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The Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World
From the creators of the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, an immersive journey into the underwater world that inspired it--and holds transformative lessons for us all
Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck regularly dive together in the awe-inspiring kelp forests off South Africa, without wetsuits or oxygen tanks. Craig had dived this way for years, including alongside the octopus that inspired My Octopus Teacher. In Ross, he found a kindred spirit, someone who also embraced the ancient methods of acclimating his body to frigid waters, but whose eyes had not yet adjusted to the transcendent wonder Craig saw each time they dove. In the heart-wrenching stories that make up this unforgettable book, we swim alongside Ross as he grows from skeptic to student of the underwater wild. And in the revelatory marine science behind the stunning photos, we learn how to track sea hares, cuttlefish, and limpets, and we witness strange new behaviors never before documented in marine biology. We realize that a whole world of wonder, and an innate wildness within us all, emerge anew when we simply observe.
My Octopus Teacher has captivated millions who long to connect with the natural world. Now, with Underwater Wild, the divers behind the film reveal a new vision of the sea, one full of wonder, new insights into marine biology, and life-changing teachings for even the most land-bound of us.
Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck regularly dive together in the awe-inspiring kelp forests off South Africa, without wetsuits or oxygen tanks. Craig had dived this way for years, including alongside the octopus that inspired My Octopus Teacher. In Ross, he found a kindred spirit, someone who also embraced the ancient methods of acclimating his body to frigid waters, but whose eyes had not yet adjusted to the transcendent wonder Craig saw each time they dove. In the heart-wrenching stories that make up this unforgettable book, we swim alongside Ross as he grows from skeptic to student of the underwater wild. And in the revelatory marine science behind the stunning photos, we learn how to track sea hares, cuttlefish, and limpets, and we witness strange new behaviors never before documented in marine biology. We realize that a whole world of wonder, and an innate wildness within us all, emerge anew when we simply observe.
My Octopus Teacher has captivated millions who long to connect with the natural world. Now, with Underwater Wild, the divers behind the film reveal a new vision of the sea, one full of wonder, new insights into marine biology, and life-changing teachings for even the most land-bound of us.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2021
37 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 29, 2021
Underwater Wild
My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World
by Craig Foster; Ross Frylinck
This is such a wonderful feel good book! Foster grew up near the ocean and was naturally drawn to it. He was away from it doing his filming and photo shoots and it became stressful. He needed to get back to himself. He came back to the ocean. He decided to start swimming and diving again but without diving gear. He wanted to do it like the ancestors did. He got a friend named Ross to join him, as crazy as the guy thought Foster was at first it didn't stop him from joining in. The water there is also very COLD! But with some doing, they managed! Then the experiences began!
Foster felt like filming again! He filmed the many creatures living in the area. We get to meet them too. The photos are stunning! Sharks, fish of all kinds, and forest of kelp. But the main object finally presents itself.
An octopus is the main focus. Curious, amazing, and creative! The octopus showed Foster her many tricks of travel and camouflage among other things. Octopus only live about a year. Foster went down daily to see her. He watched her whole life unfold. Wonderfully writing, photography, and very lovely presented. Goodbye little octopus.
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this delightful and wonderful book. Millions of people can live and visit this little octopus vicariously through this book! I know I did!
My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World
by Craig Foster; Ross Frylinck
This is such a wonderful feel good book! Foster grew up near the ocean and was naturally drawn to it. He was away from it doing his filming and photo shoots and it became stressful. He needed to get back to himself. He came back to the ocean. He decided to start swimming and diving again but without diving gear. He wanted to do it like the ancestors did. He got a friend named Ross to join him, as crazy as the guy thought Foster was at first it didn't stop him from joining in. The water there is also very COLD! But with some doing, they managed! Then the experiences began!
Foster felt like filming again! He filmed the many creatures living in the area. We get to meet them too. The photos are stunning! Sharks, fish of all kinds, and forest of kelp. But the main object finally presents itself.
An octopus is the main focus. Curious, amazing, and creative! The octopus showed Foster her many tricks of travel and camouflage among other things. Octopus only live about a year. Foster went down daily to see her. He watched her whole life unfold. Wonderfully writing, photography, and very lovely presented. Goodbye little octopus.
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this delightful and wonderful book. Millions of people can live and visit this little octopus vicariously through this book! I know I did!
October 30, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Ok, the good, the pictures are STUNNING. The stories of what was discovered under the water and how the one author navigated under the ocean and how he got to learn the environment how the animals came to trust him in various ways, super interesting.
The bad? I really don't care about the daddy-issues the one guy had. I was expecting a book about life under the sea, not about how one guy had issues with his dad abandoning him and how he stole his step-dad's gun as a kid, shot and killed a bird with it and then got in trouble about it.
Soooo....mixed thoughts on this book. I expected a straight up nature book, with the usual, "humans suck and are killing this awesome planet and everything on it" bits, because that's true, but I didn't need a tiny microcosm of examples where humans suck that just barely touches on the nature part.
I think all of the bits about the one guy's life could have easily been cut and made the book better, or at least more on-topic, than it was.
I was waffling between two and three stars and am going to go with 2, since after reading this book a few weeks ago, all I can really remember is my distaste for the biography parts and I can't really remember any of the nature bits.
Recommended if you have an interest in the topic, just beware the navel gazing.
Ok, the good, the pictures are STUNNING. The stories of what was discovered under the water and how the one author navigated under the ocean and how he got to learn the environment how the animals came to trust him in various ways, super interesting.
The bad? I really don't care about the daddy-issues the one guy had. I was expecting a book about life under the sea, not about how one guy had issues with his dad abandoning him and how he stole his step-dad's gun as a kid, shot and killed a bird with it and then got in trouble about it.
Soooo....mixed thoughts on this book. I expected a straight up nature book, with the usual, "humans suck and are killing this awesome planet and everything on it" bits, because that's true, but I didn't need a tiny microcosm of examples where humans suck that just barely touches on the nature part.
I think all of the bits about the one guy's life could have easily been cut and made the book better, or at least more on-topic, than it was.
I was waffling between two and three stars and am going to go with 2, since after reading this book a few weeks ago, all I can really remember is my distaste for the biography parts and I can't really remember any of the nature bits.
Recommended if you have an interest in the topic, just beware the navel gazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
Step 1: go watch the Oscar winning documentary "My Octopus Teacher" immediately (if you haven't done so). Now you may proceed. The pictures in this book are 10*, with great explanatory side-text. Do NOT skip reading any of the picture label-paragraphs.
I've never seen such a consistently great collection of pictures. This 12" x 12" showcase of 300+ pages is the perfect display needed.
But as I read the text, I found this to be not so much a scientific book, but rather more of a diary story about the writer, Ross Frylinck, as he joined the "Octopus Teacher" Craig Foster on his cold water dives off the coast of South Africa. They dive w/o tanks nor wet-suits in very chilly (maybe 60 deg) shallow water.
I just wish the text had stayed on the science, and not into 'feelings'.
I'll let this book round to 5* due to the 10* pictures, but the 3.5* text dove into territory I didn't need to read about.
I've never seen such a consistently great collection of pictures. This 12" x 12" showcase of 300+ pages is the perfect display needed.
