What do you think?
Rate this book
A Wolf Called Romeo
The unlikely true story of a six-year friendship between a wild, oddly gentle black wolf and the people and dogs of Juneau, Alaska No stranger to wildlife, Nick Jans had lived in Alaska for nearly thirty years. But when one evening at twilight a lone black wolf ambled into view not far from his doorstep, Nick would finally come to know this mystical species—up close as never before.
A Wolf Called Romeo is the remarkable story of a wolf who returned again and again to interact with the people and dogs of Juneau, living on the edges of their community, engaging in an improbable, awe-inspiring interspecies dance and bringing the wild into sharp focus. At first the people of Juneau were guarded, torn between shoot first, ask questions later instincts and curiosity. But as Romeo began to tag along with cross-country skiers on their daily jaunts, play fetch with local dogs, or simply lie near Nick and nap under the sun, they came to accept Romeo, and he them. For Nick it was about trying to understand Romeo, then it was about winning his trust, and ultimately it was about watching over him, for as long as he or anyone could.
Written with a deft hand and a searching heart, A Wolf Called Romeo is an unforgettable tale of a creature who defied nature and thus gave humans a chance to understand it a little more.
A Wolf Called Romeo is the remarkable story of a wolf who returned again and again to interact with the people and dogs of Juneau, living on the edges of their community, engaging in an improbable, awe-inspiring interspecies dance and bringing the wild into sharp focus. At first the people of Juneau were guarded, torn between shoot first, ask questions later instincts and curiosity. But as Romeo began to tag along with cross-country skiers on their daily jaunts, play fetch with local dogs, or simply lie near Nick and nap under the sun, they came to accept Romeo, and he them. For Nick it was about trying to understand Romeo, then it was about winning his trust, and ultimately it was about watching over him, for as long as he or anyone could.
Written with a deft hand and a searching heart, A Wolf Called Romeo is an unforgettable tale of a creature who defied nature and thus gave humans a chance to understand it a little more.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Nick Jans
21 books75 followersNick Jans is an award-winning writer, photographer, and author of numerous books, including The Grizzly Maze. He is a contributing editor to Alaska Magazine and has written for Rolling Stone, Backpacker, and the Christian Science Monitor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 574 reviews
August 14, 2014
I may be biased because I was able to play on the lake with my dog Rusty and the enigmatic Wolf Called Romeo. Nick Jan's wrote an authentic account of a time in Juneau that really did bring people together. After finishing this book I got to thinking how Nick Jans has immortalized a bit of nature history and has written such a descriptive account of this time, that even if you didn't live in Juneau during this time, you could experience the magic. I miss Romeo!
July 11, 2014
A profoundly moving and enlightening book about a wolf that appeared out of the woods one day to accompany the author on his daily ski near Juneau, Alaska. Soon it was evident that this wolf, with no mate or pack of his own, enjoyed the company of several other locals, and particularly liked to play with their pet dogs. The town was soon divided into those who thought the only good wolf was a dead wolf, and those who felt touched and inspired by being allowed to share the company of a wild animal - by that animal's own free will.
Part memoir and part natural history, the author provides an educated portrait of a unique and mysterious personality, yet manages to treat the highly emotional issue of wildlife control in a balanced and professional manner. Romeo interacted with the residents and pets of Juneau for several years, becoming something of a town mascot, unaware of the tightrope he was walking simply to remain alive.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a heart. Even teens who've tired of zombies and the apocalypse. Beautifully written.
Part memoir and part natural history, the author provides an educated portrait of a unique and mysterious personality, yet manages to treat the highly emotional issue of wildlife control in a balanced and professional manner. Romeo interacted with the residents and pets of Juneau for several years, becoming something of a town mascot, unaware of the tightrope he was walking simply to remain alive.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a heart. Even teens who've tired of zombies and the apocalypse. Beautifully written.
December 19, 2018
Reto 21- 2018 Book Challenge: Un libro con tu color favorito en el título.
February 24, 2020
4 🐺 🐺 🐺 🐺
For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings, they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time.
