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Sisters of the Jungle: The Trailblazing Women Who Shaped the Study of Wild Primates
Sisters of the Jungle
explores the history of primatology, a rare scientific discipline led primarily by women, from pioneers like Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey to author Keriann McGoogan's own adventurous field studies.
Since the 1970s, the science of primatology has been dominated by women—a unique reversal, as men usually outnumber women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Today, one of those women is primatologist Keriann McGoogan, who has traveled to the far corners of the earth in search of wild primates. In Sisters of the Jungle, McGoogan combines stories about her own studies of howler monkeys (the loudest living primate) and lemurs (the most endangered group of animals on the planet) with those of the women who paved the intrepid scientists like Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Biruté Galdikas, and Alison Jolly who broke boundaries, made astonishing discoveries and ultimately shaped the trajectory of an entire branch of science.
Since the 1970s, the science of primatology has been dominated by women—a unique reversal, as men usually outnumber women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Today, one of those women is primatologist Keriann McGoogan, who has traveled to the far corners of the earth in search of wild primates. In Sisters of the Jungle, McGoogan combines stories about her own studies of howler monkeys (the loudest living primate) and lemurs (the most endangered group of animals on the planet) with those of the women who paved the intrepid scientists like Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Biruté Galdikas, and Alison Jolly who broke boundaries, made astonishing discoveries and ultimately shaped the trajectory of an entire branch of science.
- GenresNonfictionScience
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 27, 2025
Keriann McGoogan is a Canadian primatologist with a PhD in biological anthropology who's done extensive field research on various primates in Belize and Madagascar; she previously wrote about her experiences in her 2020 memoir Chasing Lemurs: My Journey Into the Heart of Madagascar. Dr. McGoogan's second nonfiction work, 2025's Sisters of the Jungle, is a series of interconnected biographies on major female primatologists who came before her, including 'the trimates,' Jane Goodall (1934-2025), Dian Fossey (1932-1985), and Biruté Galdikas (1946-), a group of three influential primate researchers all sponsored by the controversial anthropologist Louis Leakey (1903-1972). While Dr. McGoogan initially set out to answer the question of why there have been so many prominent female primatologists relative to prominent female scientists in other disciplines, I'm not sure this question really has a clear-cut answer -- at least none that Dr. McGoogan was able to uncover. While it's true that all three of the trimates benefited to some extent from Leakey's sponsorship (just like how virtually all up-and-coming professionals benefit from the sponsorship of a more senior, influential sponsor of any gender), that doesn't diminish the impact of each woman's determination, persistence, and hard work in the face of often very challenging circumstances.
I found this book to be well-written, well-researched, and engaged, though a bit repetitive as lots of common details were repeated in many chapters. I'm happy that Dr. McGoogan generally referred to each scientist by her last name (it's a pet peeve of mine how professional women are often referred to by their first names in nonfiction while their male colleagues are referred to by their last names), though I would have appreciated less focus on the female scientists' romantic lives and more on the significance and implications on their research.
Further reading: pioneering women scientists
A Lab of One's Own: One Woman's Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science by Rita Colwell
Breaking Through: My Life in Science by Katalin Karikó
The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT, and the Fight for Women in Science by Kate Zernike
My statistics:
Book 376 for 2025
Book 2302 cumulatively
I found this book to be well-written, well-researched, and engaged, though a bit repetitive as lots of common details were repeated in many chapters. I'm happy that Dr. McGoogan generally referred to each scientist by her last name (it's a pet peeve of mine how professional women are often referred to by their first names in nonfiction while their male colleagues are referred to by their last names), though I would have appreciated less focus on the female scientists' romantic lives and more on the significance and implications on their research.
Further reading: pioneering women scientists
A Lab of One's Own: One Woman's Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science by Rita Colwell
Breaking Through: My Life in Science by Katalin Karikó
The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT, and the Fight for Women in Science by Kate Zernike
My statistics:
Book 376 for 2025
Book 2302 cumulatively
December 5, 2025
Rating: 4.5* of five
The Publisher Says: Sisters of the Jungle explores the history of primatology, a rare scientific discipline led primarily by women, from pioneers like Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey to author Keriann McGoogan’s own adventurous field studies.