But as I read the text, I found this to be not so much a scientific book, but rather more of a diary story about the writer, Ross Frylinck, as he joined the "Octopus Teacher" Craig Foster on his cold water dives off the coast of South Africa. They dive w/o tanks nor wet-suits in very chilly (maybe 60 deg) shallow water.
I just wish the text had stayed on the science, and not into 'feelings'.
I'll let this book round to 5* due to the 10* pictures, but the 3.5* text dove into territory I didn't need to read about.
July 3, 2021
A fantastic coffee table book. The authors of My Octopus Teacher are back with an amazing book about their experiences diving off the coast of South Africa. What makes this unusual is that they dive without wetsuits or tanks. As a diver, I cannot imagine how difficult this must be. The reader gets to enjoy the road Ross travels in acclimating his body to this type of diving. In doing so, the duo can truly see the underwater wonders.
The stories they are willing to share are intimate, including Craig’s disclosure of his traumatic reaction to his divorce and leaving this wife and son. The narration is moving and vast. It makes the reader feel as if they are enjoying the same experiences. For instance, Craig tells of riding the backs of giant tiger sharks in the open ocean and swimming freely among five great white sharks, “…learning how to interact with the world’s largest predators. His next film took him ‘into the dragon’s lair’, where he pioneered the world’s first film of diving with Nile crocodiles in the Okavango Delta.”
The photographs are incredible and beyond description. The photo of the pyjama catshark’s eye reflecting the underwater world is something very few people get the opportunity to experience.
I received an ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
The stories they are willing to share are intimate, including Craig’s disclosure of his traumatic reaction to his divorce and leaving this wife and son. The narration is moving and vast. It makes the reader feel as if they are enjoying the same experiences. For instance, Craig tells of riding the backs of giant tiger sharks in the open ocean and swimming freely among five great white sharks, “…learning how to interact with the world’s largest predators. His next film took him ‘into the dragon’s lair’, where he pioneered the world’s first film of diving with Nile crocodiles in the Okavango Delta.”
The photographs are incredible and beyond description. The photo of the pyjama catshark’s eye reflecting the underwater world is something very few people get the opportunity to experience.
I received an ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
May 25, 2022
In diesem Buch geben uns zwei Free-Diver Einblicke in den Kelpwald im südafrikanischen Kap. Mit eindrucksvollen Bildern werden die Geschichten der Lebewesen unter Wasser erzählt. Welche Erfahrungen haben Craig und Ross gesammelt und wie hat sie die Unterwasserwelt geprägt?
Mit persönlichen Anekdoten aus ihrem privaten Leben geschmückt, ist das ein sehr persönliches Buch, wo man die Möglichkeit hat ebenfalls in die Kelpwälder unter Wasser einzutauchen.
Mit persönlichen Anekdoten aus ihrem privaten Leben geschmückt, ist das ein sehr persönliches Buch, wo man die Möglichkeit hat ebenfalls in die Kelpwälder unter Wasser einzutauchen.
August 14, 2021
I think I’m the only person that hasn’t heard about My Octopus Teacher! You could say, I’ve been living under a rock. Get it? (wink, wink)
After reading Underwater Wild, I now have put My Octopus Teacher on my discovery to-do list.
This was an amazing read! Both in the beauty and dangers of the ocean uncovered and described as well as the heartfelt, emotional stories that were shared with the reader by the authors.
The pictures are beautiful as well. Some are the bright, colorful shots you’d see on National Geographic magazines and some are more dark, filled with the true wonders of the ocean. They are all spectacular in their own right and will bring you straight into the world of the oceans of South Africa.
In this day and age where humans are trashing our Earth and depleting all of our planet’s natural resources, it’s researchers like Foster and Frylinck that remind us what we all need to be fighting for. The natural beauty and health of our oceans.
This beautiful book would make a wonderful addition to any ocean lovers’ home. Releasing in November, this book could be perfect for a Christmas gift!
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing this book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy and all views expressed are only my honest opinion.
After reading Underwater Wild, I now have put My Octopus Teacher on my discovery to-do list.
This was an amazing read! Both in the beauty and dangers of the ocean uncovered and described as well as the heartfelt, emotional stories that were shared with the reader by the authors.
The pictures are beautiful as well. Some are the bright, colorful shots you’d see on National Geographic magazines and some are more dark, filled with the true wonders of the ocean. They are all spectacular in their own right and will bring you straight into the world of the oceans of South Africa.
In this day and age where humans are trashing our Earth and depleting all of our planet’s natural resources, it’s researchers like Foster and Frylinck that remind us what we all need to be fighting for. The natural beauty and health of our oceans.
This beautiful book would make a wonderful addition to any ocean lovers’ home. Releasing in November, this book could be perfect for a Christmas gift!
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing this book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy and all views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 16, 2021
This is a National Geographic-like caliber display of underwater WILD sea life, photographed brilliantly, and liberally shared. This vibrantly portrayed portfolio, is a work of a lifetime which will enamour one and all who slowly turn the pages, taking in the sea scenes of the Kelp Sea Forest off the coast of South Africa. There is so much to take in of all these wonders of God's creation that the viewer will want to take his/her sweet time to peruse and digest all the pictures of the teeming life below sea level.
Write-ups from both Craig and Ross, which accompany the photographs, will surely have the reader become enthusiastic about all these creatures, many of which he/she may never have seen heretofore. These include such creatures as the very intriguing limpets, sea hares (the coolest to me); catsharks, seahorses (I love them), rock suckers, klipvis, octopuses (extra special to Craig) and so many more. The reader may also find the hairs on ones' arms do calisthenics at mention of great white sharks hovering silently within mere inches of their dive spot. Craig and Ross would tell you to respect these creatures, though, not fear them.
The authors practiced diving without the usual scuba-diving equipment and over time, felt themselves become more integrated with the WILD world below surface. They believe, too, that they have gained much benefit personally in life and health.
Being one who does not agree with evolution, and occult-like practices, I would have preferred less mention of those references. The authors speak of going back to their original 'source' of life but I'd like to briefly remark, that that 'Source' is God, Who created all these creatures, as well as human beings, and it is not from melding cognitively and mingling physically with the creatures from the depth of the sea, nor spending hours (adding up years' worth) under water with them, as marvelous as that 'world' is. This though, seems to be their praxis.
To round up the pages, besides space for acknowledgements and index, is Craig's mental map of the various areas of specific habitat niches in which he was most likely to discover the location where a particular species hung out and/or hunted prey among the kelp forest fronds, nooks and crannies 'below deck'. Overall, this is a 'chance-of-a-lifetime' book find, in which to gain astounding knowledge and insight of creatures we may never ever have discovered for ourselves, especially by those of us who would prefer to remain on terra firme. Thanks Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck!
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
September 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.
Write-ups from both Craig and Ross, which accompany the photographs, will surely have the reader become enthusiastic about all these creatures, many of which he/she may never have seen heretofore. These include such creatures as the very intriguing limpets, sea hares (the coolest to me); catsharks, seahorses (I love them), rock suckers, klipvis, octopuses (extra special to Craig) and so many more. The reader may also find the hairs on ones' arms do calisthenics at mention of great white sharks hovering silently within mere inches of their dive spot. Craig and Ross would tell you to respect these creatures, though, not fear them.
The authors practiced diving without the usual scuba-diving equipment and over time, felt themselves become more integrated with the WILD world below surface. They believe, too, that they have gained much benefit personally in life and health.
