Shark

Why We Need to Save the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator

By: Paul de Gelder

Narrated by: Paul de Gelder

From shark attack survivor to the shark’s biggest advocate, Paul de Gelder tells us just why these majestic diverse animals need our help as much as we need them.

Something happens to you the first time you dive with sharks…

We have a perennial fascination with sharks. Portrayed in the media and popular culture as killing machines, we are awed by their power and strength. But the shark is so much more – a marvel of the sea, they have evolved over 450 million years into over 500 species, from the bioluminescent kitefin to the tiny dwarf lantern shark, the sociable lemon shark to the cow shark, which can birth up to 100 pups in one litter. Bringing balance to the ocean’s ecosystem, our planet is at serious risk when these amazing creatures are threatened.

Paul de Gelder, who lost two limbs in a shark attack during a mission as an elite Australian navy clearance diver, spent time as part of his recovery learning all about sharks. He became so obsessed that, despite what happened to him, he is now an expert and has dedicated his life to helping save them. Shark is his love-letter to these unfairly vilified animals, and his warning to the world about what will happen if we don’t look out for them.

©2022 Paul de Gelder (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

‘De Gelder’s uncommon perspective distinguishes the book, and it amplifies his call to protect sharks: if he sounds the alarm, the rest of us should at least take notice.’ – New Scientist

‘An ode to the species … De Gelder’s passion is all the more impressive when you learn about his own first near-fatal encounter.’ – Guardian

Absolutely brilliant

A must listen to anyone who cares about our oceans and nature.
This book will make you realize how disconnected we’ve become through the years, but it will also make you find that connection again and leave you inspired to become a better person for anyone around you

Educational. Important

This is a must read. We need to stop killing sharks for their fins, or just out of fear. WE NEED THEM for healthy oceans!

The most entertaining and balanced book on sharks 😍🦈

Paul does an incredible job giving a balanced account and education about sharks, and their impact on the environment. It’s a well-paced, and entertaining read/listen. His writing is real and accessible, doesn’t shame the audience, but rather educates and inspires. Highly recommend!

VIP READ!!

Paul is such an inspiration and an amazing advocate for trying to help save our planet. This was quite interesting and loved listening to Mr. de Gelder reading to me.
Thank you Paul!!

Whether you’re a shark enthusiast or on the fence, this book is definitely worth the read!

“Shark” successfully delivers a heartfelt and well-informed perspective, as well as an unwavering commitment, to the importance of the preservation of these essential species, all while simultaneously touching on general shark facts and offering insight on the actions each of us can take to slow (and hopefully stop) the crises many sharks now face. Whether you’re a shark enthusiast or on the fence, this book is definitely worth the read. And, hey, even if you’re still not on team shark by the end of it (impossible), at least you’ll have learned some fun facts and heard some great stories along the way.

Great read!!

I loved this book. It was very informative and thought-provoking. Paul de Gelder 8s a great shark advocate.

Insightful and Informative

I've always fascinated with sharks, they are majestic and powerful. It is my personal dream to dive with Hammerheads. I watch Shark Week and am familiar with Paul de Gelder and his background. I have always admired passion and compassion for sharks and this book offers more insight into his personal views while being highly informational about the current state of the sharks in our oceans. He does not shy away from uncomfortable topics and to be honest uncomfortable conversations are the ones we need to be having. I appreciate that this book is also optimistic and leaves the reader with the knowledge that they can be the difference. I have hope that we can change things and move towards examples set by countries like the Bahamas.