Since the 1970s, the science of primatology has been dominated by women—a unique reversal, as men usually outnumber women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Today, one of those women is primatologist Keriann McGoogan, who has traveled to the far corners of the earth in search of wild primates. In Sisters of the Jungle, McGoogan combines stories about her own studies of howler monkeys (the loudest living primate) and lemurs (the most endangered group of animals on the planet) with those of the women who paved the way: intrepid scientists like Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Biruté Galdikas, and Alison Jolly who broke boundaries, made astonishing discoveries and ultimately shaped the trajectory of an entire branch of science.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Women in STEM are only going to increase in numbers as "AI" (currently sophisticated LLMs not the AGI the tech scum are swearing is weeks away) becomes The Threat to Manhood the clique will worry about. Suddenly a human with ovaries won't get so much flak.
Such is my prediction, anyway.
The women who founded the concept of modern primatology are the subject of the memoir-cum-biography. The author's degrees are inspired by these foremothers of the field. After her first book, a memoir of her time in Madagascar researching lemurs, it seemed to be only right to discuss the founders of the current practices in primatology that are returning such excellent results. It pays huge dividends to stand on the shoulders of giants.
My desire to read this book was mainly to see if I could recommend it...was it too wonky, for professionals only, was it too chatty, for celebrity seekers only...none of the above, thankfully. It is a surface treatment of the lives and accomplishments, in the teeth of great opposition, of the multiple women who spent careers...lives...in pursuit of knowledge about humanity's last living cousins.
contents page
We're all indebted to these researchers for the many insights into the reality of being human that our primate family members have given us. Six women whose determination, passion, and intelligence have made our entire world both bigger in scope and brighter in affect.
our subjects of study doing their thing
There are always foregoers, frontrunners, trailblazers to thank for any truly revolutionary advance in any field. We're lucky to have had these women's contributions. Their enrichment of the world led to some media attention:
...that has paid dividends as well as extracted prices.
It is not too much to say that following their examples is a gift to give the world. I'm suggesting you show the young women in your life that it can be done because it has been done.
The Publisher Says: Sisters of the Jungle explores the history of primatology, a rare scientific discipline led primarily by women, from pioneers like Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey to author Keriann McGoogan’s own adventurous field studies.
Since the 1970s, the science of primatology has been dominated by women—a unique reversal, as men usually outnumber women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Today, one of those women is primatologist Keriann McGoogan, who has traveled to the far corners of the earth in search of wild primates. In Sisters of the Jungle, McGoogan combines stories about her own studies of howler monkeys (the loudest living primate) and lemurs (the most endangered group of animals on the planet) with those of the women who paved the way: intrepid scientists like Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Biruté Galdikas, and Alison Jolly who broke boundaries, made astonishing discoveries and ultimately shaped the trajectory of an entire branch of science.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Women in STEM are only going to increase in numbers as "AI" (currently sophisticated LLMs not the AGI the tech scum are swearing is weeks away) becomes The Threat to Manhood the clique will worry about. Suddenly a human with ovaries won't get so much flak.
Such is my prediction, anyway.
The women who founded the concept of modern primatology are the subject of the memoir-cum-biography. The author's degrees are inspired by these foremothers of the field. After her first book, a memoir of her time in Madagascar researching lemurs, it seemed to be only right to discuss the founders of the current practices in primatology that are returning such excellent results. It pays huge dividends to stand on the shoulders of giants.
My desire to read this book was mainly to see if I could recommend it...was it too wonky, for professionals only, was it too chatty, for celebrity seekers only...none of the above, thankfully. It is a surface treatment of the lives and accomplishments, in the teeth of great opposition, of the multiple women who spent careers...lives...in pursuit of knowledge about humanity's last living cousins.
contents page
We're all indebted to these researchers for the many insights into the reality of being human that our primate family members have given us. Six women whose determination, passion, and intelligence have made our entire world both bigger in scope and brighter in affect.
our subjects of study doing their thing
There are always foregoers, frontrunners, trailblazers to thank for any truly revolutionary advance in any field. We're lucky to have had these women's contributions. Their enrichment of the world led to some media attention:
...that has paid dividends as well as extracted prices.
It is not too much to say that following their examples is a gift to give the world. I'm suggesting you show the young women in your life that it can be done because it has been done.
Read
September 8, 2025To be a success and role model in one’s field of study, one must be very passionate and determined about the area in which they are specializing. Keriann McGoogan is all that and more, as evidenced by her most recent book SISTERS OF THE JUNGLE. The author holds a PhD in biological anthropology and Masters Degree as well. She is more than dedicated to studying the fascinating world of primates, learning so much while observing these fascinating creatures. In doing so, she had traveled to and lived in some of the most remote corners of the world, shut off much of the time from civilization, living in sometimes dangerous conditions to help assist her research. She has learned so much from what has been called our closest living relatives.
McGoogan also delves into the question of why so many women have found themselves in similar locales, with similar objectives in studying primates. They have put themselves in grave danger, also living in mortal fear, as their work has often caused many factions of people to regard them as the enemy. In the book she looks into the lives of such notable scientists as Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas, and Alison Jolly. It was not always easy for these women to get the recognition and acceptance as males might have received.
Jane Goodall did not get necessary funding at one time, because she was a woman. But once she did get the money and the backing, she began living her life's dream of studying and learning from chimpanzees in the wild. Another major name in primate studies was Dian Fossey, who was responsible for the book GORILLAS IN THE MIST, which became an acclaimed movie. She was always dealing with poachers, in a constant war with those who killed some of the animals she was studying. In fact, her favorite gorilla Digit was killed by poachers in a most vicious and sadistic manner. Fossey was later murdered herself, found in her hut. Nothing was stolen so it seemed the death was perpetrated by those who didn’t appreciate her passion for studying and saving the wildlife around her.
The book brims with stories of dealing with primates, and how learning from them has taught humans so much about themselves. This is a most complete and fascinating story, written with much love and respect for those women who have championed the cause for the world of primates everywhere.
McGoogan also delves into the question of why so many women have found themselves in similar locales, with similar objectives in studying primates. They have put themselves in grave danger, also living in mortal fear, as their work has often caused many factions of people to regard them as the enemy. In the book she looks into the lives of such notable scientists as Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas, and Alison Jolly. It was not always easy for these women to get the recognition and acceptance as males might have received.
Jane Goodall did not get necessary funding at one time, because she was a woman. But once she did get the money and the backing, she began living her life's dream of studying and learning from chimpanzees in the wild. Another major name in primate studies was Dian Fossey, who was responsible for the book GORILLAS IN THE MIST, which became an acclaimed movie. She was always dealing with poachers, in a constant war with those who killed some of the animals she was studying. In fact, her favorite gorilla Digit was killed by poachers in a most vicious and sadistic manner. Fossey was later murdered herself, found in her hut. Nothing was stolen so it seemed the death was perpetrated by those who didn’t appreciate her passion for studying and saving the wildlife around her.
The book brims with stories of dealing with primates, and how learning from them has taught humans so much about themselves. This is a most complete and fascinating story, written with much love and respect for those women who have championed the cause for the world of primates everywhere.
December 27, 2025
The “burning question” Keriann McGoogan explores is why are there so many women in primatology? My gut answer—as a woman with zero math or science skills—was that it seems like the safest field for women. With primatology trailblazers—the focus of the book—showing up on covers of National Geographic, in talk shows, bookshelves and Hollywood movies, appears more attractive to an 18-year-old than, let’s say, engineering. McGoogan introduces chapters on Linda Fedigan, Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall, Birutè Galdikas, Jeanne Altmann, Sarah Hrdy, and Alison Jolly and a chapter for Louis Leaky (a very complicated male figure in primatology) with her own personal impressions of each subject, which invites the reader to consider what each of them might represent to young would-be scientists.
With Jane Goodall’s recent death, her chapter is probably the most moving because she set out a time when everyone expected less from her, and before she started her education she’d already done so much. She was just in Toronto in September. Her final message: “We have an opportunity ahead of us…if we get together with a passion for change…then we can make the change.” One of the most important themes in McGoogan’s book addresses conservation and the impact of climate change and environmental damage on primates.
Each subject is a real character (especially Leaky!) and they are brought to life with McGoogan’s great care and respect. SISTERS OF THE JUNGLE contains the fascinating, interconnected biographies of eight of the most influential personalities in primatology—nine if you consider McGoogan herself, which you should: she’s spent months collecting data on the lemurs (Coquerel’s sifakas to be precise) in Madagascar. If you haven’t seen the movie about Dian Fossey, her chapter will tell you exactly why Hollywood came knocking.
Why so many women? As McGoogan says in her epilogue, it is astounding when you think what many of these women did at a time when they were expected to stay home. The question is not why but WHAT have they done? A great read that will trigger more conversation about this essential field of study.
