The Impenetrable Forest

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"From my back window the forest rose in a wall of green, every possible shade, as if the whole spectrum were made from one color . . ."

     So begins Thor Hanson's remarkable journey into the heart of Africa. Lying in the remote hills of southwest Uganda, the Impenetrable Forest harbors elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys, and half the world's population of endangered mountain gorillas. For two years Hanson called that forest home, working with local guides and trackers to develop a gorilla tourism program in the newly formed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Thoroughly researched and beautifully told, Hanson's story blends natural history with cultural insight to place the forest and the gorillas in the context of modern Africa. He writes of "the inseparable weave of people and landscape," and how in Uganda, the survival of either depends upon the survival of both. At once humorous, revealing and poignant, The Impenetrable Forest offers a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the world of mountain gorillas and the human cultures that surround them.

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More praise for The Impenetrable Forest:
 

"Thor Hanson’s ‘The Impenetrable Forest’ takes us on several remarkable journeys.... Hanson’s lighthearted, yet poignant stories of life in Uganda make you feel like you are right next to him throughout his adventures and misadventures.  The book uniquely intertwines the natural history of mountain gorillas with the culture of the people that live as their neighbors.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a personal account, yet well-rounded view, of the conservation issues surrounding a charismatic species such as the mountain gorilla."

 

—Martha M. Robbins, PhD,

Department of Primatology,

Max Planck Institute

 

"Hanson’s entertaining, personal, and humane story of the creation of this world-class eco-park is highly recommended.”

 

—Next Generation Indie Book Awards,

Nature/Environment Judge

 

"...a downright wonderful book.  A fine writer and a superb naturalist, he brings the true observer's eye and the artist's sensibility to one of the most compelling subjects in all natural history....an unforgettable book—funny, tragic and brilliant."

 

—Robert Michael Pyle, Sky Time in Gray's River

and Where Bigfoot Walks

 

"If you love to read about people who’ve made a difference, Thor's life - full of successes and disappointments - makes a fascinating, inspiring memoir."  

John Coyne, Living on the Edge and

The Caddie Who Knew Ben Hogan

 

"Thor Hanson's memoir is a fascinating and enjoyable read.  Particularly timely, it gives us great insight into conservation and ecotourism in a world that is often harsh and cruel.  More so, though, Impenetrable Forest transforms the mountain gorillas of Uganda and the people who care for them into deep, complex, loving characters. "

 

—Garth Stein, NYT Bestselling Author

of The Art of Racing in the Rain 

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Visit The Author's Website
thorhanson.net
thorhanson.net

Visit the Publisher's Website
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1500 Books

A portion of the proceeds from every book sold will be donated to help protect and preserve mountain gorillas in the wild.