ocean/wildlife/shark protection and conservation, so this was obviously right up my alley. I found this book to be informative, even to someone like myself, who watches Shark Week religiously (every week of the year, actually, thanks to streaming on Discovery Plus). It's unfortunate that this can't be made to be required reading, but hopefully those with any interest in marine biology, sharks, or the importance and impact of conservation will pick this book up. Definitely have been recommending, and will continue to do so.... and I hope de Gelder will consider writing another book!