By Thor Hanson
USA Book News National Best Books Award Winner
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist
"...transforms the mountain gorillas of Uganda and the people who care for them into deep, complex, loving characters.
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—Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain
"Like a warm cup of sweet Mexican atole on a cold morning, the book fills your belly and makes you smile."
—Lawrence F. Lihosit, Across the Yucatan
For two years Thor Hanson lived in a remote village on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where he worked with the local trackers to save one of the world’s most magnificent endangered species, the mountain gorilla.
He survived the local moonshine, baboons stealing his vegetables and army ants attacking in his sleep with grace and good humor.
In The Impenetrable Forest Thor offers an unforgettable glimpse into the world of mountain gorillas and the African cultures that surround them.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to nearly half of the world's population of mountain gorillas, one of the most endangered species on earth.
Thor Hanson was sent to this remote patch of jungle to habituate the great apes to the presence of humans.
In an early test case of modern conservation, Hanson worked to make ecotourism an economic incentive to save the gorillas and their rain forest home.
Thor brings us face-to-face with the mountain gorillas of Africa...haughty, belligerent Makale, who frequently charged his observers...the young mother Mamakawere...
Ruhondeza, her silverback mate...and a gorilla who would one day earn the name friend.
The people of Uganda play a vital role in Thor's story.
In spite of a history of hardships, from brutal dictators to AIDS, they warmly welcome this young American into their hearts and show him a way of life so very different from our own.
In The Impenetrable Forest, Thor Hanson provides a rich backdrop to our fascination with gorillas, from the customs of local people to the experiences of famed explorer Henry Morton Stanley and groundbreaking scientist Dian Fossey.
Today Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a cornerstone of gorilla conservation.
A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to support these ongoing efforts.
"...a fascinating and inspiring memoir."
-John Coyne, author, editor of PeaceCorps Writers.org
"Fascinating...very well-written."
-Gorilla Journal
"Great reading for everyone with a sense of adventure and interested in protecting our natural world."
—Craig R. Sholley, African Wildlife Foundation