Being one who does not agree with evolution, and occult-like practices, I would have preferred less mention of those references. The authors speak of going back to their original 'source' of life but I'd like to briefly remark, that that 'Source' is God, Who created all these creatures, as well as human beings, and it is not from melding cognitively and mingling physically with the creatures from the depth of the sea, nor spending hours (adding up years' worth) under water with them, as marvelous as that 'world' is. This though, seems to be their praxis.
To round up the pages, besides space for acknowledgements and index, is Craig's mental map of the various areas of specific habitat niches in which he was most likely to discover the location where a particular species hung out and/or hunted prey among the kelp forest fronds, nooks and crannies 'below deck'. Overall, this is a 'chance-of-a-lifetime' book find, in which to gain astounding knowledge and insight of creatures we may never ever have discovered for ourselves, especially by those of us who would prefer to remain on terra firme. Thanks Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck!
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
September 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.
May 31, 2022
‘*‘ Meine Meinung ‘*‘
Schon als ich das Buch sah, war ich geflasht. Und was soll ich euch schreiben, das Buch ist der Hammer. Es ist eine Mischung aus grandiosen Fotos, wissenschaftlichen Fakten über die Unterwasserwelt und einem Teil von Ross’ Lebensgeschichte. Auch wird ein wenig über Craigs Erlebnis mit seiner Oktopusdame erzählt, über die er ausführlich im Film „Mein Lehrer, der Krake“ berichtet.
Aber zurück zum Buch. Die Fotos sind magisch. Mal kann man genau erkennen, um was es geht und mal sind es eher mysteriöse Aufnahmen, die man auf sich wirken lassen kann. So toll die Aufnahmen auf den Doppelseiten auch sind, so doof finde ich es, wenn die Fotos ungünstig geteilt wurden. In meinen Augen hat da jemand beim Satz des Buches nicht genau aufgepasst.
Die Texte sind zum größten Teil von Ross Frylinck geschrieben. Er erzählt ungeschminkt und ehrlich von seinem Leben und wie das Meer und Craig Foster sein Leben beeinflusst haben.
Craig Foster beschreibt zwischendurch die Unterwasserwelt und belebte die Fotos noch mehr. Der Schreibstil der Texte ich locker-leicht und flüssig lesbar. Wer will, kann sich Gedanken über die Natur und ihre Erhaltung machen. Aber man kann auch einfach lesen und ein bisschen vor sich hinträumen.
Ich bewundere Ross und Craig, denn der Gedanke, ohne Neoprenanzug in 13 Grad kaltem Wasser zu tauchen, ließ mich beim Lesen schon fast bibbern. Ja, ich gebe es zu, ich gehöre zu den Warmtauchern. Und dann noch ohne Atemgerät zu tauchen, einfach bewundernswert.
Die Mischung aus Fotos, Texten und persönlichen Erlebnissen ist den Autoren hervorragend gelungen. Ich fand mich in einigen Aspekten wieder und meine Faszination der Unterwasserwelt hat noch mehr zugenommen. Vielleicht kann das Buch den einen oder anderen für das Ökosystem der anderen Art begeistern. Aber egal wie, das Buch ist ein Augenschmaus und ich gebe gern 5 Sea-Sterne.
‘*‘ Klappentext ‘*‘
Wenn Craig Foster ausgebrannt ist, tut er das, was er als Kind schon getan hat: Er schwimmt und taucht vor der Küste Südafrikas - ohne Tauchausrüstung, tief in den Unterwasserwäldern des Atlantiks. Bei seinen Ausflügen beginnt er, den Wald zu kartografieren und stößt auf eine Oktopusdame, die ihn mindestens so spannend findet, wie er sie. Von ihr lernt Foster nicht nur viel über Oktopusse und das fragile Ökosystem des Tangwalds, er lernt auch sehr viel über sich. In »Sea Change« zeigen uns Foster und sein Tauchfreund Ross Frylinck, weshalb es unser aller Rettung sein kann, wieder in eine echte Verbindung zur Natur zu treten. »Sea Change« ist ein atemberaubender Bildband mit klugen Texten über das Ökosystem unter Wasser, dessen Gesundheit unsere Rolle auf diesem Planeten bestimmt.
Schon als ich das Buch sah, war ich geflasht. Und was soll ich euch schreiben, das Buch ist der Hammer. Es ist eine Mischung aus grandiosen Fotos, wissenschaftlichen Fakten über die Unterwasserwelt und einem Teil von Ross’ Lebensgeschichte. Auch wird ein wenig über Craigs Erlebnis mit seiner Oktopusdame erzählt, über die er ausführlich im Film „Mein Lehrer, der Krake“ berichtet.
Aber zurück zum Buch. Die Fotos sind magisch. Mal kann man genau erkennen, um was es geht und mal sind es eher mysteriöse Aufnahmen, die man auf sich wirken lassen kann. So toll die Aufnahmen auf den Doppelseiten auch sind, so doof finde ich es, wenn die Fotos ungünstig geteilt wurden. In meinen Augen hat da jemand beim Satz des Buches nicht genau aufgepasst.
Die Texte sind zum größten Teil von Ross Frylinck geschrieben. Er erzählt ungeschminkt und ehrlich von seinem Leben und wie das Meer und Craig Foster sein Leben beeinflusst haben.
Craig Foster beschreibt zwischendurch die Unterwasserwelt und belebte die Fotos noch mehr. Der Schreibstil der Texte ich locker-leicht und flüssig lesbar. Wer will, kann sich Gedanken über die Natur und ihre Erhaltung machen. Aber man kann auch einfach lesen und ein bisschen vor sich hinträumen.
Ich bewundere Ross und Craig, denn der Gedanke, ohne Neoprenanzug in 13 Grad kaltem Wasser zu tauchen, ließ mich beim Lesen schon fast bibbern. Ja, ich gebe es zu, ich gehöre zu den Warmtauchern. Und dann noch ohne Atemgerät zu tauchen, einfach bewundernswert.
Die Mischung aus Fotos, Texten und persönlichen Erlebnissen ist den Autoren hervorragend gelungen. Ich fand mich in einigen Aspekten wieder und meine Faszination der Unterwasserwelt hat noch mehr zugenommen. Vielleicht kann das Buch den einen oder anderen für das Ökosystem der anderen Art begeistern. Aber egal wie, das Buch ist ein Augenschmaus und ich gebe gern 5 Sea-Sterne.
‘*‘ Klappentext ‘*‘
Wenn Craig Foster ausgebrannt ist, tut er das, was er als Kind schon getan hat: Er schwimmt und taucht vor der Küste Südafrikas - ohne Tauchausrüstung, tief in den Unterwasserwäldern des Atlantiks. Bei seinen Ausflügen beginnt er, den Wald zu kartografieren und stößt auf eine Oktopusdame, die ihn mindestens so spannend findet, wie er sie. Von ihr lernt Foster nicht nur viel über Oktopusse und das fragile Ökosystem des Tangwalds, er lernt auch sehr viel über sich. In »Sea Change« zeigen uns Foster und sein Tauchfreund Ross Frylinck, weshalb es unser aller Rettung sein kann, wieder in eine echte Verbindung zur Natur zu treten. »Sea Change« ist ein atemberaubender Bildband mit klugen Texten über das Ökosystem unter Wasser, dessen Gesundheit unsere Rolle auf diesem Planeten bestimmt.