Henry Beston from The Outermost House
Any lover of Alaska or animals will appreciate Romeo’s story. It’s a fair and balanced telling by a man who trapped and hunted them once, of what happened when a lone, and very massive black wolf, decided to embrace a community of people living up against wilderness, apparently because he was lonely and wanted to interact with their dogs. Would you schedule a play-date?
If you know anything about wolf politics and the controversy and heated debate surrounding their reintroduction into the wild after being slaughtered and brought to the brink of extinction, it will come as no surprise to learn that the community was divided about what should be done about this highly unusual behavior. How it impacted the people and animals living there in a state where rugged individualism and hunting are apex character traits makes for very interesting reading.
A short promo video featuring Romeo can be seen here:
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/6826...
For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings, they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time.
Henry Beston from The Outermost House
Any lover of Alaska or animals will appreciate Romeo’s story. It’s a fair and balanced telling by a man who trapped and hunted them once, of what happened when a lone, and very massive black wolf, decided to embrace a community of people living up against wilderness, apparently because he was lonely and wanted to interact with their dogs. Would you schedule a play-date?
If you know anything about wolf politics and the controversy and heated debate surrounding their reintroduction into the wild after being slaughtered and brought to the brink of extinction, it will come as no surprise to learn that the community was divided about what should be done about this highly unusual behavior. How it impacted the people and animals living there in a state where rugged individualism and hunting are apex character traits makes for very interesting reading.
A short promo video featuring Romeo can be seen here:
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/6826...
July 12, 2014
A Wolf Called Romeo tells the one-of-a-kind story of a lone black wolf - a wild wolf - who became a fixture in Juneau, AK over the course of several years. During the time that Romeo spent near the Mendenhall glacier many of the people there, and their dogs, witnessed a wild wolf who was non-threatening to humans and seemed to relish the opportunity to play with the local dogs, something he did daily as townsfolk came to witness this "friendly" wolf. Jans tells the story in an almost conversational manner coupled with insight into wolves, what it means to be "wild," humans, and how the two relate. The story is a powerful one that Jans relates so well that I found myself compelled to get back to it and to finish it as soon as possible. This is the kind of story that will stay with you well after you've read it. Haunting, compelling, very well done, and highly recommended!
May 7, 2018
A surprisingly good book; surprising because it’s titled A Wolf Called Romeo and it’s written in an initially offputtingly breezy style. But it’s loaded with facts about wolves that quite accurately sum up a lot of the science that I recently learned while writing my own book which has a long consideration of wolves (Beyond Words; What Animals Think and Feel). For 6 years in the early 2000s, a wild wolf cavorted with humans and their dogs just outside Juneau, Alaska. As you'd expect--or maybe the opposite of what you'd expect--the wolf acted better than the people.
October 5, 2014
I have to make this review short as I am so angry. This is a beautiful story of a most precious black beauty wolf that had a wonderful bond with humans dogs. He frolicked and played with them and went on walks with them and their humans. He was loved by many with exceptions of those few wolf hating jerks around. I would loved to have seen him. I was touched by the woman with cancer who's family would bring her out to see him. She loved her time seeing him. I have a great love for Harry and his dog who were best friends with him and tried to protect him. But, as we all know would happen a damn jerk hunter killed him. Him and his friend snuck out and did it. All I have left to say is there is a special place in hell for people that desroy all beautiful things whether it be animal or human. Thank you for sharing Romeo's story. I also love he got a memorial made for him. It says ROMEO 2003-2009 THE SPIRIT OF JUNEAU'S FRIENDLY BLACK WOLF LIVES ON IN THIS WILD PLACE.
September 19, 2020
A story that is almost unbelievable, a story of a wolf and a community and the interactions that occurred between the wolf called Romeo and the people and dogs of Juneau, Alaska. Definitely a book for animal lovers such as myself.
December 12, 2018
Buddy Read with my best friend Saman.
For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings, they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time.
