Laura ColemanThe Puma Years: A Memoir

Such a mix of feelings as she makes her journey both physically and emotionally. She has incredible detail and touches all the senses.

Just fantastic. The writing sparkles with honesty and originality and emotion. It's moving, exciting and all the things you could want in a book.

I don't ever read memoirs. I can't really say why; I just choose other genres without really ever considering memoirs.However this month I had little desire to read any of the First Reads choices. The selection was just more of the same as every month. I figured the memoir was the only one that seemed at all unique and took a leap.I have no regrets over my choice. It's a beautiful, if thought-provoking book. The fact it's real makes it much more interesting and compelling. The descriptions of the jungle and the wildlife are fascinating... And yet how we humans are so oblivious to the beautiful world around us and how what we do or don't do can have such a devastating effect is tragic. I can almost imagine myself there with Laura's descriptions of the sounds, colors and smells of the wild jungle world around her. I find it sad that many of these animals, although well cared for and surrounded by the wild, are so traumatized by past human abuse that they cannot be fully released to live as they should.I personally didn't find it boring at all. I also didn't come into this expecting excitement or much action as it's one person's memories and sensations during a certain point in her life. The characters in the book that we get to know include not just humans but animals that have personalities of their own. There are definitely humorous moments involving these animals, but more than anything they make their way into your heart and make you long for a world where we as humans can stop being so self-centered and selfish and live in unity with the flora and fauna that make our very existence possible.Solid 4.5 stars.Just a few random things I've noticed: The author at times switches thoughts in the middle of a paragraph and there are some weird placements of commas. Temperature is in Celsius instead of Farenheit. Same for metres/kilometers vs yards/ miles.As mentioned by another reviewer, the language is not completely clean.I think those who enjoy wildlife, animals, environmental causes and how nature can calm us and fill us with indescribable joy, and maybe even heal us, will enjoy this memoir. Even those of us who never read memoirs. ;-)For those readers who prefer fiction, are looking for action, excitement or have little interest in the natural world around us, look elsewhere.Note: The author includes photographs at the end of the book which enhance the story greatly. Although her own descriptions are detailed and I felt that I could picture everything very well, pictures are always an enjoyable plus!

This book was the best book I have ever read! Every page was well written and kept me fascinated.It is a sad book and makes one think deeply about animals having feelings and thoughts. Makes one change their opinions on the way we treat animals and big cats. We think the world is all ours, but it really belongs to all living creatures.

I won this book in Goodreads giveaway.I'm so glad I did because I wouldn't have read it otherwise. This is by far my favorite book so far this year. I felt like I knew each of the people and animals. Almost like I was there. I know I could never survive, but I believe I would always be hooked and drawn back in if I went.

"But maybe it’s also because I’ve been spinning for so long. I’ve felt lost in the lights and sounds and pressures of moving forwards, moving upwards, moving somewhere. The aimlessness of it making my hands shake and limbs desperately tired."I could not put down Paula Coleman's memoir, Puma Years, until I had to because of the overwhelming love and sadness I kept having to take a break from.Coming to the Parque, a wild animal refuge in Bolivia as a young, shy, uncertain girl, Paula meets Wayra. She is a battered, frightened Puma who can sense fear a mile away and that is all that Paula feels.Swept into the lyrical beauty of the tropical forests and in culture shock over the difference between the sterile world of the UK and the sweaty, muddy, insect ridden jungle, Paula struggles to acclimate."Now, for the first time in a really long time, with the sound of Wayra’s steady breathing and the settling of the jungle heartbeats around me, I feel like I’m weightless. As if I might be coming to a stop. Here in a place I least expected to. With this puma, who I’m starting to realise might not be as brave, or as bold, as she wants me to believe."The bond between girl and great cat slowly peels away the layers of distrust, as her boss says, like onion layers. Until they reach a level of authenticity and wordless communication.I can never write how deeply this book affected me. Exquisite as it is, it goes beyond the intellectual to the heart. Although the ending is realistic, it was hard to assimilate, much like life itself. I'll leave you with a last quote that made me happy.“Oh, Laurita,” Nena whispers. “¿Ella es feliz?” “Sí.” Relief, shock, pride, disbelief. “Oh, Laurita,” Nena whispers. “¿Ella es feliz?” “Sí.” Relief, shock, pride, disbelief. It clamours so loudly I can barely hear anything. I can barely hear my own words. She is happy. Happy. “Wayra es feliz.” And then we both burst into tears.""Because it’s the connections that make the difference, right?"

Parts are beautifully written like her descriptions of the animals and the beauty of the jungle. Then it was entirely too much detail of the filth, parasites, and poop. It seemed like every time she was poised to delve into a layer of onion that she peeled back on her own life, you got the 30,000 foot view, but then more graphic detail of her suffering. She mentions her “privilege “ several times, and it almost seemed like she was trying to punish herself for her privilege, or prove herself to…who, exactly? Wayra? I’m honestly not sure. The third part was too long, but at least it ended with what seemed best for Wayra.I enjoyed the book more than I expected, and I was invested in Wayra’s story, the story of the jungle, and the problems that have been plaguing them for decades. I think she was trying to say Wayra changed her, and you kinda get that in reading her story…but at least 50% of her story (if not more) is an homage to her hardships, pain and…yep, more suffering.

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir It was a very enlightening & emotional journey that only a few get to experience Thank you for sharing

El libro venia unicamente en una caja y me imagino que en el trayecto se golpeo y se lastimo una esquina del libro. Quiza seria buena idea que lo empaquearan mejor para que no se fuera moviendo/golpeando tanto dentro de la caja.De ahi en fuera todo bien, es un libro muy interesante.

A very honest and grappling tale about humanity trying to save animals! Young guys should volunteer there instead of blocking roads!

I don't usually write reviews but this book deserves one. It's wonderfully written, so evocative I felt I was there. Which was a double-edged sword at times when the author describes the awful camp conditions and the physical effects on the volunteers! All the characters are well-drawn in just a few strokes, and the personalities of the animals shine through without being cutesy or forgetting that they are animals. The main focus of the book is the big cats that live in the sanctuary. Rescued from the illegal trade in wild animals, they are at once terrifying and gentle, reminding me of my own small cat while also aweing me with their wildness. The relationship between the author and 'her' puma, is so beautiful. She doesn't pull her punches in describing what happens when she gets it wrong, but the trust and love she builds up with this huge, powerful wild cat is amazing.In the background, always pushing forwards and threatening the safety of the camp, is the logging trade. The author's fury and sense of desperation and powerlessness really affected me. This book brought it home to me more than anything ever has, because I came to know and care for the humans and animals who are fighting against the loss of their habitat.Read this book; it's wonderful. Then donate to Friends of Inti Wara Yassi.

An unputdownable life story. Not all heroes wear capes, some turn into magnificent authors. Hands down to your beautiful life Laura Coleman.