With Jane Goodall’s recent death, her chapter is probably the most moving because she set out a time when everyone expected less from her, and before she started her education she’d already done so much. She was just in Toronto in September. Her final message: “We have an opportunity ahead of us…if we get together with a passion for change…then we can make the change.” One of the most important themes in McGoogan’s book addresses conservation and the impact of climate change and environmental damage on primates.
Each subject is a real character (especially Leaky!) and they are brought to life with McGoogan’s great care and respect. SISTERS OF THE JUNGLE contains the fascinating, interconnected biographies of eight of the most influential personalities in primatology—nine if you consider McGoogan herself, which you should: she’s spent months collecting data on the lemurs (Coquerel’s sifakas to be precise) in Madagascar. If you haven’t seen the movie about Dian Fossey, her chapter will tell you exactly why Hollywood came knocking.
Why so many women? As McGoogan says in her epilogue, it is astounding when you think what many of these women did at a time when they were expected to stay home. The question is not why but WHAT have they done? A great read that will trigger more conversation about this essential field of study.
October 24, 2025
This book is essentially a series of short biographies of the six pioneers in the study of nonhuman primates.
In the introduction, McGoogan, herself a primatologist, wonders why so many women have been drawn to study nonhuman primates. She focuses on the six pioneer researchers, each of whom conducted fieldwork on different species of primates in different parts of the world under unique conditions: Jane Goodall (chimpanzees), Dian Fossey (gorillas), Birute Galdikas (orangutans), Jeanne Altmann (baboons), Sarah Hrdy (langurs), and Alison Jolly (lemurs).
Although I'm not sure McGoogan answers the question of why so many women primatologists, she does shine the spotlight on the accomplishments of these women, who created protocols for studying animal behavior in the wild, developed ways to analyze data; found ways to further conservation; and made surprising observations about sexual politics, division of labor, infanticide, female power, hunting, social interactions, and tool use. Many of these women were also trying to balance career goals with personal life, finding success (or not) in various degrees.
McGoogan has an easy-to-read writing style, helping readers relate to the women and their achievements. In addition, because she herself has studied primates in the wild, her descriptions of the women's research conditions ring true.
You don't have to be an anthropologist (like I am) or an animal behaviorist to appreciate the stories of how these women came to create and recreate many aspects of animal field research, becoming role models for women and girls interested in the STEM fields.
Thanks to Douglas & MacIntyre for the review copy.
In the introduction, McGoogan, herself a primatologist, wonders why so many women have been drawn to study nonhuman primates. She focuses on the six pioneer researchers, each of whom conducted fieldwork on different species of primates in different parts of the world under unique conditions: Jane Goodall (chimpanzees), Dian Fossey (gorillas), Birute Galdikas (orangutans), Jeanne Altmann (baboons), Sarah Hrdy (langurs), and Alison Jolly (lemurs).
Although I'm not sure McGoogan answers the question of why so many women primatologists, she does shine the spotlight on the accomplishments of these women, who created protocols for studying animal behavior in the wild, developed ways to analyze data; found ways to further conservation; and made surprising observations about sexual politics, division of labor, infanticide, female power, hunting, social interactions, and tool use. Many of these women were also trying to balance career goals with personal life, finding success (or not) in various degrees.
McGoogan has an easy-to-read writing style, helping readers relate to the women and their achievements. In addition, because she herself has studied primates in the wild, her descriptions of the women's research conditions ring true.
You don't have to be an anthropologist (like I am) or an animal behaviorist to appreciate the stories of how these women came to create and recreate many aspects of animal field research, becoming role models for women and girls interested in the STEM fields.
Thanks to Douglas & MacIntyre for the review copy.
November 13, 2025
Everyone has heard of Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, but how about Biruté Galdikas, Alison Jolly and Keriann McGoogan, the author of this amazing book? They are all strong, resourceful, remarkable women who have devoted their lives to the study of primates. McGoogan explores their careers and personalities, their personal histories and their immeasurable contributions to the world of science. Throughout the book, the author poses one question: why is Primatology a science ruled mostly by women? McGoogan is young so, even if she noticed a prevalence of women in her classes, it was strange, but not unheard of. But Goodall and Fossey lived in a world where women were supposed to marry and have children, they weren’t supposed to go traipsing into the jungle. The author gives some possible explanations, but then mostly disproves them. The one undeniable fact is that these women changed the world for good. I loved the audiobook narration by Chelsea Kwoka, who has the most likable voice and even recreates the tone and diction of the subjects (including a British accent for Goodall). When McGoogan wrote the book, Goodall was still alive and giving seminars. She met her and most of the women she profiles here. A word of warning: many sections in the book are unbearable to read, describing the cruelty that we have inflicted and are still inflicting on these beautiful creatures. In a world of influencers, these are the women I hope young girls look up to. Fascinating and inspiring.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Tantor Audio.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Tantor Audio.
