Shark: Why We Need to Save the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator

by Paul de Gelder

From shark attack survivor to the shark’s biggest advocate, Paul de Gelder tells us just why these majestic diverse animals need our help as much as we need them.

We have a perennial fascination with sharks. A marvel of the sea, sharks evolved over 450 million years into more than 500 species, from the bioluminescent kitefin to the tiny dwarf lantern shark, the sociable lemon shark to the blue shark, which can birth up to 100 pups in one litter. Bringing balance to the ocean’s ecosystem, our planet is at serious risk when these amazing creatures are threatened.

Paul de Gelder, who lost two limbs in a shark attack during a mission as an elite Australian navy clearance diver, spent time as part of his recovery learning all about sharks. He became so obsessed that, despite what happened to him, he is now an expert and has dedicated his life to helping save them. Shark is his love-letter to these unfairly vilified animals, and his warning to the world about what will happen if we don’t look out for them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Science, Nature, Audiobook, Ecology

240 pages, Hardcover

First published July 21, 2022

About the author

From rebel, drug dealer and strip club worker to adventurer, soldier, fitness enthusiast, Navy diver, shark attack survivor, top motivational speaker and mentor to schoolkids across Australia, Paul de Gelder is an exceptional young man. He is now determined to carve out the best future for himself he could possibly imagine. Paul is a true survivor and an incredible inspiration.

Reviews

[Olive Fellows (abookolive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A man survives an attack by a 9-foot-long bull shark, losing a leg and half of an arm. But instead of getting bitter, he becomes an outspoken advocate for shark welfare. It sounds like a feel-good film, but it's the true story of what happened to Paul de Gelder.

In this book, which he makes clear isn't intended to be a scholarly work of natural history, but rather a passion project, he talks about what he knows about sharks through his work with them and how we all can do our part in protecting these magnificent, ancient creatures.

Click here to hear more of my thoughts on this book (and one other book on sharks) over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and accessible.

[Nataliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget Shark Week. How about Shark 400 Million Years? Because every week is apparently shark week. At least if you ask Paul de Gelder, who may be just a tiny bit fascinated by these pre-dinosaur apex predators:

“Sharks are winners. Not only do they exist in every sea and ocean around the world, but they are some of the oldest species on the planet, pre-dating even dinosaurs. They have survived five mass-extinction events, and despite 400 million years of evolution they remain wholly unchanged. Why? Because some things you just can’t improve upon, and the anatomy of the shark is one such marvel of nature.”

I know very little about sharks. If I were to see one swimming towards me, I’d die of fright in record speed. I share that cultural fear of a super-predator armed with rows of teeth - those that they can regrow over and over again - coming out of the depths and taking a bite out of me, even if I know I’m way more likely to die of much more mundane causes.

“Are some people attacked by sharks? Yes, and we’ll talk about some of them, but the truth is that far more people drown in their own bathtubs than are attacked by sharks. So why is it that so many of us are afraid to dip our toe in the ocean, but we have no worries about getting into a hot bath with a glass of wine?”

And then I read this book, and now not only do I know a bit more about sharks but I also feel very much fascinated by Paul de Gelder’s infectious enthusiasm about these marvels of nature. (By the way, he lost his hand and his leg to a bull shark, and *still* he admires them and does whatever he can to bring attention to them and to save sharks from truly terrifying merciless predators - humans, fueled by greed, revenge and memory of the movie “Jaws”).

‘The Jersey Man-Eater’ had given people a stark reminder that we’re not always top of the food chain, and as so often is the case when that happens, we lash out in fear, and the results are devastating.”

(Did you know that there is such an awesome shark species as a “ninja lantern shark”? Or a megamouth?? If nothing else, that would be an awesome band name, or at least a decently-titled single.)

