Next of Kin

What Chimpanzees Tell Us About Who We Are

By: Roger Fouts, Stephen Tukel Mills, Jane Goodall - introduction/notes

Narrated by: Roger Fouts

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 30-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.

©1997 Roger Fouts (P)1997 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"A remarkable personal saga . . . and a searingly honest account of just what has happened, arid is all too often still happening, to these marvelously intelligent creatures." (Cleveland Amory)

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.

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!

Truly amazing story

What made the experience of listening to Next of Kin the most enjoyable?

This is one of the most amazing stories that I've come across. The fact that it is narrated by the author is a plus, as at times you can actually hear true emotion in his voice.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Next of Kin?

The most memorable moment to me was easily a moment involving Washoe and one of the aides who had just returned from having a miscarriage. The exchange between the two actually brought tears to my eyes. It was truly amazing.

Reshapes thinking

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

deeply moving story

This is my favorite book. It reads like a novel. a love story.

"It was Washoe who taught me that human is only an adjective that describes being. The essence of who I am is not my humanness, but my beingness" Roger Fouts, Next of Kin

So much well presented information

This is an amazing and fascinating description of the behaviors of our “next of kin “ and how badly we behave toward them. I learned so much about these wonderful animals - thank you!