November 11, 2025
This book was both a series of biographies of 6 female primatologists and a study into why woman dominate this field of research, a rarity in science.
Keriann McGoogan tells the stories of Jane Goodall (chimpanzees), Dian Fossey (gorillas), Birute Galdikas (orangutans), Jeanne Altman (baboons), Sarah Hrdy (Langurs) and Alison Jolly (lemurs). She tells the story of their lives and how they came to the field of primatology, as well as specific parts of their research and contributions to the field. It’s amazing hearing about their contributions to the field and science.
While it was interesting hearing about Goodall, Fossey and Galdikas, I was already familiar with them and their research to various degrees. I particularly enjoyed learning about Altman, Hrdy and Jolly as I hadn’t heard of them before. I also loved McGoogan peppering in parts of her own life and times in the field, as it added a personal touch to it. I loved that the book was written by a woman in the field.
There isn’t a conclusion on what draws so many women to the field of primatology but that’s ok as there doesn’t need to be. There’s going to be a lot of different reasons for something like that and I liked still hearing and going through the various theories.
I enjoyed the audiobook itself and the narration and pacing was great!
Thank you for NetGalley and Tantor Audio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Keriann McGoogan tells the stories of Jane Goodall (chimpanzees), Dian Fossey (gorillas), Birute Galdikas (orangutans), Jeanne Altman (baboons), Sarah Hrdy (Langurs) and Alison Jolly (lemurs). She tells the story of their lives and how they came to the field of primatology, as well as specific parts of their research and contributions to the field. It’s amazing hearing about their contributions to the field and science.
While it was interesting hearing about Goodall, Fossey and Galdikas, I was already familiar with them and their research to various degrees. I particularly enjoyed learning about Altman, Hrdy and Jolly as I hadn’t heard of them before. I also loved McGoogan peppering in parts of her own life and times in the field, as it added a personal touch to it. I loved that the book was written by a woman in the field.
There isn’t a conclusion on what draws so many women to the field of primatology but that’s ok as there doesn’t need to be. There’s going to be a lot of different reasons for something like that and I liked still hearing and going through the various theories.
I enjoyed the audiobook itself and the narration and pacing was great!
Thank you for NetGalley and Tantor Audio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2025
This was a solid 4 to 4.5-star read for me. I especially loved the more personal, behind-the-scenes experiences of the women who helped shape the field of primatology. I’ve long understood how cold and unwelcoming the hard sciences and math can be for women—honestly, it’s a big part of why I ended up in psychology. It offered the chance to explore research and anatomy in spaces that didn’t feel as restrictive as chemistry, biotech, or neurobiology (where my passions wanted me to study_.
The stories in this book felt necessary, honest, and deeply rooted in the field’s development. Still, I found myself wanting more science—more detail about field excursions, methodologies, and the primates themselves. Primates are endlessly enthralling, and knowing that women have driven so many major discoveries only enriches the subject.
If I could add one thing, it would be a deeper look at McGoogan’s own work in primatology. We spend considerable time with Fossey and Goodall, but the narrative moves more quickly once we reach the author’s personal research, and I would have loved to linger there longer.
Overall, this is a fascinating and accessible look at the last century of women in primatology. For anyone interested in the field, its history, or the scientists behind the breakthroughs, it’s absolutely worth the read.
The stories in this book felt necessary, honest, and deeply rooted in the field’s development. Still, I found myself wanting more science—more detail about field excursions, methodologies, and the primates themselves. Primates are endlessly enthralling, and knowing that women have driven so many major discoveries only enriches the subject.
If I could add one thing, it would be a deeper look at McGoogan’s own work in primatology. We spend considerable time with Fossey and Goodall, but the narrative moves more quickly once we reach the author’s personal research, and I would have loved to linger there longer.
