Sunday, November 13, 2016

NONFICTION NOVEMBER: Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat

It's that time of the year, November, when I get around to reviewing some of the nonfiction books I read or listened to this year. Here's a Canadian classic from March.

Never Cry Wolf - Farley Mowat (audiobook 4h, 52 min)
Adam Sims narrator

While there has been some criticism of Mowat's nonfiction writing, I won't let that get in the way of a great tale. 

In the 1960s, Mowat gets sent to the north to study the wolf, but mostly to gather information to support the removal of the wolf. Mowat lives near the wolves and discovers that they aren't vicious and they aren't eating the caribou. Turns out, the wolf is a social, interesting animal.

The writing felt a little dated to me, with some of the terminology and the style. But Mowat is a Canadian legend for a reason and this book is humorous and enlightening about the wolves. 

Also try: Owls in the Family, the story of Mowat's childhood in Saskatchewan, and his adventures with a pet owl. Perfect read aloud to children.