The Secret Life of Whales: A Marine Biologist Reveals All

by Micheline Jenner

Marine biologist Micheline Jenner discovered humpback breeding grounds off the Kimberley coast, has swum through orange golfball-sized pygmy blue whale poo to uncover a feeding spot, and is one of very few people to witness a humpback whale giving birth. In The Secret Life of Whales she reveals the unknown world of these giants of the deep and shares insights from her work with humpback, blue and pygmy blue whales.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Animals

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read about whale researchers explaining their life. I missed some information on their initial research questions, and why they did what they did. I'm not sure why it's left out. It makes you wonder why they're doing all this. Also, it's really positively written and focused, and I refuse to believe all is sunshine and daisies when you're out on sea for weeks or months. So, a fun read, but highly curated to show only the positive sides of being a whale biologist/scientist.

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a whale of a time 🐋❤️

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book describes highlights from a professional career in marine biology and provides a good general sense of the methods used to study whales. From a scientific perspective, I felt frustrated that research questions were not clearly articulated. If the point is just a general overview, the sights and sounds in a good video documentary might be a better way to engage with the topic. And more information about what people can do to help endangered whales and dolphins would be of high interest.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every moment of this wonderful read and considering that Micheline Jenner has dedicated her life to the research of whales and spent countless hours with them means no matter how much or how little knowledge you have of whales you are guaranteed to learn something new. Her passion and dedication resonates through this book and it is truly wonderful to read about her experiences and absorb some of her immense knowledge of the cetaceans of Australia. We could certainly learn much from our whales and how they do not live their lives with vindictiveness or bitterness, I am so pleased that Micheline has written about experiences we could only dream of and I have my fingers crossed for another award winning book soon!

[Nicola J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and informative book! Micheline Jenner is engaging with her enthusiasm and knowledge of whales. Many times I felt that I was there in the moment with her descriptions of the unique experiences that she and her husband Curt have had the privilege of experiencing. I also loved the “fun facts” sections interspersed throughout the book. I learned so much! It was an easy, enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible accounts of Jenner's encounters with whales throughout her umpteen years of dedication and research. Truly absorbing highlights. A few typos, but nonetheless a fascinating and accessible insight into the lives of the ones who live below the waves.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool look into the Australian Humpback whales. I particularly loved reading about the encounter with 'Crazy'

[Lewis Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

the obligatory annual lewis reads a book on whales. man, whales. simply the coolest

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

a very nice and detailed insight on the life of cetaceans. I found it very informative.