April 20, 2022
I stumbled upon this book just browsing the new arrivals at the library. I picked it up and flipped through the pages just to look at the pictures. I’ve always been fascinated by sea creatures… I don’t know why… probably because they’re fascinating. Anyway, I started to read a few captions and snippets of the story here and there, and was instantly captivated.
So the book is a mix of photographs with informative, detailed captions written by Craig Foster—the creator of My Octopus Teacher—and vignettes by Ross Frylinck, telling the story of his experiences diving with Craig and how it helped him heal from loss. Brilliant concept. It’s like this cool mix of science textbook, artistic photography, and memoir. I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in the connection between humans and the natural world.
So the book is a mix of photographs with informative, detailed captions written by Craig Foster—the creator of My Octopus Teacher—and vignettes by Ross Frylinck, telling the story of his experiences diving with Craig and how it helped him heal from loss. Brilliant concept. It’s like this cool mix of science textbook, artistic photography, and memoir. I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in the connection between humans and the natural world.
October 2, 2021
Much of this stupendous book takes place in the South Africa kelp forests where two adventurous divers who have trained themselves to dive without wetsuits or oxygen tanks observe underwater nature. Craig Foster filmed My Octopus Teacher and this book, Underwater Wild, is based on their dives. Dives occur so often that the two friends are able to tell whether something is out of place or moved or hatched in the kelp forests they know so well. Some creatures grow accustomed to them and as they are not fished they respond to and by touch. Others remain hidden and wary. Of course the ocean is constantly pulsating with fish entering and leaving the realm, always a kaleidoscope of things to see wherever they look, a cacophony of sounds, discoveries waiting to happen. Creatures teach many lessons and Craig and Ross are eager and willing students.
Simultaneously, personal stories of these two men are told, both riddled with heartache. As they grapple with their pasts, they find meaning and healing in the underwater wild. The amount of information I learned is staggering from the miraculous gender change of the red roman reef fish to the gentleness of pyjama catshark to limpet tracks to peacock klipvis to aggressive false plum anemones to box jellyfish harpoons. But amongst the most mindblowing to me are the tuberculate cuttlefish capabilities, pointing reticulated starfish and helmet shell snail's hole drilling skills. And then there are the clever octopuses. No wonder Craig and Ross are in awe of them. Creation is a marvelous thing. Underwater is definitely an entirely different world with more species below the depths than above. Just think of the known species...I reckon the number of those which are unidentified is even greater!
Craig's mental maps are so well done, so very captivating! The vivid photography is stellar and alive. Personal stories add a special connection.
If you are the slightest bit interested in underwater wilderness, do read this beautiful and informative book.
My sincere thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this stunner of a book!
Simultaneously, personal stories of these two men are told, both riddled with heartache. As they grapple with their pasts, they find meaning and healing in the underwater wild. The amount of information I learned is staggering from the miraculous gender change of the red roman reef fish to the gentleness of pyjama catshark to limpet tracks to peacock klipvis to aggressive false plum anemones to box jellyfish harpoons. But amongst the most mindblowing to me are the tuberculate cuttlefish capabilities, pointing reticulated starfish and helmet shell snail's hole drilling skills. And then there are the clever octopuses. No wonder Craig and Ross are in awe of them. Creation is a marvelous thing. Underwater is definitely an entirely different world with more species below the depths than above. Just think of the known species...I reckon the number of those which are unidentified is even greater!
Craig's mental maps are so well done, so very captivating! The vivid photography is stellar and alive. Personal stories add a special connection.
If you are the slightest bit interested in underwater wilderness, do read this beautiful and informative book.
My sincere thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this stunner of a book!
December 8, 2021
Every bit as stunning as "My Octopus Teacher," this book is filled with beautiful photography and stunning words. There is much to be learned within its pages. It's a good gift this holiday (including for yourself).
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
September 21, 2021
This book was very breezy to get through and the pictures were amazing! If you've seen My Octopus Teacher or just like ocean stuff, this book is definitely worth it. Craig and Ross's journey into the waters is inspiring, and some of the things they've seen make me jealous I don't live near an ocean.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 5, 2024
great book!!
July 25, 2025
super super enjoyable i loved learning all about the nature
January 10, 2022
Absolutely stunning.
October 7, 2021
The pictures in Underwater Wild are absolutely stunning! What a beautiful book!
I enjoyed the many stories about interactions with the wildlife in the kelp forest. However, I was much less interested in the large portion of the text dedicated to the personal lives of the two authors. When I picked this book up, I expected it to be about undersea plants and animals and the authors' interactions with them and observations of them. It did have this component and it was very well done. However, I did not expect (and was not particularly interested in) the many pages dedicated to how these interactions affected their personal lives outside of the water.
I enjoyed the many stories about interactions with the wildlife in the kelp forest. However, I was much less interested in the large portion of the text dedicated to the personal lives of the two authors. When I picked this book up, I expected it to be about undersea plants and animals and the authors' interactions with them and observations of them. It did have this component and it was very well done. However, I did not expect (and was not particularly interested in) the many pages dedicated to how these interactions affected their personal lives outside of the water.
January 21, 2025
Book Review: My Octopus Teacher by Craig Foster
My Octopus Teacher is a mesmerizing book, and a movie of an uncommon and surprising friendship that Craig Foster develops with an octopus he encounters while free-diving in the kelp forests off the coast of South Africa. Ross watched the “My Octopus Teacher” and decided to write a book about it. He wrote about Craig’s experience that adds much more to the emotional depth and insights captured in the film. The book's combination of vivid language and striking visuals—both in its descriptive passages and the photographs—brings the underwater world to life in a way that deeply impacts the reader.
One of the most powerful elements of My Octopus Teacher is the way Ross brings that underwater world into the page through visual language. The way he describes kelp forests, filtering light, and the shifting patterns of sea life, makes a reader feel they are swimming next to him. It speaks about the physical beauty of an ocean world in lyrical grace, almost as if verging into cinema, but the pictures also help in bringing everything into reality.
Although the book shows some pictures from the documentary we wouldn't really need them because the text in itself is so evocative that one almost imagines the whirling dance of the octopus's tentacles or how she changes color and texture to camouflage herself into the environment. The effect is akin to watching a beautiful nature film where the viewer is swept into the experience through stunning visuals and narrative.
Foster describes how the octopus reacts to his presence: "She could sense me, feel me, and I could feel her-an electric, mysterious connection." The use of such language tells not only of the physical presence of the octopus but of some kind of intangible, almost spiritual connection that Craig believes exists between humans and animals. It's an interspecies connection, connected to something universal, a hint that the interconnectedness among all life does exist and transcends every known boundary of tongue and insight.
The language is also contemplative in the nature around them. Foster describes many of his observations so meticulously that the speech patterns resemble the oceanic rhythms themselves. Ross writes, for example, "The water is never still-it is always in movement-but in that movement, also, always still." The balance that exists here between movement and rest, between life and death, too, is continued throughout the book, and within the language as well: a harmonization of the quiet moments of the writer's introspection to the action within the underwater world.