Overall, this is a fascinating and accessible look at the last century of women in primatology. For anyone interested in the field, its history, or the scientists behind the breakthroughs, it’s absolutely worth the read.
November 30, 2025
When it comes to STEM programs, women are almost always in a small minority. Primatology, on the other hand, is the opposite with women making up a large majority. In Sisters of the Jungle: The Trailblazing Women Who Shaped the Study of Wild Primates, Kieran McGoogan, author, Phd in Biological Anthropologist, and Primatologist sets out out to understand why so many women, including herself, have been drawn to the science of Primatology. One of the reasons often posited for this is that women have more patience for spending long hours in the field observing because of their role in child rearing but, as McGoogan points out, it is long hours in rough and often dangerous terrain and can lead to conflict with and, in the case of Dian Fossey, murder by, poachers.
The book is well-written, easily accessible, and extremely interesting as McGoogan looks at the lives and work of several women including Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas, Sarah Hrdy, and Alison Jolly and their commitment as well as the contributions each has given to the field. Although she never fully answers why so many women are drawn to Primatology, she gives a clear and, dare I say, fascinating look at many of the women who added to the science.
I received an eARC of this book from Edelweiss+ and Douglas & McIntyre in exchange for an honest review
The book is well-written, easily accessible, and extremely interesting as McGoogan looks at the lives and work of several women including Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas, Sarah Hrdy, and Alison Jolly and their commitment as well as the contributions each has given to the field. Although she never fully answers why so many women are drawn to Primatology, she gives a clear and, dare I say, fascinating look at many of the women who added to the science.
I received an eARC of this book from Edelweiss+ and Douglas & McIntyre in exchange for an honest review
November 9, 2025
I really enjoyed learning about the fascinating world of primatology! This book offers an insightful look into what it’s like to be a woman primatologist and highlights the lives and contributions of several remarkable women who have shaped the field since the 1970s. I especially loved learning more about the late, great Jane Goodall and her incredible impact on the study of primates.
The author does a fantastic job capturing both the challenges and triumphs of studying primates in the wild, including the heartbreaking realities of poaching and its impact on these animals. I listened to the audiobook version and thought the narrator brought the stories to life beautifully, matching the tone and spirit of the book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading biographies or learning about trailblazing women in science.
Thank you, NetGalley and Tantor Audio, for providing me with this ARC!
The author does a fantastic job capturing both the challenges and triumphs of studying primates in the wild, including the heartbreaking realities of poaching and its impact on these animals. I listened to the audiobook version and thought the narrator brought the stories to life beautifully, matching the tone and spirit of the book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading biographies or learning about trailblazing women in science.
Thank you, NetGalley and Tantor Audio, for providing me with this ARC!
November 11, 2025
*Listened to the audiobook version- not read the book; although it is on my TBR list and would love the opportunity to read it for myself!
An amazing and heavily researched account of the leading ladies of primatology! As someone who has always admired the late Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, this book really helped me to understand the hardships these ladies faced, from getting funding for research projects to being treated as equals by fellow scientists. These women even risked their own lives for the sake of the ones they were doing the utmost best to protect: the primates.
The narration behind this book is truly amazing and fits with the material presented very well! I would love to have a physical copy of the book and use as teaching material as part of a homeschool curriculum.
I would love to thank the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
An amazing and heavily researched account of the leading ladies of primatology! As someone who has always admired the late Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, this book really helped me to understand the hardships these ladies faced, from getting funding for research projects to being treated as equals by fellow scientists. These women even risked their own lives for the sake of the ones they were doing the utmost best to protect: the primates.
The narration behind this book is truly amazing and fits with the material presented very well! I would love to have a physical copy of the book and use as teaching material as part of a homeschool curriculum.
I would love to thank the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2025
This amazing book, written by Dr. Keriann McGoogan, was a phenomenal read that dives deep into primatology and the pioneering women who shaped the discipline. It was inspiring to read, and the stories of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Sarah Hrdy, and others reminded me how much determination, resilience, and curiosity can change the course of science. Dr. McGoogan is a brilliant writer, and each page of the book draws you in with a mix of scientific insight and human storytelling. I think everyone should read this book, it really is unforgettable!
December 15, 2025
I loved listening to this book and the pioneers of primatology and the women who have helped to shape it plus it being feminine dominated which is really awesome to better understand it through different lenses.
November 17, 2025
I think the stories were good, but the audio was dull and I had a hard time keeping focused.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews