This book was total twaddle. Marketable story ideas share 7 key characteristics, in every media and genre. I imagine with the elephants intelligence and family loyalty there are as many personalities and attitudes as there are situations elephants have found themselves in, whether it be a zoo, a circus, a form of daily transportation or a sanctuary. Modoc is a captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure, to be treasured by animal lovers everywhere. How can I tell you how beautifully she dances? I was exhilarated after reading this book. This book is very plot driven. It is a story about an elephant and a boy born on the same day. Wed love your help. The recently-discovered, true story of Harris Wolff, his journey to New York, survival in America's worst neighborhood and unforgettable triumph. When I saw this book had an average review of 4.19, I took the time to read through several of them and see what I had missed. The simply astonishing, exhilarating storycomplete with high adventure, betrayal, and resurrectionof Modoc, elephant extraordinaire, told by Heifer (The Beauty of the Beasts, 1990). One of these items ships sooner than the other. Some basic googling revealed the not entirely unexpected results that this story was probably way more fiction than fact. Modoc is a captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure, to be treasured by animal lovers everywhere. I couldn't find evidence to prove that the elephant Modoc, the human protagonist Bram, or any of the major plot points (some of which, like a shipwreck, would certainly have been documented) were real. Learn more about the program. First, is it fiction or non-fiction? This books is written by an animal trainer, and on the one hand, I commend him for doing such a great job, but on the other hand, writing is clearly not his calling. Barnum and Bailey's is coming to town, and I'll be right there amidst the protesters. Oh, come on!! Read this book using Google Play Books app on your PC, android, iOS devices. Somehow, the uneducated "Bram" spoke flawless English even though he had never left his little village in Germany and had no schooling or parents who spoke English. The stories that rationalizing and excusescantsolve. The Rescuer: One Firefighters Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love Heartwarming, captivatinga beautifully true story that will make you think twice about the incredible and very real feelings of elephants, and probably the greatest love story ever told. (African Sun-Times). The Greatest elephant story ever told, lovingly recreated by Modoc's owner during the last twenty years of her seventy-eight-year life, Modoc spans eight decades and three continents. Yes. I am aware that a great deal of controversy surrounded the book because the subtitle indicates that the tale is true, although it so obviously isn't. I am aware that a great deal of controversy surrounded the book because the subtitle indicates that the tale is true, although it so obviously isn't. I was exhilarated after reading this book. The moment I started reading it I was wincing at how bad the writing was. formulaic fiction, but loved the elephant, Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2014. Coming to that conclusion made me feel better about the question of whether or not this story of a boy named Bram and his soulmate Modoc really existed. The Greatest elephant story ever told, lovingly recreated by Modoc's owner during the last twenty years of her seventy-eight-year life, Modoc spans eight decades and three continents. Follow Me to Alaska: A true story of one couple's adventure adjusting from life in Salvation Canyon: A True Story of Desert Survival in Joshua Tree, PLAYING TO LOSE: THE TRUE STORY OF A CHRISTIAN GAMBLER, The King of Sting: The Amazing True Story of a Modern American Outlaw. A captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure that spans several decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most remarkable true stories ever told, perfect for fans of The Zookeeper's Wife or Water for Elephants. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. After a few more days of floating, he decides to give up, and just as he's dipping under the water, ready to take in a breath of water, he hears a boat motor. However, I thought to myself, surely the story will get better and that will carry me through. If I were to teach a class in creative writing right now, I would use this book as an example of what NOT to do in your writing. Modoc: True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived - Ebook written by Ralph Helfer. Believe me, if this book had not been a book club book, I would burn it! It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. I did love reading it but only because I thought it was true. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 17, 2015, Lovely read, brought a lump to my throat, could almost imagine. I'm stunned that so many people rated this so highly, and without questioning any or all of its validity. Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived: Book Format: Paperback: Number Of Pages: 352 pages: First Published in: September 9th 1997: Latest Edition: August 26th 1998: ISBN Number: 9780060929510: Language: English: category: non fiction, animals, biography, seduction: Formats: ePUB(Android), audible mp3, audiobook and kindle. Start by marking Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived as Want to Read: Error rating book. "he knows that the chain around his foot is the right thing" for an elephant. This is a love story between a boy and his elephant. I'm sorry to say that I am very disappointed with this book. I have to say, I believe it is all true. If you like books about amazing animals and what they do - this is for you. The true story, filled with action and romance, of a heroic firefighter forced to confront an emergency even he can't handle: saving himself. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered wasting my time reading it. It was hilarious that all of the characters from all of the different countries all spoke the same way. Modoc: The True Story of Spanning several decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most amazing true animal stories ever told. I did feel that the book had an undertone of sadness, but it is one of those griefs that is worthy and even worthwhile. If you love books about animals, go read Old Yeller. I did feel that the book had an undertone of sadness, but it is one of those griefs that is worthy and even worthwhile. "Hangin' with El Chapo. "he knows that the chain around his foot is the right thing" for an elephant. PS. Modoc is a captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure, to be treasured by animal lovers everywhere. I loved this book. I was also frustrated by the number of tragic events this elephant endured! "Modoc" is described as a "Black Stallion"-type love story between a man and an animal with elements reminiscent of Forrest Gump. Wow.". If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Ralph Helfer is a well-known Hollywood animal trainer who was one of the first to use affection and kindness to train wild animals. The story did not get better. Bram was born and his father, Josef, was proud. Refresh and try again. Like so many other people I started googling the unfindable "facts" in the story -- and also dug a little deeper into elephant-based stories as well. It is a tale of love, loss, and the deep spiritual bond between a man and Please try again. This book was total twaddle. This part of the story I loved. The story did not get better. Save $5 when you spend $20 Offered by Amazon.com. How is he finding so many people in disparate rural areas of India who can all speak English? BUT there is absolutely no way this is a true story. They were wrong. That didn't bother me as much as the poor writing and the bizarre New Age vibe that gradually escalated throughout the first half. I could get past the writing for the story, but I was bothered by the lack of any sense of time and by the ease by which this young man made his way from continent to continent- not that the traveling itself was easy, but he had no trouble fitting in to new environments where I would expect his age and linguistic knowledge to be a barrier. In fact, I am pretty convinced it's NOT. Spanning seven decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most amazing true animal stories ever told. . Yet, any reader with a critical eye can see that this is a tale of pure fantasy, with only the most distant connection to truth. Raised together in a small German circus town, a boy and an elephant formed a bond that would last their entire lives, and would be te. The moment I started reading it I was wincing at how bad the writing was. How did they happen to survive the shipwreck and land a short walk from the largest elephant sanctuary/hospital in the whole country. If you like books about amazing animals and what they do - this is for you. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It one were teaching the meaning of anthropomorphism, giving human qualities to animals, this would be right up there on the top of the list. Really? What a con!!! Animals were not given a power of choice. The ONLY reason I read past page 3 was that this was a book club pick. If I were to teach a class in creative writing right now, I would use this book as an example of what NOT to do in your writing. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. A good teacher teaches what he has been taught. -Jagrat, Readers' Most Anticipated Books of December. The boy and animal grew up devoted to each other. by Harper Perennial, Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived. True story, my Aunt Ethel. There was not a single date mentioned. An utterly amazing true story about an elephant, Mosie, and her trainer, Bram! I just finished this book, and throughout, was struck by the unbelievability of the close calls that Modoc saved them from, the 2 perfect little Harelequin-style romances, the fictionally-bad bad guys, the errors in basic Indian geography and Indian culture, the repeated references to sweating elephants (they don't sweat). Bought for someone who loves elephants and was much appreciated by recipient. For starters the entire first half of the book! I can't recommend it as nonfiction, and I'm not sure I'd recommend it as fiction either. Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived is the tale of a boy and his elephant coming of age and experiencing more in their lifetimes than most people can only dream of. That is not a book review. Had he done so, he would have left fewer readers disappointed and would have earned, perhaps, more respect for his significant ability to tell a compelling story. "Modoc" is probably the most unusual pet book I have ever read. The dialogue is positively laughable. Shipwrecks, fires, poisoning, terrorist revolutionary uprisings, teak forests, upspritualism and an anazing love story between one man and his elephant! No elephant or any other wild animal should be kept as part of a circus or zoo or in any other confinement; they're "wild"; get it? Something went wrong. However, I thought to myself, surely the story will get better and that will carry me through. It was strange that the author discounted the bond that Modoc would have had with his mother. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. Unfortunately, while I managed to suspend my disbelief throughout the entire book, I made the mistake of trying to find out more about these remarkable protagonists after I finished. A lot of the writing is just cheesey and literally had me rolling my eyes at times. He constantly bumps into another. While Modoc and Bram may have existed, this account of their lives is obviously wishful, and has little basis in reality. Fiction, posing as a non-fiction biography. The dialogue is positively laughable. The Fastest Man Alive: The True Story of Usain Bolt, BAD KARMA: The True Story of a Mexico Trip from Hell. We work hard to protect your security and privacy. The beauty of this story was in the simpleness and in the emotions that Helfer described and in which you felt. I would say yup, I agree, and then that was the end. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Modoc may be one of my favorite books this year. I would have forgiven the extreme poetic license, laughable dialogue, and general editorial negligence if this book delivered what set the reader up for from the subtitle: The True. There were many holes in the storytelling that tell of thinly crafted social situations and heavy melodrama. I would say yup, I agree, and then that was the end. I mean, who can say no to amazing elephants? Also, there was no character development or sense of space or time. I highly. I never would have bought it knowing it was fiction. How is he. Shipwrecks, fires, poisoning, terrorist revolutionary uprisings, teak forests, upspritualism and an anazing love story between one man and his elephant! File Size: His true survival story leaves you with chills. Product Information. The circus was sold to an American. I am only halfway through this book and I can hardly bear to turn one page after the other. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. A Los Angeles poet's hiking vacation turns deadly in soaring Mojave heat. I am only halfway through this book and I can hardly bear to turn one page after the other. For example - one love never diminishes another love. i think maybe i have read too many books in my life to be able to like this book. Nothing to ponder over. There was a fire but no elephants were in the tent at the time. It is fiction. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read Modoc: True Story of the Greatest Elephant As a zoologist who actually works with large, exotic and wild animals for a living, I can't take any of this story seriously. Man only hears his own voice. This story highlights a special relationship between an elephant and a boy who were born on the same day in Germany. I found the narrator off-putting through most of the book, but I forgave him because he brought me this beautiful (true!) Being shipwrecked, shot in the head, burned in a fire, blinded, starved, and I'm sure I'm forgetting what else too much for a fictional story that claims to be true. There is so much poetic license in this "true" story that it shouldn't even be on the fiction list. I gave this book one star because Mr. Helfer has passed it off as a true story, when clearly, it is not. I appreciated the simpleness of the writing. From the Back Cover Spanning seven decades and three continents, Modoc is one of He makes his own judgements and falls prey to his greed. While I read the book they felt real and, fictional or no, they awakened me to a deeper appreciation of elephants. Most of the book seems like stories a grandfather would make up for his grandchildren about the former life of their pet dog they adopted at the pound. Despite what should have been high winds and waves, he hears a motor. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. How does a boy raised in rural Germany know how to speak English? (Prices may vary for AK and HI.). How does a boy raised in rural Germany know how to speak English? Nature hears one voice and obeys it. Each animal as in all creatures. I think this is a wonderful story, but it is not written well at all. Thus is the true Wabash history how Modoc became the most famous elephant in Americafor one week in 1942. modocs_story.pdf. The writing is horrible. It tells the true story of a boy and an elephant, and their fight to stay together across three continents. Josef grew ill and died. Seems that the "author" is claiming non-fiction, but this story is terribly contrived and rings as untrue in almost every chapter. And John North was a real circus entrepreneur who was related to the Ringling Brothers. And why would Bram write Gertie a letter saying goodbye after not writing her once before, and after knowing Sian for just a few days? I never knew I could come to love an elephant like this! has been added to your Cart. Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2017. Spanning several decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most amazing true animal stories ever told. I would have forgiven the extreme poetic license, laughable dialogue, and general editorial negligence if this book delivered what set the reader up for from the subtitle: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant that Ever Lived. That was never mentioned, it would have been an important factor, but the author wanted to present that Bram was the only being that Modoc could love (this is a bit codependent). There was a problem loading your book clubs. This story highlights a special relationship between an elephant and a boy, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 6, 2016. The true-life tale of a man of boundless imagination and energy, Barnum's autobiography embodies the spirit of America's most exciting boom years. I felt like the writing of this story was faux-poetic in that the author was trying to be deep and moving, but was unsuccesful. Seems that the "author" is claiming non-fiction, but this story is terribly contrived and rings as untrue in almost every chapter. Seriously? Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. Without hesitation. Although the main character, a boy named Bram, and Modoc the elephant are sympathetic, likeable characters, their personalities weren't. Modoc was to shipped to America -- without Bram. It is a tale of love, loss, and the deep spiritual bond between a man and his extraordinary nine-thousand pound companion. I have to say, I believe it is all true. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. This is the worst book. Under water. I borrowed this book from the library because I remember someone at work saying that it's the best book. I was also frustrated by the. August 26th 1998 --Betty White --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Even his voice mirrors his erratic walk, jealousy, hate, ego, pride, lying, cheating. Any time and in the emotions that Helfer described and in the United States on June, Or death, or computer - no Kindle device required the tent at the end I think maybe I to. Felt real and, alas, it apparently was his own judgements and prey. Calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average in Mojave. The bizarre New Age vibe that gradually escalated throughout the first of the most amazing true animal stories ever. 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