Throughout the book, the writer emphasizes how all living beings—human and non-human—are interconnected. The octopus's world is intricately linked with the health of the ocean, and through their relationship, the author conveys the message that protecting nature means protecting ourselves. By showing how the octopus’s survival depends on the ocean’s ecosystem, and how the health of the ocean impacts all creatures within it, the book encourages readers to consider the far-reaching consequences of environmental degradation. This holistic view underscores the urgency of preserving the environment—not just for the octopus or other animals, but for humanity’s future as well.
The book also presents the fragility of the ocean ecosystem. Craig observes the challenges the octopus faces in its environment, from predators to the impacts of climate change and human activity. This portrayal of vulnerability can be a wake-up call for readers, as it shows how easily ecosystems can be disturbed or destroyed. The octopus, as a symbol of the larger ecosystem, is an example of a species struggling to adapt to rapid environmental changes. This raises awareness about the risks posed by pollution, overfishing, and climate change, compelling readers to take action to protect such ecosystems.
Moreover, the reflective tone of Ross serves to raise the book beyond a simple nature memoir into a deep exploration of human experience. The slow, meditative pace of his writing invites the reader to consider not just the relationship between Foster and the octopus, but their own place in the natural world. It challenges the reader to rethink what it means to truly "know" another being—human or otherwise.
The rich use of sensory, alive language, together with evocative visual descriptions, makes My Octopus Teacher a deeply immersive read. It is not just a book that narrates the story of a man and an octopus; it draws the reader into one shared experience where the boundaries of human and animal, land and sea, break down. It is through Foster's well-developed, expressive language that succeeds in making one feel that it, too, is a resident of the mysterious world of the ocean.
Second, the vulnerability and the trust in the relationship between Foster and the octopus make for a deeply affecting read. It invites readers to consider their relationships with the natural world anew and to question themselves over how they might live in better attention and care for the creatures we share the planet with.
Finally, My Octopus Teacher is a poetically written and emotionally appealing book, wherein language and visual imagery come together in deep immersion with something thought-provoking. The descriptions by Craig Foster take the readers deep into an underwater world, wondrous yet humbling, to touch that sensitive chord reminding them of the bonds between all living creatures. The power is not in the story itself but in changing the reader's perception of the world around them into a deeper awareness of nature, empathies, and quiet unobtrusive moments of Grace that surround them.
My Octopus Teacher is a mesmerizing book, and a movie of an uncommon and surprising friendship that Craig Foster develops with an octopus he encounters while free-diving in the kelp forests off the coast of South Africa. Ross watched the “My Octopus Teacher” and decided to write a book about it. He wrote about Craig’s experience that adds much more to the emotional depth and insights captured in the film. The book's combination of vivid language and striking visuals—both in its descriptive passages and the photographs—brings the underwater world to life in a way that deeply impacts the reader.
One of the most powerful elements of My Octopus Teacher is the way Ross brings that underwater world into the page through visual language. The way he describes kelp forests, filtering light, and the shifting patterns of sea life, makes a reader feel they are swimming next to him. It speaks about the physical beauty of an ocean world in lyrical grace, almost as if verging into cinema, but the pictures also help in bringing everything into reality.
Although the book shows some pictures from the documentary we wouldn't really need them because the text in itself is so evocative that one almost imagines the whirling dance of the octopus's tentacles or how she changes color and texture to camouflage herself into the environment. The effect is akin to watching a beautiful nature film where the viewer is swept into the experience through stunning visuals and narrative.
Foster describes how the octopus reacts to his presence: "She could sense me, feel me, and I could feel her-an electric, mysterious connection." The use of such language tells not only of the physical presence of the octopus but of some kind of intangible, almost spiritual connection that Craig believes exists between humans and animals. It's an interspecies connection, connected to something universal, a hint that the interconnectedness among all life does exist and transcends every known boundary of tongue and insight.
The language is also contemplative in the nature around them. Foster describes many of his observations so meticulously that the speech patterns resemble the oceanic rhythms themselves. Ross writes, for example, "The water is never still-it is always in movement-but in that movement, also, always still." The balance that exists here between movement and rest, between life and death, too, is continued throughout the book, and within the language as well: a harmonization of the quiet moments of the writer's introspection to the action within the underwater world.
Throughout the book, the writer emphasizes how all living beings—human and non-human—are interconnected. The octopus's world is intricately linked with the health of the ocean, and through their relationship, the author conveys the message that protecting nature means protecting ourselves. By showing how the octopus’s survival depends on the ocean’s ecosystem, and how the health of the ocean impacts all creatures within it, the book encourages readers to consider the far-reaching consequences of environmental degradation. This holistic view underscores the urgency of preserving the environment—not just for the octopus or other animals, but for humanity’s future as well.
The book also presents the fragility of the ocean ecosystem. Craig observes the challenges the octopus faces in its environment, from predators to the impacts of climate change and human activity. This portrayal of vulnerability can be a wake-up call for readers, as it shows how easily ecosystems can be disturbed or destroyed. The octopus, as a symbol of the larger ecosystem, is an example of a species struggling to adapt to rapid environmental changes. This raises awareness about the risks posed by pollution, overfishing, and climate change, compelling readers to take action to protect such ecosystems.
Moreover, the reflective tone of Ross serves to raise the book beyond a simple nature memoir into a deep exploration of human experience. The slow, meditative pace of his writing invites the reader to consider not just the relationship between Foster and the octopus, but their own place in the natural world. It challenges the reader to rethink what it means to truly "know" another being—human or otherwise.
The rich use of sensory, alive language, together with evocative visual descriptions, makes My Octopus Teacher a deeply immersive read. It is not just a book that narrates the story of a man and an octopus; it draws the reader into one shared experience where the boundaries of human and animal, land and sea, break down. It is through Foster's well-developed, expressive language that succeeds in making one feel that it, too, is a resident of the mysterious world of the ocean.
Second, the vulnerability and the trust in the relationship between Foster and the octopus make for a deeply affecting read. It invites readers to consider their relationships with the natural world anew and to question themselves over how they might live in better attention and care for the creatures we share the planet with.
Finally, My Octopus Teacher is a poetically written and emotionally appealing book, wherein language and visual imagery come together in deep immersion with something thought-provoking. The descriptions by Craig Foster take the readers deep into an underwater world, wondrous yet humbling, to touch that sensitive chord reminding them of the bonds between all living creatures. The power is not in the story itself but in changing the reader's perception of the world around them into a deeper awareness of nature, empathies, and quiet unobtrusive moments of Grace that surround them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.5 of 5
Craig Foster is a diver who, with Ross Frylinck, dives regularly off the coast of South Africa without wetsuits or oxygen tanks. His experiences with the beautiful underwater forests and creatures that dwell there led to the remarkable and much-talk-about film My Octopus Teacher.
Building on the success and interest in My Octopus Teacher, Foster and Frylinck have put together a beautiful coffee-table style book packed with photos from their underwater explorations and a relatively simple, direct narrative from Foster explaining his journey. Some of that narrative includes Foster's reflection on some of the more traumatic moments in his life, such as his divorce and leaving his wife and son. But diving has been his refuge during times of despair and we get the notion that this underwater wild has been a life-saver for him and he passes that on to his son who completes a right of passage in Foster's own chosen world.
While Foster's narrative definitely rounds out the book, the real appeal here is the beautiful photography. Sea life is still a great mystery to most people, and the photography here truly opens a window into this world. The commentaries on the photos, letting us know what we're looking at (as sometimes an animal's camouflage works so well [as nature intended] that we could miss some of the animals or what they're doing) are vastly more interesting to this reader than Foster's story.
I will admit that given the cover photo and the tag line at the top of the book "From the creators of My Octopus Teacher" I was expecting a lot more octopus photos in the book. But of course, this is Underwater Wild, not strictly a companion piece to the documentary.
I think that Foster and Frylinck are stepping up and bringing back an awareness to the undersea world. Not since Jacques Cousteau have we had anyone really promoting ocean life the way Foster is, and we need that right now.
The book has a great introduction from Jane Goodall.
Looking for a good book? Underwater Wild by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck is a beautiful coffee-table style book and you'll want to share these photos and the things you learn with all your guests and friends.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Craig Foster is a diver who, with Ross Frylinck, dives regularly off the coast of South Africa without wetsuits or oxygen tanks. His experiences with the beautiful underwater forests and creatures that dwell there led to the remarkable and much-talk-about film My Octopus Teacher.
Building on the success and interest in My Octopus Teacher, Foster and Frylinck have put together a beautiful coffee-table style book packed with photos from their underwater explorations and a relatively simple, direct narrative from Foster explaining his journey. Some of that narrative includes Foster's reflection on some of the more traumatic moments in his life, such as his divorce and leaving his wife and son. But diving has been his refuge during times of despair and we get the notion that this underwater wild has been a life-saver for him and he passes that on to his son who completes a right of passage in Foster's own chosen world.
While Foster's narrative definitely rounds out the book, the real appeal here is the beautiful photography. Sea life is still a great mystery to most people, and the photography here truly opens a window into this world. The commentaries on the photos, letting us know what we're looking at (as sometimes an animal's camouflage works so well [as nature intended] that we could miss some of the animals or what they're doing) are vastly more interesting to this reader than Foster's story.
I will admit that given the cover photo and the tag line at the top of the book "From the creators of My Octopus Teacher" I was expecting a lot more octopus photos in the book. But of course, this is Underwater Wild, not strictly a companion piece to the documentary.
I think that Foster and Frylinck are stepping up and bringing back an awareness to the undersea world. Not since Jacques Cousteau have we had anyone really promoting ocean life the way Foster is, and we need that right now.
The book has a great introduction from Jane Goodall.
Looking for a good book? Underwater Wild by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck is a beautiful coffee-table style book and you'll want to share these photos and the things you learn with all your guests and friends.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2021
My thanks to Mariner Books for a temporary digital review copy via NetGalley of ‘Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World’ by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck in exchange for an honest review.
This is an impressive book of marine photography. It opens with an inspirational Introduction by Jane Goodall. It is a personal account of the authors’ experiences of swimming in the Great African Sea Forest. What is even more impressive is that they are free diving without oxygen tanks or wetsuits.
Craig Foster is a well known South African documentary film maker and founder of the Sea Change Project. He won an Oscar for his 2020 film, ‘My Octopus Teacher’, that chronicles his bond with a common octopus that he filmed over the coursof a year.
As well as a filmmaker Foster is a marine biologist who had trained himself to free dive in cold water for extended periods of time. Some years ago he discovered in Ross Frylinck a kindred spirit and they now regularly dive together as well as collaborate on the Sea Change Project.
Both men share personal anecdotes including their experiences of loss and how their relationship with the ocean assisted in their coming to terms with their pasts. The descriptions of their diving experiences are inspiring and in places quite spiritual in nature.
Still, it is the photography that makes this book so extraordinary. It is breathtaking with many closeup images of sea creatures. Some photos of the kelp forest almost seem to move. Both authors seek to put to rest misconceptions about sharks. One photo that stood out for me was of Craig’s son, Tom, with two small sharks lying motionless in his arms.
Of course, Craig’s octopus teacher features in both photographs and text. I hope to see the film soon as I am very interested in these fascinating creatures.
Overall, ‘Underwater Wild’ is a beautifully presented coffee table hardback. I feel that it would also make an ideal Christmas gift for nature lovers.
This is an impressive book of marine photography. It opens with an inspirational Introduction by Jane Goodall. It is a personal account of the authors’ experiences of swimming in the Great African Sea Forest. What is even more impressive is that they are free diving without oxygen tanks or wetsuits.
Craig Foster is a well known South African documentary film maker and founder of the Sea Change Project. He won an Oscar for his 2020 film, ‘My Octopus Teacher’, that chronicles his bond with a common octopus that he filmed over the coursof a year.
As well as a filmmaker Foster is a marine biologist who had trained himself to free dive in cold water for extended periods of time. Some years ago he discovered in Ross Frylinck a kindred spirit and they now regularly dive together as well as collaborate on the Sea Change Project.
Both men share personal anecdotes including their experiences of loss and how their relationship with the ocean assisted in their coming to terms with their pasts. The descriptions of their diving experiences are inspiring and in places quite spiritual in nature.
Still, it is the photography that makes this book so extraordinary. It is breathtaking with many closeup images of sea creatures. Some photos of the kelp forest almost seem to move. Both authors seek to put to rest misconceptions about sharks. One photo that stood out for me was of Craig’s son, Tom, with two small sharks lying motionless in his arms.
Of course, Craig’s octopus teacher features in both photographs and text. I hope to see the film soon as I am very interested in these fascinating creatures.
Overall, ‘Underwater Wild’ is a beautifully presented coffee table hardback. I feel that it would also make an ideal Christmas gift for nature lovers.
July 28, 2022
🐙 Um was geht‘s?
In ‚Sea Change‘ begleiten wir die Freunde Craig und Ross auf ihren Tauchgängen im Kelbwald an der Küste Südafrikas. Craig geht mehrere Jahre lang jeden Tag tauchen. Ross, der großen Respekt, fast Angst, vor dem Meer und seinen Bewohnern hat, begleitet ihn. Nur mit minimalster Ausrüstung ausgestattet, gehen sie auf ihre Tauchgänge. Immer begleitet von einer Kamera.
🐙 Mein Fazit:
Was die beiden auf ihren Tauchgängen für uns festhalten, ist einfach nur wunderschön. Craig, ein erfahrener Taucher und (Unterwasser)Fährtenleser dringt an Orte vor, die bisher noch niemand gesehen hat. Dort gelingen einzigartige Aufnahmen von Meeresbewohnern. Jede Aufnahme wird in dem Buch so kommentiert, dass man fast traurig ist, wenn man den entsprechenden Abschnitt zu Ende gelesen hat. Man möchte noch mehr erfahren. Auch wenn Craig, wie es das Cover des Buchs vermuten lässt, eine besondere Beziehung zu Kraken hat, kommen die anderen Meeresbewohner nicht zu kurz. Egal ob Seehase, Anemone oder Hai.
Schön ist auch, dass Ross die Geschichte der Freundschaft zwischen ihm und Craig erzählt. Diese zieht sich wie ein roter Faden durch das Buch. Das macht aus dem Sachbuch zugleich auch eine Freundschaftsgeschichte.
🐙 Für wen ist das Buch etwas?
Wer die Netflix-Doku ‚Mein Freund, der Krake‘ toll fand, kann hier blind zugreifen, denn das Buch ist von den gleichen Machern. Und wer Frank Schätzings ‚Nachrichten aus einem unbekannten Universum‘ mochte, wird ‚Sea Change‘ ebenfalls lieben.
