Next of Kin

What Chimpanzees Tell Us About Who We Are

Roger Fouts fulfilled humankind's age-old dream of talking to animals by pioneering communication with chimpanzees through sign language. Now, in Next of Kin, Fouts tells the dramatic story of his odyssey from novice researcher to celebrity scientist and caretaker of a family of chimpanzees, to his impassioned awakening as a crusader for the rights of animals.

At the heart of this captivating audiobook is Fouts's magical thirty-year friendship with Washoe, the chimpanzee he met when she jumped into his arms. We follow Washoe as she grows from a mischievous baby chimp fresh out of the NASA space program into the matriarch of a clan of chimpanzees. Living and conversing with these sensitive creatures has given Fouts a profound appreciation of how much we share with our closest biological relatives, and what they can teach us about ourselves.

This stirring tale of friendship, courage, and compassion will change forever the way we view our biological -- and spiritual -- Next of Kin.

Even Better Than Reading it Alone

Having Roger Fouts' inflection makes this book even more real. The first time I read this book I was 16, the second time 18. This is the first time I've listened, and it did not disappoint. Roger Fouts' lays out the story in both an emotional and heartfelt manner, You can hear in his voice that he was traveling back to those moments for a brief period. Whether it was a horrific situation or a joyful moment, Roger takes us back to when it happened and how it happened. This book has always been a motivating factor in how I view the world and treat every living thing. Thank you Roger!

Fascination, Heartbreaking, Inspirational

This book took me completely by surprise. It was wonderfully narrated and beautifully written. The power of Roger’s words will bring you to your knees in both triumph and tragedy. This is a must listen!

Compassion in Action

I was mesmerized, horrified, uplifted, transformed by this important story of understanding and compassion. I, too, was taught that humans are unique because they have conscience and compassion. So, so wrong. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn the truth. The more I learn, the more I see that we humans are, indeed, unique; but not for attributes that render us "superior." Rather, we are unique among animals in our penchant for combining innate animal aggression with uniquely human narcissism to inflict suffering on other creatures, including members of our own species, far beyond anything seen in nature. This story hardens my resolve to cultivate compassion with the time I have left.

One of the best books I’ve read

Incredible story and narration. It’s abridged, but I listened along with the physical book and found the cuts reasonable. Id have preferred an unabridged version but still highly recommend this audiobook.

Reshapes thinking

Roger Fouts is able to share the deep profound relationships he has experienced with our ape cousins