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Talking with Bears: Conversations with Charlie Russell
Charlie Russell is a legend, not only in his home territory of Alberta but in all of Canada and around the world. An author of several books, including Walking with Giants: The Grizzlies of Siberia, The Spirit Bear: Encounters with the White Bear of the Western Rainforest, and Grizzly Heart: Living Without Fear Among the Brown Bears of Kamchatka, he has been the subject of numerous interviews, documentaries, and articles showcasing him and the bears he loved.
Talking with Bears is an intimate portrait of Charlie Russell’s philosophy of nature, which evolved over the 76 years he graced this planet. Accompanied by stunning photography, the book is written in narrative form, the way Charlie spoke and shared his stories and knowledge with others. Each of the chapters describes some facet of Charlie’s philosophy and experiences through the stories of individual bears and what they taught him: the meaning of trust, respect, attention, love, and much more.
Talking with Bears is written for everyone and anyone who yearns to rekindle the magic of living in alignment with nature and bring the teachings of Charlie Russell and his bears into their own lives.
Talking with Bears is an intimate portrait of Charlie Russell’s philosophy of nature, which evolved over the 76 years he graced this planet. Accompanied by stunning photography, the book is written in narrative form, the way Charlie spoke and shared his stories and knowledge with others. Each of the chapters describes some facet of Charlie’s philosophy and experiences through the stories of individual bears and what they taught him: the meaning of trust, respect, attention, love, and much more.
Talking with Bears is written for everyone and anyone who yearns to rekindle the magic of living in alignment with nature and bring the teachings of Charlie Russell and his bears into their own lives.
- GenresNonfictionAnimalsNature
284 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
63 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 11, 2026
"Extraordinary . . . this series of true stories about the authentic nature of bears reveals them as the sensitive and intelligent beings they are." ―Carl Safina, New York Times–bestselling author of Becoming Wild and Beyond Words
All I can say this opens your eyes, fully about the true nature of bears, and how we as a human race, have treatment terrible, knowing the true facts truly helps.
A powerful read by G A Bradshaw on the wonderful and dedicated Charlie Russell.
Grizzly bears have long been feared as unpredictable and dangerous. But one man, Charlie Russell, was key in breaking down the myths and helping save these magnificent beings from extinction. A naturalist who spent over seventy years living harmoniously among bears in North America and Russia, Russell forged deep friendships with wild grizzlies, raised and reintroduced ten orphaned cubs in the Kamchatkan wilderness, and nannied the young of a wild female grizzly for seven years.
In Talking with Bears, filled with stunning photography, author G. A. Bradshaw chronicles her decade-long work with Russell, exploring his philosophy of Nature and remarkable insights and relationship with bears. By weaving together Russell's experiences and scientific understanding from neuroscience and quantum physics, Bradshaw reveals how we all can learn to thrive in intimate, respectful coexistence with Nature.
"Figuring out how to share the planet with other big and powerful mammals seems one of the crucial tests for human beings in the time ahead. Charlie Russell had some serious insights about how this might be possible." ―Bill McKibben, New York Times–bestselling author of Falter
"At a time of climate crisis and environmental emergency, when the flaws in our relationship with nature now clearly threaten our very existence, this book is a must-read." ―Kevin Van Tighem, author of Bears Without Fear
"[A] beautiful, unique account of two powerful minds . . . coming to grips with an equally powerful one embodied in the great brown and black bears of the Pacific Northwest and of the Russian Far East." ―Jeffrey Masson, author of The Secret World of Farm Animals and When Elephants Weep
"One can't help but come away from reading Talking With Bears feeling inspired and rejuvenated." ―John E. Marriott, wildlife photographer and coauthor of What Bears Teach Us
Four stars
All I can say this opens your eyes, fully about the true nature of bears, and how we as a human race, have treatment terrible, knowing the true facts truly helps.
A powerful read by G A Bradshaw on the wonderful and dedicated Charlie Russell.
Grizzly bears have long been feared as unpredictable and dangerous. But one man, Charlie Russell, was key in breaking down the myths and helping save these magnificent beings from extinction. A naturalist who spent over seventy years living harmoniously among bears in North America and Russia, Russell forged deep friendships with wild grizzlies, raised and reintroduced ten orphaned cubs in the Kamchatkan wilderness, and nannied the young of a wild female grizzly for seven years.
In Talking with Bears, filled with stunning photography, author G. A. Bradshaw chronicles her decade-long work with Russell, exploring his philosophy of Nature and remarkable insights and relationship with bears. By weaving together Russell's experiences and scientific understanding from neuroscience and quantum physics, Bradshaw reveals how we all can learn to thrive in intimate, respectful coexistence with Nature.