I’ve wanted to read this ever since I watched that video below. To be honest, it wasn’t what I expected it to be. I imagined it being a collection of only Romeo and his visits and his story with the people of Juneau. It was more than that and I’m glad. I’d recommend seeing that video below though it might contain one big spoiler-the only real spoiler. But it was the how I found this book and fell in love with it. I loved most parts and I was angry at the rest. Human cruelty towards animals is so unreasonable.
This is the true story of Romeo, a wild black wolf, who came to the human world bearing only friendship and good intentions. He affected many lives and he still is. Nick Jans writes magnificently and gracefully about the encounters he and his fellow citizens had with the wolf over the years. You almost get lost in it. Plus, there are pictures at the end of every chapter taking us to that time and place. It might not have been so believable for most people if not for the sheer reality of it all.
Other than encounters with Romeo and his life with the dogs and people of Juneau, the human behavior and attitude towards wild animals and specifically wolves have been explained in detail and over different time periods and generations, thus helping us understand the true danger and the chances that were against Romeo’s survival near humans. Moreover, the author paints a picture about the general behavior of wolves in wild life whether in packs or in solitude. Nick Jans answers the questions about Romeo’s first appearance, his history and his choice to stay for not several days but years as best he could. Though there will always be room for uncertainties and the unknown, it was very impressive. He takes in every side and talks from every angle.
Overall, a complete mixture of every info possible and all the emotions for you.
Highly Recommended.
Video Link:
https://youtu.be/eie7WJF0aY0
My Thoughts as I Read:
Chapter 1:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 6:
Chapters 7-8:
Chapters 9-10:
Chapters 11-12:
Chapter 13-14:
For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings, they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time.
I’ve wanted to read this ever since I watched that video below. To be honest, it wasn’t what I expected it to be. I imagined it being a collection of only Romeo and his visits and his story with the people of Juneau. It was more than that and I’m glad. I’d recommend seeing that video below though it might contain one big spoiler-the only real spoiler. But it was the how I found this book and fell in love with it. I loved most parts and I was angry at the rest. Human cruelty towards animals is so unreasonable.
This is the true story of Romeo, a wild black wolf, who came to the human world bearing only friendship and good intentions. He affected many lives and he still is. Nick Jans writes magnificently and gracefully about the encounters he and his fellow citizens had with the wolf over the years. You almost get lost in it. Plus, there are pictures at the end of every chapter taking us to that time and place. It might not have been so believable for most people if not for the sheer reality of it all.
Other than encounters with Romeo and his life with the dogs and people of Juneau, the human behavior and attitude towards wild animals and specifically wolves have been explained in detail and over different time periods and generations, thus helping us understand the true danger and the chances that were against Romeo’s survival near humans. Moreover, the author paints a picture about the general behavior of wolves in wild life whether in packs or in solitude. Nick Jans answers the questions about Romeo’s first appearance, his history and his choice to stay for not several days but years as best he could. Though there will always be room for uncertainties and the unknown, it was very impressive. He takes in every side and talks from every angle.
Overall, a complete mixture of every info possible and all the emotions for you.
Highly Recommended.
Video Link:
https://youtu.be/eie7WJF0aY0
My Thoughts as I Read:
Chapter 1:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 6:
Chapters 7-8:
Chapters 9-10:
Chapters 11-12:
Chapter 13-14:
August 7, 2014
A Wolf Called Romeo, is an emotional roller-coaster. Up, when author Nick Jans is interacting with the wolf or discussing others who formed a tight relationship, and down when the scientific and legal interludes cool his fine narrative. There are comfortable level portions that are informative, and allow a reader to rest his heart rate until it comes back to walking, talking, and interacting with the wolf called Romeo. In Alaska we often get opportunities to interact with wild creatures, but this long lasting intimate, tolerable affair far surpassed an occasional relationship. Plus—this book is a work of beauty. Get it. Read it. Don’t loan it out unless you keep the dust cover in the cupboard while it’s gone.
