1,499 books
—
1,836 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish” as Want to Read:
Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
by
*Now a New York Times Best Seller*
Over the course of two decades, John Hargrove worked with 20 different whales on two continents and at two of SeaWorld's U.S. facilities. For Hargrove, becoming an orca trainer fulfilled a childhood dream. However, as his experience with the whales deepened, Hargrove came to doubt that their needs could ever be met in captivity. When two f ...more
Over the course of two decades, John Hargrove worked with 20 different whales on two continents and at two of SeaWorld's U.S. facilities. For Hargrove, becoming an orca trainer fulfilled a childhood dream. However, as his experience with the whales deepened, Hargrove came to doubt that their needs could ever be met in captivity. When two f ...more
Get A Copy
Hardcover, 264 pages
Published
March 24th 2015
by St. Martin's Press
(first published March 1st 2015)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Beneath the Surface,
please sign up.
Popular Answered Questions
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish

I've thought a lot about my response to this book, mostly it was sadness and hatred. This is a topic that I feel very strongly about. I'm not a big fan of zoo's or aquariums, but I hate Sea World. If for some reason you think its okay that we are keeping these beautiful, extremely intelligent animals in what to them is basically a jail cell, then read this book. Hell just do some basic research and you'll see that it isn't right. Now obviously and sadly the 30 or so whales currently in captivity
...more

When you read a book by a "Whistleblower" you aren't sure if you are going to get an informational read or maybe just some angry diatribe by the individual about how the "Corporate World" treated them poorly. So, when I asked for this book to review I was a bit worried about what I would find. I didn't want the angry diatribe.
I was pleased that the book did not just come off as a way for John Hargrove to paint SeaWorld as a terrible monster. Now, with that said it did not let SeaWorld off the ho ...more
I was pleased that the book did not just come off as a way for John Hargrove to paint SeaWorld as a terrible monster. Now, with that said it did not let SeaWorld off the ho ...more

The first thing I want to say is that I went to Sea World when I was younger. I saw the trainers in the water with the orcas and I thought it was one of the most magical things I had ever seen in my life. To see these big beautiful whales working together with humans was incredible and both the trainers and the whales looked so happy. But one thing that shocked me was the marks on the whales that I now know are called rake marks. When I asked my dad what those were he said that they were marks f
...more

After watching the excellent documentary BLACK FISH, I was further inspired to read John Hargrove's account of his experiences as a Sea World orca trainer. BENEATH THE SURFACE takes a closer look at the world of aquarium trainers and the care/treatment given to ocean mammals, specifically killer whales. The book centers on orcas that John personally worked with. This was a fascinating read and a great companion resource to the documentary. Highly recommended!
On a side note, Tilikum, the giant ma ...more
On a side note, Tilikum, the giant ma ...more

John Hargrove was only six years old when he first saw his first Sea World Show. From that time on, that was the place he wanted to go. Not only did he want to be an Orca but he want to be an expert trainer. Every time he went to the show, he stayed after and asked trainers so many questions. Being an expert trainer became his dream. He began working at the lowest paying jobs in Sea World. He worked on the swimming requirements and a college degree to get a job with Sea World. He worked in the U
...more

If Death at SeaWorld (see previous review) represents the scientific and political argument against whales in captivity, Beneath the Surface gives us the heart and soul of the matter. Less quantifiable perhaps, but no less valid.
John Hargrove was a veteran trainer at SeaWorld by the time he consciously realized the fundamental inhumanity of keeping whales in captivity and left the company in 2012. So wonderfully dedicated and connected to the whales he worked with, Hargrove spent many years defe ...more
John Hargrove was a veteran trainer at SeaWorld by the time he consciously realized the fundamental inhumanity of keeping whales in captivity and left the company in 2012. So wonderfully dedicated and connected to the whales he worked with, Hargrove spent many years defe ...more

I looked forward to reading this book for months. I am absolutely disappointed by this book.
I wanted it because I thought it would be about the cruelty of SeaWorld and captivity of its whales. I thought it was going to be a former employee shedding some light on what happens backstage.
Not so.
Most of the book, is in fact, his autobiography. Most of what he has to say about SeaWorld is heavily touched with nostalgia and regret. Many phrases about how he regrets the loss of being able to swim wit ...more
I wanted it because I thought it would be about the cruelty of SeaWorld and captivity of its whales. I thought it was going to be a former employee shedding some light on what happens backstage.
Not so.
Most of the book, is in fact, his autobiography. Most of what he has to say about SeaWorld is heavily touched with nostalgia and regret. Many phrases about how he regrets the loss of being able to swim wit ...more

A very important book about marine animal captivity. Stories like these are not everyone's cup of tea, but I am very interested in those so I read books like these even though it can get a little depressive. This is a honest story, kind of sad. It's also adapted to a TV production so if you'd rather watch I recommend that as well.
...more

Feb 14, 2015
Melissa I
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Everyone with a beating heart & the love for life of anything with a beating heart
Recommended to Melissa by:
Goodreads First Reads & PalgraveUSA listing
With regards to a book of this nature, the topic at hand, and the powerfully heartbreaking story it is, star rating this book seems wrong, however that's what the ratings are here for and five stars doesn't even begin to express what John Hargrove put into it
I have so much to say about this book, the mask that Seaworld hides behind, the most Gorgeous Beings of the OCEAN , where they belong, but are kept in captivity in horrendous, horrific, heartwrenching abuse all for the Love of a good sh ...more

I have so much to say about this book, the mask that Seaworld hides behind, the most Gorgeous Beings of the OCEAN , where they belong, but are kept in captivity in horrendous, horrific, heartwrenching abuse all for the Love of a good sh ...more

This book was amazing. It was well written and easy to read and to understand. Much more than a rehash of Blackfish, John Hargrove here tells his story, and the stories of the whales he loves, as a high level trainer with Sea World. His joy and heartache are equally explored.
The book offers an insiders view of the dangers to the trainers, the inherent cruelty of Orca captivity, and the link between the two. I'm currently also reading a book about North Korean labor camps and some of the explana ...more
The book offers an insiders view of the dangers to the trainers, the inherent cruelty of Orca captivity, and the link between the two. I'm currently also reading a book about North Korean labor camps and some of the explana ...more

After you have read this book you will never be able to see cetacea captivity in the same way again. I had already made up my mind about Sea World after reading David Kirby's book Death at Sea World. John Hargrove's book just reinforced everything I already knew and felt. This past January I had the honor of meeting and speaking with some of the people John Hargrove mentions in his book. Jane-Velez Mitchell, Naomi Rose, and Howard Garrett, along with two thousand other people gathered at the Mir
...more

I tried not to be biased! I even looked up "the truth about Blackfish" by Seaworld.
I find all Seaworld argument to be statements without any supporting evidence. While Mr.Hargrove's are well detailed and convincing (it would be difficult to elaborate as concisely if fictionalized).
It is unfortunate that it becomes an Us vs Them situation. It is unfortunate that Seaworld takes the stand of Captivity-of-Orcas-for Education/Research purposes and not profit-making.
Seaworld should take a 90 degree t ...more
I find all Seaworld argument to be statements without any supporting evidence. While Mr.Hargrove's are well detailed and convincing (it would be difficult to elaborate as concisely if fictionalized).
It is unfortunate that it becomes an Us vs Them situation. It is unfortunate that Seaworld takes the stand of Captivity-of-Orcas-for Education/Research purposes and not profit-making.
Seaworld should take a 90 degree t ...more

If one wonders what life is like for an apex predator confined to a tank, then 'Beneath the Surface' offers a front row seat. Served with a dose of psychological clarity, the author weighs in on the complicated and muddied waters of the trainer-whale relationship.
With the orca captivity debate still raging, Hargrove highlights one thing about forcing whales into artificial environments – it’s complicated and often dangerous. Having worked with 20 different whales during his career, only someone ...more
With the orca captivity debate still raging, Hargrove highlights one thing about forcing whales into artificial environments – it’s complicated and often dangerous. Having worked with 20 different whales during his career, only someone ...more

This is an amazing book. I wasn't sure if this was going to be nothing but a bashing of SeaWorld, but it wasn't. It was a story about a man who loved whales, dedicated his life to them. He started by training them, then moved on to fight for them.
It's not an easy read by any means. There's a lot to think about and a lot to learn. It's not written in a heavy textbook way, you learn through his descriptions and stories. I loved his description of a hydro-hop, the details of it made me want to try ...more
It's not an easy read by any means. There's a lot to think about and a lot to learn. It's not written in a heavy textbook way, you learn through his descriptions and stories. I loved his description of a hydro-hop, the details of it made me want to try ...more

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
John's love of these magnificent beings is obvious, as is his determination for them to be treated as humanely as possible in the artificial environment they are forced into in SeaWorld. Throughout this book he demonstrates his love and reverence for the orca, and his involvement with them shaped his life. His keen awareness of their behaviors and feelings reinforces his devotion. In choosing to speak out against his former employer ...more
John's love of these magnificent beings is obvious, as is his determination for them to be treated as humanely as possible in the artificial environment they are forced into in SeaWorld. Throughout this book he demonstrates his love and reverence for the orca, and his involvement with them shaped his life. His keen awareness of their behaviors and feelings reinforces his devotion. In choosing to speak out against his former employer ...more

This book says little that Blackfish doesn't say better. One senses Hargrove's yearning to share his truth but is left perplexed and wanting when his truth comes out lacking urgency or depth. I can see why this leads to accusations of profiteering. I'm both more and less generous than that; I just don't think Hargrove himself has the emotional range to pull this off. The book toggles between three basic feelings, and hits some false notes in the process: continuing to refer to attacks on humans
...more

After having watched Blackfish, I really wanted to get my hands on this book. John Hargrove is a former trainer at SeaWorld and gave an insider look into the treatment of orcas in captivity. It's clear that John has a lot of love for the whales and that he was saddened by how SeaWorld handles of lot of its PR. He exposes the dark underbelly of the organization while also shining a light on how gentle orcas truly can be. The deaths and injuries of trainers were ultimately caused by the continued
...more

Jun 14, 2020
Stacie
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
audio-books-completed
If you are interested in animal advocacy, this book is a must read!