"Figuring out how to share the planet with other big and powerful mammals seems one of the crucial tests for human beings in the time ahead. Charlie Russell had some serious insights about how this might be possible." ―Bill McKibben, New York Times–bestselling author of Falter
"At a time of climate crisis and environmental emergency, when the flaws in our relationship with nature now clearly threaten our very existence, this book is a must-read." ―Kevin Van Tighem, author of Bears Without Fear
"[A] beautiful, unique account of two powerful minds . . . coming to grips with an equally powerful one embodied in the great brown and black bears of the Pacific Northwest and of the Russian Far East." ―Jeffrey Masson, author of The Secret World of Farm Animals and When Elephants Weep
"One can't help but come away from reading Talking With Bears feeling inspired and rejuvenated." ―John E. Marriott, wildlife photographer and coauthor of What Bears Teach Us
Four stars
August 10, 2024
The last chapter was a bit out there, but otherwise 5/5
April 16, 2020
We owe a debt of gratitude to author and scientist Dr. Gay Bradshaw for bringing Charlie Russell’s intuitive relationship with Nature and his unrivalled understanding of bears to the world at this juncture.
As a friend and pupil of Charlie Russell, I so appreciate the obvious care the author has taken in selecting experiences over his lifetime to illustrate many findings, including controversial ones, about bears. The stunning 60plus original, full-coloured photos included in the book only add to the understanding of this rugged, adventure-prone researcher and his charismatic, yet often feared, megafauna.
The author has not only been a true scribe of Charlie Russell’s experiences and findings, but she has expertly infused her own intimate understanding of transpecies psychology and ecology where appropriate.
This book is not only a must read for those wanting to learn about the true nature of bears but also for those of us already working or living alongside bears. The legacy of Charlie Russell’s work must be continued if we wish to one day live as our ancestors lived, in true harmony with bears and Nature.
As a friend and pupil of Charlie Russell, I so appreciate the obvious care the author has taken in selecting experiences over his lifetime to illustrate many findings, including controversial ones, about bears. The stunning 60plus original, full-coloured photos included in the book only add to the understanding of this rugged, adventure-prone researcher and his charismatic, yet often feared, megafauna.
The author has not only been a true scribe of Charlie Russell’s experiences and findings, but she has expertly infused her own intimate understanding of transpecies psychology and ecology where appropriate.
This book is not only a must read for those wanting to learn about the true nature of bears but also for those of us already working or living alongside bears. The legacy of Charlie Russell’s work must be continued if we wish to one day live as our ancestors lived, in true harmony with bears and Nature.
November 10, 2021
In this book, Bradshaw relates many of Charlie Russell's thoughts on bears. Unfortunately she seems to extend his thoughts into a kind of concept that idolizes animals, implying that if humans were just attentive to bears there would never be conflict between the two. In various anecdotes, situations where bears have attacked humans are traced back to some incident where the bear suffered some abuse by some person.
Although Russell clearly believes that humans and bears can coexist if they have an understanding, Bradshaw ignores the fact that while bears will avoid confrontation, they are territorial and will attack to protect their cubs or kills. It is notable that Russell usually carries bear spray.
The last chapter is really bizarre. Bradshaw encouraged Russell to watch an interview of the physicist David Bohm. From this interview they decided that quantum physics has redefined science's understanding of nature. Newtonian physics, a "... fabricated, anomalous construct, embraced by almost all scientists, has generated the endless cycles of ethnic strife, war against wildlife and environmental collapse gripping the planet today."!
Although Russell clearly believes that humans and bears can coexist if they have an understanding, Bradshaw ignores the fact that while bears will avoid confrontation, they are territorial and will attack to protect their cubs or kills. It is notable that Russell usually carries bear spray.
The last chapter is really bizarre. Bradshaw encouraged Russell to watch an interview of the physicist David Bohm. From this interview they decided that quantum physics has redefined science's understanding of nature. Newtonian physics, a "... fabricated, anomalous construct, embraced by almost all scientists, has generated the endless cycles of ethnic strife, war against wildlife and environmental collapse gripping the planet today."!
May 13, 2020
The world is so lucky to have Charlie Russell and his friends to work tirelessly bridging the connection between human and bears. This book is heart warming and enlightening for all bear lovers. Each chapter illustrates an encounter first from the bears view then from Charlie's experience, a real story from both sides. Be present, be respectful and be compassionate. Charlie's lesson for us will always resonate. A must read for anyone who don't take human as the center of universe and a highly recommended read for anyone who are having troubles with life because of this human centered view.