Paul de Gelder has a very compelling narrative voice, and his writing style is very much that of a buddy narrating a story over a campfire — or perhaps a voiceover in the nature documentary. It’s easy to follow, funny, and quite earnest, but not in an cringeworthy way but in a way that makes you want to listen and pay attention. And it makes me think of all the times I scoffed at the news reporting a “shark attack” — it’s not like the shark got out and went to invade our homes; we are invading their territory and get surprised when an apex predator occasionally acts like one. Yeah…

“‘Shark-infested waters’ are an easy three words for a writer to use to conjure up fear, but let’s just stop right there. A shark isn’t infesting the water, it lives there. Would you say that humans infest their own houses? Although there have been tips of the cap to the majesty of these amazing creatures, I think it’s fair to say that the majority of movies, and works of fiction in general, have turned the shark into a misunderstood villain, often at times attributing to it the kind of evil qualities that are in fact only inherent in human beings. If sharks had lawyers. they could sue the hell out of studios for defamation of character, but alas, that’s not going to happen.”

4 stars, and maybe next year I’ll actually pay attention to Shark Week because now I actually know enough to care.

——————

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360, Mudlark for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Also posted on my blog.

[Isabelle Neumann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Miranda Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly did not enjoy the writing style of this book and didn’t learn anything new. I do think that it is a good book for people who are just starting to learn about sharks and their plights. Just didn’t do much for me

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author lost two limbs to a shark and, instead of hating them, he got to know them, understand them, and protect them. In this fascinating book, he shares his knowledge and experiences with these amazing animals that predate, not only the dinosaurs, but even trees! His writing style is so approachable that even younger readers will be able to follow, but it’s not dumbed down. The information provided here is varied and interesting. There is a little biology, but nothing too technical, and mostly a study of what makes a shark a shark, how they behave, relate to each other and to other creatures, their species and the threats to their survival. There is also a chapter on the way that pop culture has influenced how we see the species and how the fear of sharks may be more due to Spielberg than the actual animals. I had to skip one section, about killing them for sport, and the final chapter, about legislation was a little dry. The last part includes a list of organizations you can support, as well as what anyone can do to help protect them. I read as many books about animals as I can get, including Emperors of the Deep, so some facts were familiar. The best part about de Gelder’s book is his personal experience going from prey to protector. He writes in a relatable way. I have no fear of any animal other than humans (if anything diving with sharks is on my bucket list) but, to anyone who may fear sharks, this will help get over it. The author respects and loves these animals and, after reading this book, you will too.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Harper 360, Mudlark!

[Sophia Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just think sharks are the coolest. really interesting and maddening at the same time. wish humans gave a semblance of a shit about the natural world.

really good audiobook. love hearing paul tell his story

[Ina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recently there has been some videos online about people hunting for sharks to torture them to get their revenge because the shark killed someone. The author survived a shark attack. He was attacked by a bull shark and instead of hunting for it, he is their advocate. He is learning as much as he can about them and he has also been a part of shark week.

With warmth, humor and a serious tone, he shares his perspective about sharks. That people should respect them. Sharks rarely eat humans. It mostly happens because of a mistake. And it is we who is entering their home and not the other way around. Sharks are scary but often misunderstood. And it is important to follow some rules before taking a swim.

It was interesting to know about people cutting of their fin to make soup of it. Because in some cultures, people thinks that soup is healthy and can heal many things. Which is cruel and weird.

It was fascinating to know about all different kind of sharks, his shark attack and his love for the animals. It is easy to tell that he is true about his interest in sharks and glad to see people protecting animals as best they can.

[Beth Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit I’m a little biased. Sharks (and marine zoology and biodiversity) have become huge passions of mine in the past decade. Hell, my bed has even become “infested” with shark plushies. I am in a word, obsessed with the creatures.

All that said, this is a straightforward, easy to read book that could be anyone’s Sharks 101. I read a lot that I already knew (see obsession admission above) but there were also quite a few concepts, facts, and other tidbits that were completely new to me. There’s a nice balance of scientific fact, historical examples, conservation conversation (that alliteration is really doing a number on my eyeballs) and lived experience from the author.

I would recommend this to anyone and everyone who loves our oceans and the creatures that call them their home.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I love Paul de Gelder. I've known about him for several years because I'm obsessed with sharks and Shark Week. Paul went from being scared of sharks to attacked by one to loving and wanting to protect these beautiful animals.

This book is his love letter basically to all things sharks. You will learn a lot about different shark types, eating habits, and so much more. ( Although, if, like me, you watch Shark Week religiously, there isn't much new in here you shouldn't know ) But not only does he help with learning more about sharks, he warns us about what will happen of things don't change. Sharks NEED to be protected. We all need to step up and do our part to help these beautiful animals from becoming extinct, which would cause harm for us.

[lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read!! so much interesting information and gold with such empathy for sharks.

loved this and especially the impact of the fishing industry on sharks. often even when someone gives up meat they’ll still eat fish (pescatarian) so it was so interesting to see the health and sustainability reasons for giving up fish! if i didn’t already not eat fish i definitely couldn’t start now LOL

towards the end there were some comparisons that had me pausing for a second but i understand de gelder is very passionate on this topic so i’ll accept the hyperbole.

[Kat V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love sharks! You’re more likely to drown in your own bathroom than be attacked by a shark. Ok I love this book but it is sad. I have been really trying to cut back on my meat consumption. Not Tuer easiest read at times but very important. Informative and helpful. 4.2 stars

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super important read for everyone to get to know sharks and why they're so important. As a shark lover, I learned a lot from this book that really made me think about how I can help more with shark conservation in small ways. Be prepared though, it does bring up some tough subjects that we as people really need to think about.

[serenity :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

we dont deserve sharks

[anna ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely no words can describe my love for sharks, or my sadness to see them so close to extinction. they deserve to be able to exist peacefully

[Raphaëlle Simard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passion requins pour la vie
*à lire si vous voulez comprendre à quel point les requins sont importants et pourquoi il faut absolument les protéger

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I think the idea that we should kill ocean creatures to make the ocean safer for us is the epitome of selfishness.”

The best thing about this book was the message. The author has a clear passion for his topic.
The writing, though, was a bit amateur. I’ve been reading really beautifully written books on the natural sciences and this was a bit jarring comparatively.
That said, I think this is a really important topic and I appreciated his take on it.
I also appreciate that he included a list of reputable charities that the reader can donate to.

[Leila Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love sharks i want to swim with sharks i live sharks sharks are the best. 4 stars cos i would have liked it longer. i love sharks

[Deb Omnivorous Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this book. I 'read' it as an audiobook and I think that having the author read his own story made it significantly better and more engaging than an actor reading it. Of, course, Paul is hardly a novice speaker - apparently - he is the veteran of many a shark documentary and is a celebrity speaker. Apparently, because I did not know that until this book, I don't watch Teeve.

Pauls story, while not gone into in huge detail is fascinating, an Australian who grew up in the water, like many of us deeply scarred by the movie Jaws and hence scared of sharks. He became a navy diver and then survived a shark attack. A really significant shark attack following which he has become a shark advocate.

Very interesting personal history and the many anecdotes about sharks that he has picked up from all around the world while working with them pepper this strong and desperate plea on the sharks behalf.

If you love or are interested in sharks you will like this book as much as I did.

Hopefully it will reach new minds that will take the message on board, because we have indeed decimated DECIMATED, all shark species on earth. In under one hundred years we have placed nearly every shark and ray population, around the world, in endangered status at best and extinct at worst.

The oceans produce %50 - %70 of all oxygen on the planet. We are destroying the oceans to the point of collapse. Everywhere.

But with regard of sharks, Paul also grew up in Australia with shark meat; flake, as a cheap meal, which has at least partly contributed to the problem. Like myself, knowing what is happening to the ocean life, he has given up all form of seafood as the only real way to be certain we are not contributing to the problem. He also tries to engage peoples self interest in a way that I have tried to, on individuals in the past: Shark meat contains dangerous levels of arsenic, mercury and lead. Any shark product is basically poison.

Despite the depressing element to this book, it is a largely positive read. The authors love of sharks, diving, the ocean and his gratitude for the amazing life possibilities that have come his way are uplifting and if you can listen to the audiobook, very much enhanced by his wry humour and buoyant personality.

[Madisyn Manzella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.75

While I think this book a good introduction to sharks and shark science it misses the mark when it comes to sustainable fisheries and conservation. De Gelder writes in accessible way that is great for someone who has not read a lot of nonfiction science for pleasure.
However I have some criticisms. I wish the author would've provided a bibliography so readers could reference the information provided and do further reading if they wished. Second, as I stated previously, in my opinion this book is highly lacking when it comes to sustainable fisheries and conservation solutions. De Gelder barely touches on the multiple threats sharks face while mainly focusing on the repercussions of finning (which is an overrepresented threat in terms of the overall biggest threats to sharks face, where overfishing is #1) (he also barely mentions shark meat consumption, if at all, I couldn't find anything when I skimmed for writing this review). I think this chapter of the book was most disappointing for me. Third, while I'm not sure this is a valid criticism I did find it odd that the author stated that he doesn't consider himself an expert yet allows the inside dust jack to say "he is now an expert". I have a few more, but the last criticism of the book that I'll share is the excessive connection to Shark Week (and the authors connection to Seaspiracy which is another can of worms). While Shark Week has inspired and "attempted" to educate many individuals (it did inspire me) over the years it's programming has become increasingly more problematic. It has focused more on celebrity appearances rather than real scientists, created a lack of diversity that is impossible to notice, and tried to pass off information that is blatantly false.
Overall, I think this book is just okay for the average person wanting to learn more about sharks and shark conservation. If you're looking for a good shark book to read or have read this and are looking for something more I recommend David Shiffman's Why Sharks Matter.
Some further reading:
A content analysis of 32 years of Shark Week documentaries- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/art...

[Vikki Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so important please read

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I appreciated how accessible this book was so that anyone could read it and learn about sharks, but don’t expect much educational depth. I think the book did a good job scratching the surface of shark information from highlighting some different kinds of sharks, their reproduction, threats and what we can do about it. It’s not a deep dive on anything but gives some basic introductory knowledge. This book was fine but not amazing.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so entertaining. I listened to the audiobook and defo a star on there for this guy.

[AM · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure who the audience is supposed to be for this book. If you know who the author is you probably know just about all the fact he shares. His personal experience is interesting but he kind of devolves into yelling at the reader—who is again—most likely already on team shark.

[Foggygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An educational and informative read.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Harper 360 for and advanced copy of this new book that is both a memoir and a look at the creatures who live in the sea and scare us the most sharks.

For something that covers 71% of the planet, we don't know a lot about oceans, nor a lot about the creatures that live under the seas. Especially sharks. All that we know is by observation, the fossil record and the occasional bodies that scientists find that can be necropsied. However even with all the bad press, Shark Week, the media portrayal of attacks, the movies and more, sharks have defenders, who seek to educate the populous about the need to care for sharks, and their environment. One of these defenders lost two limbs to a shark, but found a calling in defending them from misinformation and humans Paul de Gelder. de Gelder's book Shark: Why We Need to Save the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator is a memoir of his life swimming with the sharks, plus information on why we need to protect both sharks and the ocean they dwell in.

Paul de Gelder was a pretty aimless child, becoming a problem teen, before deciding to enroll in the Australian armed services. de Gelder was never a fan of sharks, but upon joining the Royal Navy and given the opportunity, soon became a clearance diver. de Gelder's job was to patrol the harbor for threats, human threats, until one day he was attacked by a bull shark. The shark took off two limbs, and suddenly de Gelder was out of a profession that he enjoyed, though he did his best to recover and proof he could still a Navy person. Investigating sharks, and why he was attacked de Gelder began to feel an appreciation for them, and a want to know more, and be among them. Soon he would be diving, swimming and discussing shark, filming his encounter, and educating people.

The book is not just about de Gelder but is full of information about sharks, encounters, troubles and their future. Different breeds are covered, their diets and a lot of fun information about their teeth, persistence and ability to swim and the lengths they will travel. de Gelder has a very good style, both informative, funny, and yet not dull derivative. The future looks very difficult for shark as we continue to poison both sky and water, making their lives even harder. A reader can learn quite a bit about the problems all life around and in the oceans are having.

What comes across most is that de Gelder has seen these creatures at their worst, losing to limbs in an accidental encounter. Instead of being bitter or angry, de Gelder has channeled those feelings in both love respect and compassion. And this has given de Gelder a purpose which is probably the best thing. The strength to come back from something so overwhelming, and to help and aid creatures that no one blame him for hating, is both powerful and a real show of compassion and humanity. A great book for people of all ages, especially for people interested in the natural world, or for those going through hard times. Watching Paul de Gelder recover and find a reason to on could inspire others.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched Jaws when I was 12 and that was it for me and the ocean. I become terrified of sharks and the possibility that there could be one just lurking in the sea, waiting for an opportunity to pounce on an unsuspecting human. I decided from that day forth, I would do everything in my power to avoid becoming shark meat.

Recently (within the last year) I decided I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have ventured a total of one time into the water at one of our beaches since then. But after reading this book, I realise my fear was misplaced.

After all, if a shark attack survivor like Paul could go on to get back in the water, interact with sharks and produce research and documentaries on them, why couldn’t I?

Reading Shark: Why We Need To Save The World’s Most Misunderstood Predator was such a thrill. I can’t recall the last time I actually enjoyed reading a book so much (thanks to burn out from when I was a teenager). I loved learning so much about these amazing creatures and whenever a new shark was named, I loved looking them up and showing pictures to my partner.

I’ve taken away a lot from this book and De Gelder left me questioning why I let my fear become so debilitating. If someone like him could survive an encounter with a bull shark and go on to work with these beautiful creatures to preserve them, then surely I had something wrong in my mind.

Thank you Paul De Gelder for sparking a new found awe for sharks in me (and I’m sure other readers as well). It’s time we learn to respect rather than fear these animals.

[Crini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very accessible and sensible reading from Paul de Gelder, survivor of a 2009 shark attack which decided to not let this event define negatively his own life, more than the loss of two limbs. This is not a scientific reading, nor a novel, not even an autobiographical work, it is nevertheless a fine blend of all the genre above. Determined to conquer his childhood fear of sharks, and to overcome the trauma of being unprovoked attacked by a bull shark which left the encounter with an arm and a leg of his, the author dedicates his life now to advocating for the conservation and protection across the entire globe of these magnificent creatures.
Not sure at the end of the book you will feel less fearsome of sharks, but for sure you learn a lot, especially it you have not researched or watched many shark dedicated documentaries. Paul de Gelder gives you a taste of the many facets of the issue: shark’s amazing features, some different species and subspecies, their mating and reproduction, conservation efforts across different nations and also the great amount of unknowns we still have concerning this species.

[Florence Buchholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book was attacked by a bull shark in Sydney Harbor. As a result he lost two limbs and narrowly escaped with his life. Rather than succumb to fear and bitterness, Paul de Gelder has become a committed shark conservationist. He wrote this book to express his veneration for the species and his fear that sharks are being exploited to the point of extinction. The book made me realize that it takes years for large sharks to reproduce and many species are vulnerable to fishing, loss of habitat, and barbaric practices of harvesting their fins. As an apex predator, sharks are exquisitely designed to thrive if left unmolested. They are sleek, silent creatures plying the oceans as they have for millennia. Despite media images to the contrary, sharks pose very little threat to humans. As with all creatures, they deserve to thrive.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5

I hold such deep admiration for Paul de Gelder. My first introduction to this awesome conservationist was in a Shark Week special which he appeared in with Robert Irwin. This book provides a look into de Gelder’s life and convictions and it has left me feeling very inspired. As someone who LOVES sharks and is a passionately dedicated animal rights activist, I will be recommending this book to everyone I come across. It is incredibly important how de Gelder acknowledges things in his past that were wrong, but then he proves that he has changed so very much over the years. I’m extremely appreciative of this man and his work, especially his tireless dedication to sharks and all other marine life.

I am knocking off .25 from my rating simply because de Gelder persistently refers to animals as “it”.