The Breath of a Whale: The Science and Spirit of Pacific Ocean Giants

I am so glad I read this book. I recommend it to anyone pondering their connections to the wilds of the world. Her personal story coincided with an awareness and sensitivity for all of life. Easy read - I would suggest it for young adults as well. Touched my heart and satisfied my curiosity.

Calvez’s writing is urgent and poetic.. And has been a two-day tonic for my heartsick love for whales. I have truly, truly loved every moment of this book, and can only hope she writes more and more and more.

This book was a good look at the author’s experiences with whales. For a worse writer, this could have devolved into something too sappy or gone the other direction and been too dry. However, Calvez does a good job of threading the needle between those two extremes. I’d read this author again and although there is nothing here that makes this book “must-read”, I’d happily recommend it.

I gave this book 5 stars because it’s one I will remember reading and learning more about whales. I thought it might be dry and scientific but I found it kept my interest. I loved the conclusion where the author talks about animals having “non-human person hood“.

Loved this book! Learned so much about whales! All different kinds! I have a much greater respect for the amazing creatures they are! Very well written!

Have always loved whales & wonder at the wisdom & grace of these & so many other exploited beings in our world. Very nice book promptly delivered. SBK

While I have no interest in criticizing this author for the way she wrote this book, I also want potential readers to know that I was terribly disappointed with it. I am super interested in whales and other marine animals. But I much prefer a scientific approach to the mixed metaphysical, personal, emotional, and sometimes scientific approach herein. The author loves whales and has found them to be important to her personal growth and rehabilitation from an earlier health problem. No doubt the writing of this book was helpful to her, but reading it really didn't do much for me. Be forewarned.

Gift to twelve year old granddaughter who is an avid reader and loves sea life. She loved the book and was excited to read it.

I loved this book. As an avid whale watcher from the Atlantic Coast it was interesting to me to read of experiences on the Pacific Coast and elsewhere. The author shared her experiences in a very enjoyable format.

A good read when the author focused on the science and not so much the spirituality. When she veered off on overly emotional tangents I found myself losing interest, despite my fascination in these wondrous animals.