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Earth Boy
In this unforgettable book, Billy Thompson shares the story of life driven by compassion and care for all creature. Having had an affinity for animals his entire life, Billy has found that animals needing help somehow found him over the years- beginning with feral cats, unwanted dogs and even a pony brought to safety on a bus.
While working in many different jobs, Billy continued to rescue animals in need, from the domestic to the exotic, his rescue efforts taking him all over the world. This book tells some of those hundreds of stories, including tricky situations, unlikely friendships and many, many rescues, all driven by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Above all this is a story about how, whoever you are and whatever you are doing, you can always help an animal in need.
While working in many different jobs, Billy continued to rescue animals in need, from the domestic to the exotic, his rescue efforts taking him all over the world. This book tells some of those hundreds of stories, including tricky situations, unlikely friendships and many, many rescues, all driven by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Above all this is a story about how, whoever you are and whatever you are doing, you can always help an animal in need.
- GenresNonfiction
160 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 2, 2022
“It’s one of life’s proud moments when you realise that no act of kindness is ever wasted.”
In one of the most incredibly moving, inspirational and funny memoirs I have ever read, Billy Thompson tells the story of his life through his journey on Earth as an animal rescuer. An ordinary man who dedicates his life to an extraordinary vision, Billy will care for animals no matter their species, size, shape or situation. No rescue is too big, too complicated or too much trouble. His radical compassion for all animals sees him travel the globe, and he meets many remarkable individuals and forms life-changing connections – with both human and non-human persons alike - in his journey to care for all creatures. With emotional tales of perseverance and hilarious anecdotes of misadventures, Billy teaches us the importance and simplicity of radical compassion for all species.
In sixteen fascinating chapters, Billy paints a detailed and vivid picture of the wonderfully unique and sometimes stressful and frightening situations he has found himself in during his many rescues. The stories are so enthralling that he leaves you unable to put down the book, always wanting one more tale. He is also able to craft such personal descriptions of the individuals that have shaped his life that I was left in tears multiple times at the end of many chapters. The part of the book that speaks to me the most, is Billy’s consistent ethos of the ease of kindness, and how we can all help make the world a safer and better place for all of our non-human friends. Billy explores the simplicity of aiding animals in need. From donating your time, money or resources like tins of food, newspapers and blankets to your local animal sanctuary, or going out to feed your local wildlife, fostering and rehoming animals who need it, reporting hunts and animal cruelty, listening to the creatures who need help and being open to them when they inevitably find you. Animal rescue is accessible to all – we all have the power to aid a fellow earthling in need.
“There is cruelty to animals everywhere and the malice of man is never that far from any of us, but this book is about kindness and what we can all do to help animals rather than the saddest of rescue tales. I’m convinced that most people want to live a kind life at one with the natural world and not harm animals. This book shows you that wherever you are, whatever you are doing, there’s always room to help animals.”
Be Kind, It’s Easy.
In one of the most incredibly moving, inspirational and funny memoirs I have ever read, Billy Thompson tells the story of his life through his journey on Earth as an animal rescuer. An ordinary man who dedicates his life to an extraordinary vision, Billy will care for animals no matter their species, size, shape or situation. No rescue is too big, too complicated or too much trouble. His radical compassion for all animals sees him travel the globe, and he meets many remarkable individuals and forms life-changing connections – with both human and non-human persons alike - in his journey to care for all creatures. With emotional tales of perseverance and hilarious anecdotes of misadventures, Billy teaches us the importance and simplicity of radical compassion for all species.
In sixteen fascinating chapters, Billy paints a detailed and vivid picture of the wonderfully unique and sometimes stressful and frightening situations he has found himself in during his many rescues. The stories are so enthralling that he leaves you unable to put down the book, always wanting one more tale. He is also able to craft such personal descriptions of the individuals that have shaped his life that I was left in tears multiple times at the end of many chapters. The part of the book that speaks to me the most, is Billy’s consistent ethos of the ease of kindness, and how we can all help make the world a safer and better place for all of our non-human friends. Billy explores the simplicity of aiding animals in need. From donating your time, money or resources like tins of food, newspapers and blankets to your local animal sanctuary, or going out to feed your local wildlife, fostering and rehoming animals who need it, reporting hunts and animal cruelty, listening to the creatures who need help and being open to them when they inevitably find you. Animal rescue is accessible to all – we all have the power to aid a fellow earthling in need.