With the summer season about to begin, many families will make the trip to visit the various theme parks across the country. For over 50 years, SeaWorld has promoted its message of conservation through education and entertainment, and has become one of the largest and most recognizable attractions in the US. But the park that has become synonymous with family fun faced a day, in 2010, of pure terror and tragedy. I'm talking, or course, about the death of seasoned orca trainer Dawn Brancheau who
...more

One of the best days in life, and the memory most important to me from all of my travels, was an afternoon in Alaska. I was on a whale watching tour to see Humpbacks. Beautiful beautiful beings, and the day was amazing already having seen many. But the crew of the boat became very excited, and the boat was approached by a pod of resident orca. Many time they surfaced so near to the boat they felt within reaching distance. As if the day wasn't already mindblowing enough, the crew lowered a hydrop
...more

The documentary Blackfish has interviews with former SeaWorld orca trainers, which is really what makes you stop and listen because you are hearing it directly from people who experienced it first hand. One such former trainer is John Hargrove and he went on to write this book, Beneath the Surface. I have to give it up to him because speaking out against an empire as powerful as SeaWorld cannot be an easy feat. His writing this book is a testament to how much he cares for these creatures.
Hargrov ...more
Hargrov ...more

Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
My biggest concern when I started reading Beneath the Surface was that it wouldn't differentiate itself from Blackfish, a documentary I valued greatly and had already influenced my actions as I choose against doing a swim with the dolphins activity during a Caribbean vacation, a small stand against animals in captivity. Mostly, I didn't see how written word could match the sensory emotion ...more
My biggest concern when I started reading Beneath the Surface was that it wouldn't differentiate itself from Blackfish, a documentary I valued greatly and had already influenced my actions as I choose against doing a swim with the dolphins activity during a Caribbean vacation, a small stand against animals in captivity. Mostly, I didn't see how written word could match the sensory emotion ...more

I started watching the movie Blackfish, because it was mentioned in the Advanced Readers Copy I was lucky enough to be able to review Beneath the Surface, by John Hargrove and Howard Chua-Eoan. The film premiered in 2013 at Sundance. I am sure that I saw some coverage on TV, however I was recuperating from an accident, leaving me with severe spinal injuries.
In John Hargroves fact filled novel he uncovers and speaks of so many occurrences that there is no way that I could even begin to summarize ...more
In John Hargroves fact filled novel he uncovers and speaks of so many occurrences that there is no way that I could even begin to summarize ...more

This book is a great follow-up to blackfish. The author provides an amazing story of his approximately 20 years working with orcas around the world, but mostly with SeaWorld. He clearly loves the orcas and loved what he did as a trainer. But he also tells the reality of the problems the orcas have experienced in captivity and the dangerous situations the trainers have gotten into over the years, culminating in the death of two trainers within a short period of time. As someone who has a mixed fe
...more

Expose on Seaworld as a money hungry corporation willing to torture its animals for an extra buck from patrons who either don’t care about the health of the orcas or are blissfully unaware due to Seaworld’s propaganda. I’m glad the author spoke out and used his years of experience with the orcas in a positive way to become their advocate. I think the most telling story was a conversation he had with another trainer - who said the bible dictates that humans have dominion over animals so it’s ok t
...more

Heart wrenching...I understand that these animals can never go back to the ocean. I also understand that Sea World no longer takes whales from the ocean. However, I now cannot understand why they continue to breed orcas even after all of the evidence points to the fact that they are not healthy, thriving animals. I have been to Sea World for the last time.
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Beneath the Surface | 1 | 2 | Oct 30, 2019 05:10PM | |
Beneath the Surface | 1 | 2 | Oct 28, 2019 08:07PM |
JOHN HARGROVE has 14 years' experience as a killer whale trainer. His experience spans both SeaWorld of California and SeaWorld of Texas where he was promoted to the highest ranking Senior Trainer. John also has an international reputation, having been a Supervisor with MarineLand in the south of France. He resigned his position with SeaWorld in August 2012 and currently resides in New York City.
...more
News & Interviews
Kerine Wint is a software engineering graduate with more love for books than for computers. As an avid reader, writer, and fan of all things...
19 likes · 10 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Captivity is always captivity, no matter how gentle the jailer.”
—
33 likes
“After all, SeaWorld didn’t become a $2.5 billion company because of sequins and choreography. It was built on the backs of captive killer whales.”
—
8 likes
More quotes…