review by jean baldridge yates of The Secret Lives of Bats, My Adventures with the Worlds Most Misunderstood Mammals by Merlin Tuttle

 a review by jean of

The Secret Lives of Bats
My Adventures with the Worlds Most Misunderstood Mammals
by Merlin Tuttle

The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals, is a wonderful book. I have recommended this delightful and informative adventure story to everyone.

Merlin Tuttle is a great storyteller and a fount of knowledge on bats. He is open, honest and charming as he relates the remarkable history of his life as a bat enthusiast. 

Having studied bats for more than fifty years, his passion and love for these creatures is evident. He started Bat Conservation International back in 1982. Tuttle, one of the foremost educators in this field, is a dedicated scientist, and ecologist. He is a heck of a terrific human being. 

There is no self indulgence  in this charmingly related history of  Merlin Tuttle's lifelong love of bats. Rather it is funny, fun and informative. If you know little about bats you will love learning lots with Tuttle as your teacher! If you like animal stories, such as those by Durrell, Mowat, and Herriot, this book's perspective will pull you right in. If you love adventure, close encounters with danger, tons of fun, and even scares with wild and woolly tales of moonshiners and other offbeat sorts, come along for the ride. This compassionate teacher will open to you all of the beauty and all that is fine about our own species as well as bats. The years it spans add to the flavor of the book, as the author learns from childhood about bats and their nature. You are given amazing, evolving insight into  the secret world  of bats from start to finish.

Ultimately you will be moved by the nobility of this book. People seem to bring out the best in each other, united in their fascination with Tuttle's love for bats. It is a delight.

This a positive story which is real, fun and true. It is very educational as well. The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals, is an upbeat gem from a great nature writer.

There is something  enduring about The Secret Lives of Bats which everyone who reads it will adore.

Bats are beautiful to me now, thanks to Merlin Tuttle.