Deep Blue: My Ocean Journeys

by Steve Backshall

Take a deep breath Steve Backshall was nine years old the first time he saw a shark, while on holiday with his family in Malaysia. It was the beginning of a life-long fascination with these 'lords of the sea', and the oceanic life around them. His career as one of the world's most popular naturalists and explorers has taken him to countless underwater places, many never before seen by others. And he's also been witness to the startling decline in fortune of our oceans' wild inhabitants over the past fifty years. Deep Blue is a book a lifetime in the a remarkable blend of memoir, travel, and marine and environmental science that takes us on an unforgettable tour of the many worlds of aquatic from underwater deserts and rainforests to the evolution of ocean heroes like the sea turtle and the Great White, from the genesis of ocean life to the rapidly declining state of white polar seas and coral reefs. It's both a love letter to our precious oceans and rallying cry for what we must to do save them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Memoir

352 pages, Hardcover

Published December 21, 2023

Reviews

[Gregory Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read, Steve’s life is fascinating and in the best way this book feels like sitting down with a grand-parent and hearing their stories (not because he’s old but because he has lived!). Only minor gripe with it for me was a slight lack of flow between stories, but that’s fair enough it must be a hard thing to do. Would recommend to children and adults alike.

[David Tutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides an amazing amount of information on sea life, especially whales and dolphins. It shares details of discoveries made in recent years and increases awareness of the importance of protecting our seas and what lives within as well as helping the reader to understand just how much we still have to discover.

[Rosie Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every page of this. It was simultaneously so smart, informed, and nuanced but also had so much heart. You really felt right there with him in the water, seeing what he saw. It was such a page turner, starting each chapter was so genuinely exciting. I learned a lot; much of it terrifying and much of it inspiring. I'll read anything SB writes!!

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t have enjoyed this more, I listened to the audiobook (around 12 hours), and I’ve never heard anyone talk about a subject so passionately! Steve LOVES the ocean more than anyone loves anything else. Will be recommending this to everyone ☺️

[Tara Mayfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone whose passion for nature was ignited by Deadly 60 as a child and who has since devoured any works put out since, I can say with conviction that this book seems a fitting continuation. It offer a comprehensive account of different beings from coral to whales, and even dips into the earliest history of marine life. The writing is highly engaging, with exciting stories as well as interesting facts delivered in an understandable and thrilling way. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Deep Blue and would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest. It is informative yet accessible, realistic yet still hopeful and provides a deeply nuanced view of our oceans.

[Rosie Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I learnt a lot from this book and I enjoyed shouting these newly learned random facts at my family out of the blue while they were trying to watch TV.

It was really lovely to hear stories from Steve’s life and his motivation to work with animals and natures. I knew he was a good diver but I don’t think I fully understood how good.

Fascinating chapters on squid, dolphins, whales, sharks, sea turtles, polar bears…. Great blend of research, facts and anecdotes and memories.

I’m a big fan of Steve Backshall and my copy of this book is signed! I could hear his voice in my head as I read and some of the scenes and adventures he was describing in pretty sure I’ve seen the Deadly 60 episode or documentary it featured on!

The dolphin slaughter in Japan made me sad. I can’t believe in this day and age, people still think it is acceptable to capture and kill whales and dolphins who think and feel just as deeply as humans.

[Mike Bromell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book looking back at Steve's time filming ocean documentaries. I really enjoyed reading about his travels and various diving expeditions, my favourite being the Humboldt Squid.

I enjoyed the fact that Steve intertwined the good and the bad (mostly focusing on the good) with a great ending paragraph that brought a tear to my eye:

"But we have to start with a truth. Our oceans are dying. No, enough with the passive language - we are killing our oceans, and this is the generation that has to act, so our children and theirs will be able to experience the wonders of the deep blue."

But don't get me wrong, the rest of the book is funny and full of amazing facts, but as Steve points out in the final chapter, if we don't do something about it, we will be the last generation to enjoy it.

[Becky Grinter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most incredible book. As a child, I had a huge interest in sea life especially whales so this book appealed to me on that nostalgic basis. However, once I began reading I found my childlike wonder returning with each new discovery and Steve’s brilliantly descriptive writing. Yes, there are some academic phrases that I needed to look up meanings for but I have really enjoyed learning more about the deep blue and the life within it.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting and a really good read!! Touches on serious topics impacting conservation and ways we can better care and look at our planet. Not completely depressing, has moments of seriousness that focus on topics that are urgent, but also is very uplifting and shows that there is hope for our planet.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, evocative, rich and insightful, packed full of information. Steve Backshall is such an iconic presenter, and listening to the audiobook made his stories feel so much more personal, and really added to my experience of the book. A brilliant tribute to our oceans and a stark reminder of the threats they face

[Rhianna Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his book, Steve Backshall has shared a wide range of knowledge on all marine life in the seas, from small crustaceans and octopus to sharks and cetaceans connecting his real life experiences to each chapter of the book. He mentions some of the worlds greatest ocean biologists and conservationists, with great quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I highly recommend reading Deep Blue.

[J M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book. Very interesting and also dreamy to read the experiences Steve’s had. The man is an icon. This was my first ever signed book. Definitely one to pass round and reread in a few years.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book full of scientific data and facts, however, this does make it a hard read. I find Steve so inspiring and wish to do just half the things he has in my lifetime. I would have liked more photos!

[Amelie Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

without a doubt the best book ive ever read, as a amrine biology student i often find myself forgetting my passion for the subject between deadlines as stress. This book revitalised my passion and i found myself engaging in the subject in a way i havent done in a while.

[Jane Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and frightening. What are we doing to out planet?

[Dale Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

91/100

[Wren Worthington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes I'm biased I've loved deadly 60 since I was tiny and the author is one of my biggest inspirations as an aspiring conservationist but also the book is just really fucking good

[Liz Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Steve and have worked with him, after reading this I like him more! We need more humans like him. A great reading adventure!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love wildlife and the sea, this is the book for you. Descriptions make you feel like you are in the water with him.

[Taylor Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Makes you think a lot about our oceans. His way of telling his stories really drags you in

[Chrissy Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read! I have learned so much. Thank you Steve for such an honest and necessary account of the “Deep Blue”.

[Owen Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10, amazing book from the legend, almost makes me want to try diving.

[Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It‘s a very good book, it just didn‘t really click with me. Other similar books just resonated way more with me, but I cannot specify what it is.