August 18, 2020
Charlie has definitely led an unconventional life in 'regular' life standards and has learned so much and it is unfortunate that the community of scientists don't pay him much mind. There were bear stories in the beginning of each chapter and some of them were so sad but also helped to create an understanding of what goes on in a bears mind.
I wasn't as impressed with this book as I thought I would be but it was still an interesting read. I did like Charlie's take on being respectful of bears and immersing yourself in their worlds and how we deal with bears can be detrimental to the bears and possibly us in the future. This made sense to me.
I wasn't as impressed with this book as I thought I would be but it was still an interesting read. I did like Charlie's take on being respectful of bears and immersing yourself in their worlds and how we deal with bears can be detrimental to the bears and possibly us in the future. This made sense to me.
May 13, 2020
A superb story about one man’s experience living amongst and knowing and understanding bears. We have much to learn about living with nature from Charlie Russell’s experiences co-existing with bears. This book turns on its head the common traditional view of wildlife management and teaches us a more rational humane way of living in nature. A must read for anyone who believes a kinder, gentler planet is possible.
June 7, 2020
Good information for anyone that spends time in bear country. Dispells the stereotypes of bear behaviour and offers a new and practical approaches of living harmoniously with these impressive animals. Charlie Russell is the best source for ecological decisions as his years of direct interaction with bears proved how a symbiotic approach with nature is the only way to progress effectively.
November 10, 2021
I loved this book and the pictures were breathtaking. Charlie Russell was a very special man. I wish I had met him to talk about bears. I live in Southern Alberta not too far from Waterton. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The world would be a different and better place if we all put down our phones and iPads and got out for a walk everyday.
April 22, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up.
It is not my preferred writing style, but the education about bears and experiences living amongst them is fascinating. Memorable stories indeed. The included photography is stunning.
It is not my preferred writing style, but the education about bears and experiences living amongst them is fascinating. Memorable stories indeed. The included photography is stunning.
August 19, 2020
Beautiful and mind boggling
This is a truly remarkable story of a equally remarkable man. Read it then ponder it's message. Bears and man can coexist naturally.
This is a truly remarkable story of a equally remarkable man. Read it then ponder it's message. Bears and man can coexist naturally.
December 12, 2024
Last chapter was a bit "different" but still loved the book as a whole!
July 18, 2020
My review for this book that can be found on the following sites:
https://thefurbearers.com/blog/review...
https://www.youngdefenders.ca/2020/07...
https://thefurbearers.com/blog/review...
https://www.youngdefenders.ca/2020/07...
November 27, 2021
*Score: 8/10*
Written by American psychologist and ecologist, this is a book about the author's views as well as her discussions with nature legend Charlie Russell, who has lived with bears for many years. It aims to better understand the behavior of bears, and clear some misconceptions, while also talking generally about man and the wild's co-existance, all through several stories and experiences that Charlie Russell has been through.
This was right for me, as I was exactly looking for a simple book on such topic, and this has made me appreciate bears and in general the wild life much more, especially in terms of their sentience and intelligence. This is not a very detailed book on behavior, so it feels like a good introductory book on this topic.
Language is simple, and chapters are each divided based on theme, derived usually through a different Charlie and a bear story / encounter. Its easy to follow, and while preachy at times, had a good message and doesn't overstay its welcome for the most part.
The pictures in it are among the highlights, showing some beautiful landscape, with high focus on Kamchatka, where most of this book takes place in (its a beautiful and very raw place).
You get exactly what the title tells you, and its pretty short and interesting, though not groundbreaking. If this is your kind of topic, I would recommend.
Written by American psychologist and ecologist, this is a book about the author's views as well as her discussions with nature legend Charlie Russell, who has lived with bears for many years. It aims to better understand the behavior of bears, and clear some misconceptions, while also talking generally about man and the wild's co-existance, all through several stories and experiences that Charlie Russell has been through.
This was right for me, as I was exactly looking for a simple book on such topic, and this has made me appreciate bears and in general the wild life much more, especially in terms of their sentience and intelligence. This is not a very detailed book on behavior, so it feels like a good introductory book on this topic.
Language is simple, and chapters are each divided based on theme, derived usually through a different Charlie and a bear story / encounter. Its easy to follow, and while preachy at times, had a good message and doesn't overstay its welcome for the most part.
The pictures in it are among the highlights, showing some beautiful landscape, with high focus on Kamchatka, where most of this book takes place in (its a beautiful and very raw place).
You get exactly what the title tells you, and its pretty short and interesting, though not groundbreaking. If this is your kind of topic, I would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews