Amphibious Soul

Finding the Wild in a Tame World

By: Craig Foster

Narrated by: Craig Foster

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Feel the pulse of the ocean with the audiobook version of Amphibious Soul narrated and crafted by Academy Award winner Craig Foster – featuring calming ocean sounds and original music composed using wild-found instruments from the Great African Seaforest.

How can we reclaim the soul-deepening wildness that energizes us when so much of the modern world seems designed to tame us?

In this thrilling memoir of a life spent exploring the most incredible places on Earth—from the Great African Seaforest to the crocodile lairs of the Okavango Delta—Craig Foster reveals how we can attend to the earthly beauty around us and deepen our connection to all living things, whether we make our homes in the country, the city, or anywhere in between.

This audiobook version features exclusive content recorded by the author and original music composed by his son, Tom Foster. From the gentle lapping of waves on a sandy beach to the rhythmic clicks of cracker shrimp, each sound effect enhances the listening experience, transporting us to the heart of nature.

With its blend of captivating storytelling, wisdom from Indigenous teachers, mesmerizing soundscapes, and enchanting music, the audiobook version of Amphibious Soul offers a truly immersive experience that will leave listeners feeling deeply connected to the wild.

©2024 Craig Foster (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

A Journey Through the Wilds of the Mind and Nature

In “Amphibious Soul,” Craig Foster takes us on a journey that transcends the boundaries between the wild and the civilized aspects of our existence. Having been introduced to Foster’s work through the visually stunning and emotionally resonant docustory “My Octopus Teacher,” I approached this book with high expectations, which were nicely met. Though I would much rather view this book with video clips to accompany the beautiful language, Craig does a great job bringing about the imagery needed to picture what he experienced.

Foster’s narrative is a seamless blend of environmental philosophy and personal introspection. His insights into the necessity of harmonizing our innate wildness with our cultivated personas are thought-provoking and resonate deeply with the current environmental discourse. The book urges us to consider our place within the natural world, not as conquerors or mere observers, but as integral components of a larger, living tapestry. We need nature.

Listening to the Audible version, narrated by Foster himself, was an unexpectedly meditative experience. His voice, infused with passion and a deep connection to the subject matter, added a layer of intimacy to the journey. It was as if Foster was personally guiding me through the labyrinth of his thoughts and the depths of the ocean he so loves.

While certain elements, such as the glossary, are inherently more suited to a printed format, this did not detract from the overall experience. The essence of Foster’s message—about the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature—was conveyed with clarity and emotion, making the auditory experience enriching. Furthermore, Craig allowed us even closer by sharing details about living with anxiety and depression and how it was the ocean that helped restore his mind and body each time he struggled.

“Amphibious Soul” is a compelling read—or listen—that challenges us to dive into the depths of our consciousness and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose in our interactions with the natural world. I recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our environmental responsibilities and the dual nature of our spirits.

A beautiful story of connection

Like his documentaries, this book shows a side of the natural world and connection few people these days get to experience

More touching than My Octopus Teacher

Mr Foster flawlessly delivers a raw and very vulnerable autobiography that incorporates a life formed from the ocean, indigenous ecological knowledge and animal observation. This book is a must for anyone that wants to embrace the wild.

fantastic vulnerability

The author did a great performance through his reading, allowing us into a world that he has been able to tap into through his years dedication. It's a beautiful story with great tools. I hope that many more people are inspired as I am to reconnect to Nature.

A gift to the world!

Craig Foster is a special human with an important story - the world needs voices like his!

My soul needed this book

Read it, if you love the outdoors and everything nature has to offer outside of the obvious.

Wilderness and Wildness

Beautiful story and narration. I can feel the yearning for wildness and wilderness within myself. This book does an excellent job of helping to connect back to that place that is inherent in us all.

very beautiful experience, felt i was deep diving

I thank the author for sharing this honest and amazing experience, loving nature and wildlight in this intimate story, I felt so close to the ocean and sea creatures, this remarkable book about his life, and animals brought me with him in Africa, and learnt so much, enriching my understanding of the ocean forest and wildlife, very important book about what it means to share our planet with all living life

Connect with nature and think differently

Amid the wonderful stories artfully told, there is deep wisdom, fascinating information, and an insight into a different way of thinking and approaching the natural world that I had not before even known was an option. Learn all about nature tracking, great African sea forest, and so much more. It's also a wonderful guide book on how to start and navigate your own adventures in the natural world and how to rekindle your relationship with mother Earth.