“There is cruelty to animals everywhere and the malice of man is never that far from any of us, but this book is about kindness and what we can all do to help animals rather than the saddest of rescue tales. I’m convinced that most people want to live a kind life at one with the natural world and not harm animals. This book shows you that wherever you are, whatever you are doing, there’s always room to help animals.”
Be Kind, It’s Easy.
December 14, 2021
This is such a heart warming but also funny book about a man who from an early age has wanted to help all beings (even human!) His absolute kindness at rescuing the very smallest to the most unloved and unwanted animals, and his love for them all, shines from every page. This book has taught me such a lot about kindness and how we can all do something to help those that need it.
October 28, 2022
I'm only giving it 4 stars instead of 5 due to the format issues. There were A LOT of grammatical errors with spelling & sentence structure; the word 'serval' (ironic as this is a type of wild cat) would replace the word 'several' throughout which was most annoying! Also, there were often sentence that didn't make sense due to having too many words or the wrong ones alongside the correct ones. Tis such a shame as it was really distracting & frustrating as they appeared on nearly every page. It seemed like no-one proof-read this! I can't believe it was signed off for publish like this as it really ruins an otherwise outstanding book in regards to the story & author's personality and uniqueness that really makes the book special.
The author Billy is an inspiration - a real hero for animals worldwide (& humans looking to be more like him) and is truly a selfless, benevolent, proactive, one-of-a-kind luminary. He is the ultimate example of what an animal activist should be. He has dedicated his life 100% to the care of needy animals & has influenced so many humans to do the same.
He had a head start in animal rights culture as he was raised vegetarian with an animal-loving & animal-rescuing household from an early age which proved vital in shaping his identity & focus on animal welfare which would be his supreme true calling in life. This usually isn't the case for a lot of future vegans & animal rights campaigners who have to become aware by themselves usually in their rebellious, independent, angst-ridden teenage years when they're the black sheep of the family choosing to shed the rose-tinted perception of capitalist practices & values forced onto them from a young age by family, society, cultural traditions, peer pressure & mainstream commercialism. Billy's focused pursuit of careful animal rescue, wholehearted dedication and around-the-clock care to any being in need as well as his connections & interactions with other animal lovers were vital in progressing his journey to eventually go vegan, travel the world to help animals suffering in needier circumstances than his home of the UK & to also have his own independent animal sanctuary which expanded year after year due to increasing additions of residents.
His stories are captivating, wholesome, refreshing, awe-inspiring, repeatedly humorous & sometimes seemingly unbelievable with the shenanigans that end up happening! Stories that stick out involve schoolchildren & a sheep, a horse on a bus, a swarm of houseflies, an Egyptian goose, a mischievous ostrich, a wheelbarrow at night time, numerous unexpected house calls where various unlikely residents cause a stir and a hilarious bares-all moment.
This book is light and friendly, modern, eye-opening, entertaining & family friendly. It doesn't dwell on or even describe the atrocities (apart from 1 small part at the beginning when an eye-opening encounter at a dairy farm turns him vegan) of the accepted mass torture and murder industries of livestock/animal agriculture which put a lot of people off - including vegans and animal rights enthusiasts - because the true horrors of slaughterhouses & practices by these cruel animal abusing industries are of a sensitive, depressing & shocking nature which invested animal lovers already know so much about that it's influenced them to stop using animal products as they can't bear to be a part of these cruel industries.
I hope these types of books will become more mainstream and accessible (& who knows, hopefully essential reading as part of the school curriculum in future) as it's crucial in this day & age to be aware of how we treat animals and the affect it has on economy and industry, health, environment, etc. These kinds of books will help in the changing of minds & hearts against the general state of cognitive dissonance with how we treat animals so I really hope these stories and messages will eventually reach the general population and not just fellow animal lovers, vegans & animal rights campaigners.
Overall, this compilation of true stories composed of Billy's actions to help animals throughout his interesting and fruitful life promotes a constant harmonious relationship between animals & humans whatever the circumstance and is very heartwarming, engaging, & enlightening (as well as quite amusing!)
This book, errors and all, will really help change people's existing views of our relationship with animals and will encourage animal lovers to make a real difference with their lives.
The author Billy is an inspiration - a real hero for animals worldwide (& humans looking to be more like him) and is truly a selfless, benevolent, proactive, one-of-a-kind luminary. He is the ultimate example of what an animal activist should be. He has dedicated his life 100% to the care of needy animals & has influenced so many humans to do the same.
He had a head start in animal rights culture as he was raised vegetarian with an animal-loving & animal-rescuing household from an early age which proved vital in shaping his identity & focus on animal welfare which would be his supreme true calling in life. This usually isn't the case for a lot of future vegans & animal rights campaigners who have to become aware by themselves usually in their rebellious, independent, angst-ridden teenage years when they're the black sheep of the family choosing to shed the rose-tinted perception of capitalist practices & values forced onto them from a young age by family, society, cultural traditions, peer pressure & mainstream commercialism. Billy's focused pursuit of careful animal rescue, wholehearted dedication and around-the-clock care to any being in need as well as his connections & interactions with other animal lovers were vital in progressing his journey to eventually go vegan, travel the world to help animals suffering in needier circumstances than his home of the UK & to also have his own independent animal sanctuary which expanded year after year due to increasing additions of residents.
His stories are captivating, wholesome, refreshing, awe-inspiring, repeatedly humorous & sometimes seemingly unbelievable with the shenanigans that end up happening! Stories that stick out involve schoolchildren & a sheep, a horse on a bus, a swarm of houseflies, an Egyptian goose, a mischievous ostrich, a wheelbarrow at night time, numerous unexpected house calls where various unlikely residents cause a stir and a hilarious bares-all moment.
This book is light and friendly, modern, eye-opening, entertaining & family friendly. It doesn't dwell on or even describe the atrocities (apart from 1 small part at the beginning when an eye-opening encounter at a dairy farm turns him vegan) of the accepted mass torture and murder industries of livestock/animal agriculture which put a lot of people off - including vegans and animal rights enthusiasts - because the true horrors of slaughterhouses & practices by these cruel animal abusing industries are of a sensitive, depressing & shocking nature which invested animal lovers already know so much about that it's influenced them to stop using animal products as they can't bear to be a part of these cruel industries.
I hope these types of books will become more mainstream and accessible (& who knows, hopefully essential reading as part of the school curriculum in future) as it's crucial in this day & age to be aware of how we treat animals and the affect it has on economy and industry, health, environment, etc. These kinds of books will help in the changing of minds & hearts against the general state of cognitive dissonance with how we treat animals so I really hope these stories and messages will eventually reach the general population and not just fellow animal lovers, vegans & animal rights campaigners.
Overall, this compilation of true stories composed of Billy's actions to help animals throughout his interesting and fruitful life promotes a constant harmonious relationship between animals & humans whatever the circumstance and is very heartwarming, engaging, & enlightening (as well as quite amusing!)
This book, errors and all, will really help change people's existing views of our relationship with animals and will encourage animal lovers to make a real difference with their lives.
January 2, 2023
An excellent book about an exceptional man. Well- written, inspiring, educational, and absolutely hilarious, this book will have you in stitches of laughter throughout and voicing many "you're kidding me". Though there is sadness in parts, this book is a pleasant, heartwarming read (a feat in itself as most animal activist books are heartbreaking) which focuses on hope and the happiness you can get from being compassionate to animals.
I highly recommend this book for any one who isn't vegan but wants something gentle to help nudge them in the right direction, vegans like myself who already hold Billy Thompson and The Retreat with high regard and were curious, or simply someone who wants inspiration on how to help animals. Whatever your reason and whoever you are this book can give you laughs, hope and inspiration. I came away wanting to do more. What a brilliant first-book of 2023!
I highly recommend this book for any one who isn't vegan but wants something gentle to help nudge them in the right direction, vegans like myself who already hold Billy Thompson and The Retreat with high regard and were curious, or simply someone who wants inspiration on how to help animals. Whatever your reason and whoever you are this book can give you laughs, hope and inspiration. I came away wanting to do more. What a brilliant first-book of 2023!
February 7, 2022
I started this book after 9 yesterday morning and by 13.24 I had finished it. I want washed or dressed because I just couldn’t put it down. What a delight to read about Suki the goose, the wallaby Audrey, Stanley the confused man and Rula the white ball of fluff running for her life to catch you up. Tales of Scarlett and Shirley made me feel all warm inside and I actually didn’t stop laughing throughout. I actually cannot believe that you found Luna and would love to find out how. I will adopt the mantra ‘ don’t sweat the small stuff’ along with ‘be kind it’s easy’’ . What a wonderful morning I had, thank you Billy. I truly hope for a next one 👍
January 11, 2022
This is one of the most heartwarming books I've ever read. I'm not usually one for non-fiction, but the compilation of stories in Earth Boy made this incredibly readable.
Some of the stories of Billy's life in animal rescue are sad, some are utterly fascinating, and so many are absolutely hilarious! I laughed so hard picturing many of the incidents that Billy gets himself into in Earth Boy. The flies, Suki the goose, and Stanley are some of my favourite moments from this incredible man's history.
I've heard he is writing another book, and I can't wait to read it!
Some of the stories of Billy's life in animal rescue are sad, some are utterly fascinating, and so many are absolutely hilarious! I laughed so hard picturing many of the incidents that Billy gets himself into in Earth Boy. The flies, Suki the goose, and Stanley are some of my favourite moments from this incredible man's history.
I've heard he is writing another book, and I can't wait to read it!
February 16, 2022
If there is one book to read in 2022, make it Earth Boy!
I didn’t put it down until I reached the end, but I wished there was more…
With Tears and laughter throughout, stories that had me in disbelief but also awe, this book will keep you gripped from the first to last pages. It flows effortlessly as you travel on a magical and sometimes crazy life of a young boy through to manhood.
Billy Thompson has given his life to the animals, and continues to do so.
Selfless, compassionate and the most loving human to walk this earth…..
I didn’t put it down until I reached the end, but I wished there was more…
With Tears and laughter throughout, stories that had me in disbelief but also awe, this book will keep you gripped from the first to last pages. It flows effortlessly as you travel on a magical and sometimes crazy life of a young boy through to manhood.
Billy Thompson has given his life to the animals, and continues to do so.
Selfless, compassionate and the most loving human to walk this earth…..
December 18, 2021
The life story (so far) of the most kind hearted, compassionate and amazingly kind man Billy Thompson who has led the most full and amazing life. He runs The Retreat Animal Rescue in High Halden, Kent He is a true animal lover and his book is a must read for anyone who is passionate about animals of all shapes and sizes and animal rescue.
January 19, 2022
Wonderful, heartwarming account by Billy of the many and varied animals he has rescued and the sometimes precarious situations he found himself in. Full of humour, love and some tears - this book is a must for anyone who cares about animals.
If only there were more people like Billy the world would be a kinder place.
Highly recommended.
If only there were more people like Billy the world would be a kinder place.
Highly recommended.
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September 7, 2022This book contains love at it's purest. The true story of a boy who cares and has kept that passion through all that he does. If you love animals and care for all things living in this world, you have to read this book. Billy Thompson takes you on a journey that shows you what true kindness can achieve. I couldn't put this book down.
December 17, 2021
This is story of how a boy with dreams became a man living them. A family full of love and support and close knit ties. Earth Boy tells Of the trials and tribulations of his love and understanding helping animals. The book makes you laugh and feel full of joy that people like Earth Boy are out there. I've bought all my friends a copy for Christmas because it's easy to read and addictive. A must read.
March 15, 2023
Lovely read, so many lovely tales of rescued animals and humans. An extraordinary life, well lived.
The world needs more Billy’s.
I do hope you continue your work for decades to come, and write more fascinating stories, for us all to read!
The world needs more Billy’s.
I do hope you continue your work for decades to come, and write more fascinating stories, for us all to read!
December 14, 2021
A beautiful story of a wonderful journey of a great human being, such a moving and lighthearted read. Literally couldn’t put it down, read it all in one night!! Would defiantly recommend.
July 14, 2023
I laughed and I cried. What a beautiful story ❤️
August 24, 2023
Billy is a thoroughly lovely guy doing great work at the retreat sanctuary 🐷 read in one sitting, very entertaining!
Thanks for the book & the pig gossip Billy!
Thanks for the book & the pig gossip Billy!
December 3, 2025
A fun, light-hearted read and knowing the author I could imagine it read in his voice and style, which made it even more enjoyable! Moral of the story - being kind is easy, so just do it!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews