Product Description
Think of orcas, and you may instantly imagine the killer whales prowling the high seas in search of prey. Yet, these predators are much more than ruthless killers, and are in fact, complex creatures that feel and love within the groups they live. In pitch-perfect prose, orca expert Dr. Astrid M. van Ginneken puts the reader into the orca’s mind as she tells the story of the young killer whale Tuschka. Born in the wild, Tuschka learns the ways of her pod of fellow creatures and experiences the never-ending search for food, the joy of play, and the sadness of loss. But then Tuschka is mercilessly taken from her home waters and transferred to a marine park, where her only solace is a trust in her human trainers. Will she ever again join her family in the wild? Fascinating and heartfelt, this is a novel that is an astonishing account of the bonds between whales, and the relationship of man and orca.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 5 reviews)

This book captured my heart - a "must read!"

The story of Tuschka and her family is a beautiful and moving novel that both educates and entertains at the same time. The author has done an exceptional job of drawing the reader inside the orca's world of loving and lifelong family relationships. I will NEVER AGAIN pay to see a captive orca perform at sea World or any other park. At the end of the book are recommendations for further reading that I appreciated very much. I am purchasing several copies for Christmas presents this year. Thank you Dr. van Ginneken.
October 19, 2008

Incredible Killer Whale Book with Strong Finish

An incredible work by a fine scientist and friend. Astrid has fused over 20 years of Orca Survey (photo identification) experience with hundreds of days of glass observations at marine parks, and thousands of hours of whale talk. Additionally she's a medical doctor, with an amazing understanding of anatomy and physiology, which lends accuracy to her descriptions of movements, nursing, birthing, and more. I met Dr Van Ginneken while working with Gudrun, the orca whom inspired Tuschka's fictional life, at a marine life park in Florida; 1987. I've had the pleasure of spending many hours with her, as a trainer, talking whales; then later in the San Juan Islands, observing the Southern Residents. She's an amazing woman, friend, musician, physician, scientist, and whale lover, and her book is a great accomplishment; a must read fictionalized natural history for whale and dolphin enthusiasts. Thanks Astrid.
September 25, 2008

An exciting story about the most charismatic of all whales and dolphins!

Astrid van Ginneken knows her whales inside out. Studying orcas in the wild and in captivity for more than 20 years has provided her with the all the facts about these beautiful and intelligent animals. But in addition to that, Astrid van Ginneken is an amazing storyteller. Read this wonderful book and dive into the world of orcas. Get captivated by their stunning family life that is as complex and intriguing as our own. This novel is a must for all whale and dolphin lovers!
September 16, 2008

A Fantastic Killer Whale Story, The Best !

Togetherness Is Our Home, An Orca's Journey Through Life, by Dr. Astrid M. Van Ginneken is written with painstaking care, and with such feeling one will learn much while being thoroughly entertained. This novel, based on research, intuition, intellegence and a very palatable touch of antrhopomorpisism is the best I've seen in my more than 40 years experience with orca's both in captivity and in the field. It is so realistic all ages and people with all levels of marine mammal experience will truly enjoy reading it. I encourage all with an interest in or love of animals of all species to read this special book. It says a lot, you'll learn a lot, it'll bring a tear to your eye and a greater appreciation for killer whales. Tuschka's adventures, from Icelandic conception, birth, to a period educating people while on dislplay, and back to Iceland again,are spellbinding. Controversial issues are presented clearly and with respect. I highly recommend it.
June 01, 2008

Best Orca Book Ever!

If you love orca whales you will love "Togetherness Is Our Home". The author is a long time researcher who has taken her real life experiences with these wonderful creatures and created a fictional story that is as realistic as true life. I have often been called a "whale nut" because I experience these creatures at least once a year in the wild so I know how accurate the details are. I tell people that this is a text book of orca behavior put into a fictional setting. It is amazing. I have bought a copy for my grandchildren because I want them to know these animals as I do for the civilized and loving family members that they are. There is no better way to get kids interested than a book like this. They won't put it down!
September 12, 2007

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