October 21, 2015
I feel like I should have liked this book a lot more than I did. Clearly, lots of other people loved it. But it didn't click for me, and the problem may have been with the writing and the pacing. The story--of a wolf that frequents an Alaskan community and makes friends with some of the dogs there--is amazing. But the telling of it left me wanting more. There wasn't much meat to it, and the author got in his own way a lot of the time. I wanted a lot more showing and way less telling.
The story that is there, I feel, would have been perfect for a longer-form magazine article; preferably with Jans' amazing photos. But for a book, there wasn't enough to support the story. The story was extraordinary, just a little bit spare for the medium chosen.
The story that is there, I feel, would have been perfect for a longer-form magazine article; preferably with Jans' amazing photos. But for a book, there wasn't enough to support the story. The story was extraordinary, just a little bit spare for the medium chosen.
July 11, 2014
Who's Afraid of Alaska Woolf?
Nick Jans was a hunter and a wilderness guide who hunted alongside Native Alaskan tribes, but he lost his bloodlust and traded his knife and rifle in for a pen and a camera. Living in Juneau, with a glacier practically thawing in his backyard he and his dogs encountered the wolf that would come to be known as Romeo. He was a lone wolf, not a member of a wolf pack. Still, he seemed to be not only surviving on his own, but healthy and thriving. Only one piece was missing from his puzzle: This Romeo lacked a Juliet. He was a lone wolf, but also a lonely wolf. He sought companionship in the strangest places: the dogs of some lucky Juneau residents, and by proxy, their owners.
Besides Jans, his wife and their dogs, two other groups formed the strongest bond with Romeo: Hyde, a photographer, and his dog; and Britain, a dog and her owner. Many other Juneauites and tourists were also able to get close to Romeo. There is always a chance for catastrophe when wild animals encounter humans, but for quite some time disaster was averted.
Though Nick Jans is biased to the extreme towards Romeo, he offers plenty of evidence to support his version of events. At one point a beagle named Tank chases after Romeo and disappears, but though the dog's bereaved owner is certain Romeo is to blame, Jans offers alternate scenarios, or at the very least, mitigating circumstances. Other close calls with Pugs and Pomeranians were shrugged off. Meanwhile Romeo is described as all but walking on water--strike that. He is shown literally walking on water. The lake is still frozen over but water from melting glaciers is flowing over it at a depth of a few feet allowing Romeo to "walk on water." This is described as a miracle along with the miracle of Romeo surviving as long as he does, and returning to the place season after season where he is so revered.
Though Nick Jans is definitely a partisan in favor of Romeo in particular, and wolves and wildlife in general, he states a compelling case, and I tend to agree with his verdicts. The bottom line is that A Wolf Called Romeo is an enjoyable and inspiring book that will have you howling at the moon.
Nick Jans was a hunter and a wilderness guide who hunted alongside Native Alaskan tribes, but he lost his bloodlust and traded his knife and rifle in for a pen and a camera. Living in Juneau, with a glacier practically thawing in his backyard he and his dogs encountered the wolf that would come to be known as Romeo. He was a lone wolf, not a member of a wolf pack. Still, he seemed to be not only surviving on his own, but healthy and thriving. Only one piece was missing from his puzzle: This Romeo lacked a Juliet. He was a lone wolf, but also a lonely wolf. He sought companionship in the strangest places: the dogs of some lucky Juneau residents, and by proxy, their owners.
Besides Jans, his wife and their dogs, two other groups formed the strongest bond with Romeo: Hyde, a photographer, and his dog; and Britain, a dog and her owner. Many other Juneauites and tourists were also able to get close to Romeo. There is always a chance for catastrophe when wild animals encounter humans, but for quite some time disaster was averted.
Though Nick Jans is biased to the extreme towards Romeo, he offers plenty of evidence to support his version of events. At one point a beagle named Tank chases after Romeo and disappears, but though the dog's bereaved owner is certain Romeo is to blame, Jans offers alternate scenarios, or at the very least, mitigating circumstances. Other close calls with Pugs and Pomeranians were shrugged off. Meanwhile Romeo is described as all but walking on water--strike that. He is shown literally walking on water. The lake is still frozen over but water from melting glaciers is flowing over it at a depth of a few feet allowing Romeo to "walk on water." This is described as a miracle along with the miracle of Romeo surviving as long as he does, and returning to the place season after season where he is so revered.
Though Nick Jans is definitely a partisan in favor of Romeo in particular, and wolves and wildlife in general, he states a compelling case, and I tend to agree with his verdicts. The bottom line is that A Wolf Called Romeo is an enjoyable and inspiring book that will have you howling at the moon.
July 16, 2014
I thought this book was a nice story of a remarkable animal, who lived a great life that ended too soon. I am also happy that Romeo's story is out there for everyone to hear.
However, It's tragic that his killers did what they did and got away with it. Being a lawyer (jd cadidate as of this writing) it is sad someone didn't step in as an advocate for the wolf and use back channels like Romeo's killer's lawyer did. I wish they could still do something, but at least its consolation that both of these men incurred a lot of legal fees, lost jobs and privileges, and created public scorn they had taken for granted before the killing.
Thank you Nick Jans for writing this story. It was truly enjoyable.
However, It's tragic that his killers did what they did and got away with it. Being a lawyer (jd cadidate as of this writing) it is sad someone didn't step in as an advocate for the wolf and use back channels like Romeo's killer's lawyer did. I wish they could still do something, but at least its consolation that both of these men incurred a lot of legal fees, lost jobs and privileges, and created public scorn they had taken for granted before the killing.
Thank you Nick Jans for writing this story. It was truly enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2020
Romeo was a gorgeous black wolf, famous for his unusual, friendly behavior toward dogs - unusual, because wolves typically attack and kill any strange canines in their vicinity. But Romeo, his dog playmates and their owners lived alongside each other for nearly 7 years in Alaska, before the fairytale came to an end. Nick Jans, a wildlife photographer and a writer, was fortunate enough to meet Romeo on numerous occassions, and went on to share this wonderful story with everyone.
In late 2010, a memorial was held for Romeo, and his plaque laid where he used to roam. Romeo's stuffed pelt is now part of the exhibit at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
A Wolf Called Romeo is among my favourite books about wolves, if not the favourite (this coming from a person who's read over 60 of them), and such a compelling read overall - one I'd recommend to everyone. Usually books don't make me cry, but this one managed just that. It made me mad, too, that wolves are still being killed relentlessly. For those who met Romeo, and for those who just heard about him, he was an individual. For the hunter who killed him (illegally, might I add), he was just another trophy.
For anyone who's already in love with the story and seeking similar books - about 'famous' wild wolves who captured the hearts of many - I recommend American Wolf and Takaya: Lone Wolf.
In late 2010, a memorial was held for Romeo, and his plaque laid where he used to roam. Romeo's stuffed pelt is now part of the exhibit at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
A Wolf Called Romeo is among my favourite books about wolves, if not the favourite (this coming from a person who's read over 60 of them), and such a compelling read overall - one I'd recommend to everyone. Usually books don't make me cry, but this one managed just that. It made me mad, too, that wolves are still being killed relentlessly. For those who met Romeo, and for those who just heard about him, he was an individual. For the hunter who killed him (illegally, might I add), he was just another trophy.
For anyone who's already in love with the story and seeking similar books - about 'famous' wild wolves who captured the hearts of many - I recommend American Wolf and Takaya: Lone Wolf.
July 12, 2014
This was one of the best books about interacting with nonhuman animals that I've read. The narrative of Juneau's relationship with Romeo was seamlessly interwoven with information about wolf biology and behavior that provided context and depth. Some of his writing is poetry reminiscent of Norman Maclean: "As a sentient, intelligent being, [Romeo] made a choice to live where he did, and to interact with us and our dogs -- not only on his own social terms, but through an adaptive understanding of our rules" (228). Or this: "Without knowing or caring, simply by being what he was, he brought people closer: friends and families, but also those who might have never met, if not for his presence. Across the years, I watched hundreds and finally thousands of Juneau residents -- two here, a half dozen there, one group after another, out on the broad sounding board of the lake -- lean on their ski poles and chat as they watched the wolf playing with dogs, trotting across the ice, or lying in one of his spots at the lake edge; and many times, I took part in such conversations . . . . So it was that the wolf melded into Juneau's story and became part of us" (229)
September 8, 2016
A touching and very nicely written work about the precarious life of a wolf that made Juneau its home, and also a well done portrait of that Alaskan town, the balance between what is wild and what is not and how that relates to our place in the whole scheme of things. A book I would highly recommend.
November 30, 2024
I've long been enchanted by wolves. This is a heart breaker in terms of the story of this beautiful black wolf, but there is a great deal of interesting information about wolf behavior, the effects of human interaction with wild creatures, and the practices of wildlife management. I appreciated the fact that, as sad as Romeo's story is, the author did not sentimentalize it or anthropomorphize Romeo. He seems to have a healthy and informed appreciation of the natural world and the protection of wildlife without making them into pets for humans.
March 19, 2020
I liked this one. It is Nonfiction about a wolf that befriended an Alaskan community in Juneau. He kept his distance but was still friendly. The community named him Romeo. Being from Alaska, I liked this story. I could related to the mentality of the people. And the story of wild animals mixing with the human population is one that hit the news periodically when I was growing up. Unfortunately it is one that usually does not end well for either the animal or a human who happened to turn his back. It is a slippery slope sometimes when the two mix. The author showed that well. He took his time telling the story.
At times this was way more science-y than I would have liked. It moved a little slow too. So overall, I liked this. The story was interesting and sad. So 3 stars.
At times this was way more science-y than I would have liked. It moved a little slow too. So overall, I liked this. The story was interesting and sad. So 3 stars.
February 27, 2022
I enjoyed the book. Fell in love with Romeo from the descriptions but always understood he was a wild animal. There are dogs in the book, but not enough for me to put it in one of my dog categories. Loved the pictures.
Hate the lack of justice in this country as evidenced in the situation at the end of the book.
Very good book, but giving it 4 stars as a way to indicate that it is not one I would rush back to read again. Maybe browse for the pictures.
The injustice in the end is painful to me. Reminds me of the massive injustice from the hugely corrupt election that was not allowed it's day in court. The media covered it up so well and few saw the massive amount of evidence. If we don't spend more time and effort going after injustice, there will only be more of it.
Hate the lack of justice in this country as evidenced in the situation at the end of the book.
Very good book, but giving it 4 stars as a way to indicate that it is not one I would rush back to read again. Maybe browse for the pictures.
The injustice in the end is painful to me. Reminds me of the massive injustice from the hugely corrupt election that was not allowed it's day in court. The media covered it up so well and few saw the massive amount of evidence. If we don't spend more time and effort going after injustice, there will only be more of it.
July 19, 2014
In the winter of 2003 Nick Jans encountered a lone wolf near his Juneau, Alaska home. Having seen wolves in the wild before, but only rarely he is amazed at how much this wolf seems to seek out human and canine attention. Over the next few years Romeo, as the wolf becomes known locally, interacts with dozens of humans and dogs - always seeking the interaction himself. Within a few years though there are a faction of local residents who are not happy about a wolf hanging around so much. There is also the increasing problem of Romeo's popularity with local residents who are thrilled to have the chance to see a wild wolf so close. Jans knows that this increased attention to Romeo could easily backfire if the wolf feels threatened and lashes out. Jans is also worried about dog owners who don't have control of their dogs or have aggressive dogs - although he never personally saw Romeo react poorly to an aggressive dog. But, unfortunately in 2009 at trophy hunter from Pennsylvania comes to Juneau with the intent of killing Romeo solely because of his local popularity. He does and when locals like Jans find out they bring it to the attention of local authorities. The trophy hunter is arrested, along with his friend who is a local resident, but their prosecution is a joke and shows that even with an animal like Romeo - in Alaska it's just another wolf that's been hunted illegally.
While Romeo's story does have a sad ending, his impact is still felt on the community in Juneau. Especially with a few people like Jans who had a more long-term, intimate relationship with Romeo. Interspersed throughout Romeo's story Jans also gives a lot of information about wolves and shows just how unique the situation with Romeo was. He also gives a lot of the complicated and sad history of human interaction with wolves, both in the Continental US and specifically in Alaska. He also includes a few beautiful pictures of Romeo that he took over the years of their interactions. Overall, even though the end is sad, this is an incredible book about a very unique wolf and how much he impacted a small community over just a few years.
While Romeo's story does have a sad ending, his impact is still felt on the community in Juneau. Especially with a few people like Jans who had a more long-term, intimate relationship with Romeo. Interspersed throughout Romeo's story Jans also gives a lot of information about wolves and shows just how unique the situation with Romeo was. He also gives a lot of the complicated and sad history of human interaction with wolves, both in the Continental US and specifically in Alaska. He also includes a few beautiful pictures of Romeo that he took over the years of their interactions. Overall, even though the end is sad, this is an incredible book about a very unique wolf and how much he impacted a small community over just a few years.
August 1, 2014
I can't say enough good about this book. I can barely write about it without blubbering. It's a magical, transformative tale based on a rare occurrence of a wild wolf living in and among the people and dogs in Juneau, AK and how he befriended and was befriended by those same people. If you enjoy wildlife this is the book to buy. LOVED IT!!!
July 30, 2014
If this book was fiction I would not have believed it. A wild wolf being social to people and dogs for years! Nick Jans did a wonderful job of telling the story and including facts about wolves and other wildlife. Parts were tough to read but I thoroughly enjoyed this true story.
August 16, 2019
Great for introducing the public to the plights wolves have faced, especially at the hands of humans...however the theme of every chapter was repetitive.
September 5, 2017
Heartwarming story, made me a little emotional. Its a good read even though memoir books are not my style, for once in a while a change of flavour is okay.
November 14, 2023
This has been on my bookshelf forever, and I'm so happy I finally read it. As an avid dog lover, my heart was softened by Romeo's playful personality and the love the community had for him. What a cool wolf. And, we know that animal's lifespans are unfortunately short (in relation to ours) and so it was tough to get through that part of the book, but. Be warned: leaky eyes, and a reminder that humans are awful to the natural world.
June 16, 2019
Thought-provoking
This account of a wild wolf, who seemed to prefer the company of dogs to his own kind, is poignant and well-written. Jans is a fan of the wolf but tries to be impartial in telling Romeo's story.
This account of a wild wolf, who seemed to prefer the company of dogs to his own kind, is poignant and well-written. Jans is a fan of the wolf but tries to be impartial in telling Romeo's story.
November 6, 2018
This is a DNF for me. I feel really bad about it because it’s the only time my husband has surprised me with a book as a gift. He had heard great reviews about it on NPR. I think there’s probably a really interesting story in it somewhere, but this author doesn’t know how to tell it. It’s tirelessly wordy with way more details than necessary. I think maybe someday I will try it again just to see if my initial perception still stands. I couldn’t get past page 77.
April 19, 2020
I enjoyed this nicely written book about an unusually friendly wolf. Romeo, off-handedly named by the author's wife, was a playful unattached male wolf that frequented areas where people let him play with their dogs. He was harmless and sweet, but ended up killed by a poacher. It's a sad story in that sense, but Romeo had a lot of admirers, and he hopefully raised awareness about conservation during his short life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2019
This book was not for me. To be fair, I only got halfway through. I was really looking for the story of Romeo and the time in Alaska from the writers point of view. What I got was part of a story, then a tangent, then another part of the story, then another tangent. For my reading style, I need a straight story or I get disinterested. I'm sure others will really find this book interesting, but just not for me.
July 15, 2014
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is not your cutesy wolf book. A good story showing all the dangers this social animal faced in modern Alaska. The author has included some wonderful photos. Fascinating tale and moving story of a unique wolf. It was wonderful for the author to share his experiences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 574 reviews