Generell empfehle ich das Buch allen, die sich gerne mit der Natur, und hier speziell mit dem Meer und seinen Bewohner, auseinandersetzen. Es ist ein richtiges Schmöker-Buch. Man nimmt es immer wieder gerne in die Hand. Und sei es nur, um sich die wunderschönen Aufnahmen anzuschauen.
Ich habe das Buch als Rezensionsexemplar erhalten. Meine Meinung/Rezension wurde dadurch nicht beeinflusst.
In ‚Sea Change‘ begleiten wir die Freunde Craig und Ross auf ihren Tauchgängen im Kelbwald an der Küste Südafrikas. Craig geht mehrere Jahre lang jeden Tag tauchen. Ross, der großen Respekt, fast Angst, vor dem Meer und seinen Bewohnern hat, begleitet ihn. Nur mit minimalster Ausrüstung ausgestattet, gehen sie auf ihre Tauchgänge. Immer begleitet von einer Kamera.
🐙 Mein Fazit:
Was die beiden auf ihren Tauchgängen für uns festhalten, ist einfach nur wunderschön. Craig, ein erfahrener Taucher und (Unterwasser)Fährtenleser dringt an Orte vor, die bisher noch niemand gesehen hat. Dort gelingen einzigartige Aufnahmen von Meeresbewohnern. Jede Aufnahme wird in dem Buch so kommentiert, dass man fast traurig ist, wenn man den entsprechenden Abschnitt zu Ende gelesen hat. Man möchte noch mehr erfahren. Auch wenn Craig, wie es das Cover des Buchs vermuten lässt, eine besondere Beziehung zu Kraken hat, kommen die anderen Meeresbewohner nicht zu kurz. Egal ob Seehase, Anemone oder Hai.
Schön ist auch, dass Ross die Geschichte der Freundschaft zwischen ihm und Craig erzählt. Diese zieht sich wie ein roter Faden durch das Buch. Das macht aus dem Sachbuch zugleich auch eine Freundschaftsgeschichte.
🐙 Für wen ist das Buch etwas?
Wer die Netflix-Doku ‚Mein Freund, der Krake‘ toll fand, kann hier blind zugreifen, denn das Buch ist von den gleichen Machern. Und wer Frank Schätzings ‚Nachrichten aus einem unbekannten Universum‘ mochte, wird ‚Sea Change‘ ebenfalls lieben.
Generell empfehle ich das Buch allen, die sich gerne mit der Natur, und hier speziell mit dem Meer und seinen Bewohner, auseinandersetzen. Es ist ein richtiges Schmöker-Buch. Man nimmt es immer wieder gerne in die Hand. Und sei es nur, um sich die wunderschönen Aufnahmen anzuschauen.
Ich habe das Buch als Rezensionsexemplar erhalten. Meine Meinung/Rezension wurde dadurch nicht beeinflusst.
October 12, 2021
Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck is currently scheduled for release on October 19 2021. Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck regularly dive together in the awe-inspiring kelp forests off South Africa, without wetsuits or oxygen tanks. In Ross, he found a kindred spirit, someone who also embraced the ancient methods of acclimating his body to frigid waters, but whose eyes had not yet adjusted to the transcendent wonder Craig saw each time they dove. In the stories that make up this book, readers swim alongside Ross as he grows from skeptic to student of the underwater wild. And in the revelatory marine science behind the stunning photos, we learn how to track sea hares, cuttlefish, and limpets, and we witness strange new behaviors never before documented in marine biology. We realize that a whole world of wonder, and an innate wildness within us all, emerge anew when we simply observe.
I have to admit that I picked Underwater Wild to read because of the photography. Seriously, the images are stunning and well worth a look at the book all on their own. They are simply stunning. The text is well written and talks about much more than the marine life feature. The narrative style brings readers along for the ride, showing rather than telling about what has been seen and learned. It is about marine life, exploration, family, relationships, and more. When paired with the photographs, the text gives an extra layer of wonder and heart to the book as a whole. I think this book will appeal to a wide range of readers, and some will definitely be taking more time to enjoy the pictures than the text, no mater how moving or interesting the information shared.
I have to admit that I picked Underwater Wild to read because of the photography. Seriously, the images are stunning and well worth a look at the book all on their own. They are simply stunning. The text is well written and talks about much more than the marine life feature. The narrative style brings readers along for the ride, showing rather than telling about what has been seen and learned. It is about marine life, exploration, family, relationships, and more. When paired with the photographs, the text gives an extra layer of wonder and heart to the book as a whole. I think this book will appeal to a wide range of readers, and some will definitely be taking more time to enjoy the pictures than the text, no mater how moving or interesting the information shared.
February 25, 2025
There are stories that entertain, stories that educate, and then there are stories that touch something deep within us, something raw, unspoken, and perhaps even wounded. This story is one of those rare stories that feels like a conversation with your own soul. It’s not just about an octopus or the vast kelp forest; it’s about what it means to reconnect with nature, with self, and with the quiet spaces we often neglect in our lives.
Trust, vulnerability, loss, resilience, the octopus teaches him, and us, in ways words often fail to. One of the most striking aspects of the book is its emphasis on mindfulness. The octopus does not rush. She moves with intention, adapts without resistance, and exists fully in each moment, whether she is hunting, hiding, or simply resting. In a world that constantly pushes us to be more, do more, prove more, her presence is a lesson in being. And then, of course, there is the inevitable loss. The octopus, like all things in nature, follows the cycle of life and death. Her absence leaves a void, but it also leaves Foster changed. This is perhaps the hardest, yet most profound, lesson: that love (whether for a person, a creature, or even a part of ourselves) does not promise permanence. But it does promise transformation.
The simplicity of Foster’s daily visits to the ocean becomes an unspoken metaphor for the slow, patient work of mending one’s inner world. Hence, ‘My Octopus Teacher’ is more than a book. It is an invitation! An invitation to slow down, to observe, to find wonder in the small and the fleeting. It also reminds you that even in the depths, you are not alone.
Trust, vulnerability, loss, resilience, the octopus teaches him, and us, in ways words often fail to. One of the most striking aspects of the book is its emphasis on mindfulness. The octopus does not rush. She moves with intention, adapts without resistance, and exists fully in each moment, whether she is hunting, hiding, or simply resting. In a world that constantly pushes us to be more, do more, prove more, her presence is a lesson in being. And then, of course, there is the inevitable loss. The octopus, like all things in nature, follows the cycle of life and death. Her absence leaves a void, but it also leaves Foster changed. This is perhaps the hardest, yet most profound, lesson: that love (whether for a person, a creature, or even a part of ourselves) does not promise permanence. But it does promise transformation.
The simplicity of Foster’s daily visits to the ocean becomes an unspoken metaphor for the slow, patient work of mending one’s inner world. Hence, ‘My Octopus Teacher’ is more than a book. It is an invitation! An invitation to slow down, to observe, to find wonder in the small and the fleeting. It also reminds you that even in the depths, you are not alone.
August 15, 2022
Craig Foster, der vor allem für seinen Dokumentarfilm "Mein Lehrer, der Krake" bekannt sein dürfte, berichtet in diesem Buch von seinen Tauchgängen vor der Küste Südafrikas. Er lebt direkt an der Küste und hat sich vorgenommen, zehn Jahre lang jeden einzelnen Tag im Kelpwald (sozusagen dem Äquivalent zum Regenwald) zu tauchen.
Begleitet wird er dabei von Ross Frylinck, der nicht nur die Eindrücke und Erlebnisse der Ausflüge niederschreibt, sondern auch Fotos dazu macht. Das Buch setzt sich also zusammen aus Texten und Bildern und bietet so einen tollen Einblick in die Unterwasserwelt vor den Küsten Südafrikas.
Gemeinsam begegnen die beiden den verschiedensten Fischarten, beobachten nie zuvor festgehaltene Paarungstänze, begleiten einen Babyhai von der Eiablage bis zum Schlüpfen. Auch von der ungewöhnlichen Freundschaft zwischen Craig Foster und der Krakendame, die im Fokus des Netflix-Filmes steht, wird berichtet.
Dass im Ozean viel mehr los ist, als man "von oben" aus denken würde, ist klar - aber erst mit diesem Buch ist mir die unglaubliche Artenvielfalt der Kelpwälder bewusst geworden. Durch die persönliche Note liest sich das Buch sehr gut und gar nicht wie ein trockenes Sachbuch, und erlaubt dabei einen schönen Einblick in diese immer noch so fremde Welt. Ein Bildband, der gerade für Naturliebhaber sehr zu empfehlen ist!
Begleitet wird er dabei von Ross Frylinck, der nicht nur die Eindrücke und Erlebnisse der Ausflüge niederschreibt, sondern auch Fotos dazu macht. Das Buch setzt sich also zusammen aus Texten und Bildern und bietet so einen tollen Einblick in die Unterwasserwelt vor den Küsten Südafrikas.
Gemeinsam begegnen die beiden den verschiedensten Fischarten, beobachten nie zuvor festgehaltene Paarungstänze, begleiten einen Babyhai von der Eiablage bis zum Schlüpfen. Auch von der ungewöhnlichen Freundschaft zwischen Craig Foster und der Krakendame, die im Fokus des Netflix-Filmes steht, wird berichtet.
Dass im Ozean viel mehr los ist, als man "von oben" aus denken würde, ist klar - aber erst mit diesem Buch ist mir die unglaubliche Artenvielfalt der Kelpwälder bewusst geworden. Durch die persönliche Note liest sich das Buch sehr gut und gar nicht wie ein trockenes Sachbuch, und erlaubt dabei einen schönen Einblick in diese immer noch so fremde Welt. Ein Bildband, der gerade für Naturliebhaber sehr zu empfehlen ist!
August 26, 2022
Craig Foster became known for the Netflix documentary, “My Octopus Teacher” and this is a sequel of sorts. What it really is, is a manual for shamanism hidden in a coffee table book. I almost didn’t pick it up as coffee table books are usually heavy on pictures and light on content. This book bucked that trend.
Foster and friend Frylinck do a literal and figurative deep dive into the cold waters off the coast south of Cape Town, South Africa. There, ensconced in the kelp forest, is an entire world of amazing creatures. Foster has not only made connections with an Octopus but with sharks, otters, fish and a wide variety of other creatures who live in these frigid waters.
So without a wetsuit, he finds a way to have a series of spiritual awakenings, using the cold as a springboard. I read this cover to cover and enjoyed it all. So look at the amazing pictures but dive deep with them into the healing power of connecting with the natural world. Our home.
Foster and friend Frylinck do a literal and figurative deep dive into the cold waters off the coast south of Cape Town, South Africa. There, ensconced in the kelp forest, is an entire world of amazing creatures. Foster has not only made connections with an Octopus but with sharks, otters, fish and a wide variety of other creatures who live in these frigid waters.
So without a wetsuit, he finds a way to have a series of spiritual awakenings, using the cold as a springboard. I read this cover to cover and enjoyed it all. So look at the amazing pictures but dive deep with them into the healing power of connecting with the natural world. Our home.
April 8, 2022
I'm not quite sure how to review this book. Although I enjoyed it, it was so different than what I thought it would be and what I've read. On the one hand, there was a kind of memoir that anchored the book. It was a story of emotional pain and healing along with a story of the discovery of a whole new world in the kelp forest and the animals that live in that environment. The perspectives were from two different people. There were many photographs throughout. Some were really amazing, but a lot were confusing because they were too close-up. Speaking as a photographer, I just got a little lost in some of the photos as they didn't give a clear picture of what you were looking at due to the macro presentation. Physically, it is a big book! Clear space on your coffee table for this one!
January 25, 2024
This past September I started going to the library again. After Covid lockdown I hadn’t yet renewed my library habit. I had recently watched the documentary My Octopus Teacher, so when I saw this beautiful book, I had to check it out. The photography is beautiful. While it is a book of nature photos, it is so much more. My Octopus Teacher told the story of how a smal ocean creature taught a man so much. This book tells the story of how that man and the sea taught a different man as well. Nature speaks to us every day. If only we would listen. This is not always and easy read. It is well worth it though. I’m grateful to my local library for lending this beautiful book and allowing me to recheck it out so many times. Watch the documentary and then take your time to savor this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 4, 2022
This book is superb. The photography is brilliant and the descriptions in the dialogue is informative and interesting. Also there is a personal healing that is described through Craig Fosters underwater experience diving in the kelp forest. Through his dives he finds a deep connection between himself and an octopus, that touches and heals his soul of loss. The other marine life is also spectacular too. I watched the Octopus teacher a few years back and it touched me deeply. It's probably one of the best thing I've ever seen on Netflix or any other channel for that matter. The book is quite heavy and big, but to celebrate this incredible underwater world you need the size to get the full experience. Amazing book and an amazing touching story.
April 7, 2023
Daily access to nature and a deep, meaningful understanding of its workings align us with what I call our original de-sign. The perceived outer world of tides and creatures, moon and kelp, bird cries, lapping wavelets, animal tracks—these are all a mirror for the inner human psyche. They make us who we are. If these subtle things are replaced by the brutish mechanics of industrial life—car tires screeching, television news, air-conditioning, white noise—the psyche becomes a chaotic place filled with things that disturb the primal mind. Very little is familiar, and the fine-tuned primal sensory system dies in the wake of this barrage of sights and sounds. It’s a real death of the awake human. A shell of our former magnificence is left to grope around in the dark.
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February 7, 2022After reading "The Soul of an Octopus" and also seeing the Netflix movie, "My Octopus Teacher", I noticed this oversized "coffee table book" at the library. I was surprised to discover that it is not only full of gorgeous pictures of creatures and landscapes of the underwater world off South Africa, it also follows an interesting narrative of the divers and how what they observe enlightens them about their relationship to the natural world and themselves. A beautiful read, especially for environmentally conscious readers, divers or not.
May 9, 2023
Amazing with full sized photographs of actual ocean life. Simply amazing. Loved it. I planned to watch "My Octopus Teacher" documentary so I figured I'd read this - to get a little background on the author/creator of the Octopus Teacher. I'm so glad I did. It's fascinating hearing "behind the scenes" and history behind the brilliance. Even if you don't feel like reading the narrative.....just to look at all the photographs in this book will be satisfying enough. Anyone who loves marine life and our oceans will love this.
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