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Peter Allison
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How to Walk a Puma: And Other Things I Learned While Stumbling through South America Kindle Edition

by Peter Allison (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 329 ratings
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On his nineteenth birthday, Peter Allison flipped a coin. One side would take him to Africa and the other to South America, the two places he wanted to explore before he died. He recounted his time spent as a safari guide in Africa to much acclaim in Whatever You Do, Don’t Run and Don’t Look Behind You. Sixteen years later, he makes his way to Santiago, Chile, ready to seek out the continent’s best, weirdest, and wildest adventures, and to chase the elusive jaguar.

 

In just the first six months, Allison is bitten by a puma (several times), knocked on his head by a bad empanada, and surrounded by piranhas while rafting down a Bolivian river—all because of his unusual fear of refrigerators and of staying in any one place for too long. Ever the gifted storyteller and cultural observer, Allison makes many observations about life in humid climes, the nature of nomadism, and exactly what it is like to be nearly blasted off a mountain by the famous Patagonia wind. Allison’s self-deprecating humor is as delightful as his crazy stunts, and his love for animals—even when they bite—is infectious.

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  1. Print length
    226 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Lyons Press
  4. Publication date
    December 20, 2011
  5. File size
    1051 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Whatever You Do, Don't Run: "Allison's infectious enthusiasm for both the African bush and his job showing its wonders to tourists is readily apparent." --Booklist "His misadventures make Whatever You Do, Don't Run an absorbing read. . . . The material is rich, and Allison is a gifted storyteller. And the only thing stranger than African fiction is African truth." --National Geographic Adventure "After reading this entrancing memoir, an African safari may move to No. 1 on your travel wish list. The only catch is you'll want the author as your guide." --Chicago Sun-Times Praise for Don't Look Behind You:  "The best compliment you can pay a travel writer is to read his work and feel like you're right there with him. For more than two hundred pages, I felt like I was in Africa, up to my neck in danger. I don't even know this guy, but more than once I lay awake at night, worrying for his safety. Enough adventure, action, life lessons, and laughs to fill a movie and four sequels. The fact that Allison survived to write any of this down is a miracle in itself." --Cash Peters, author of Naked in Dangerous Places and Gullible's Travels

From the Publisher

“[Debbie] Macomber uses warmth, humor and superb storytelling skills to deliver a tale that charms and entertains.”—BookPage

“A wonderful reading experience . . . as [the characters’] stories unfold, you almost feel they have become friends.”—Wichita Falls Times Record News

“[Debbie Macomber] draws in threads of her earlier book in this series, The Inn at Rose Harbor, in what is likely to be just as comfortable a place for Macomber fans as for Jo Marie’s guests at the inn.”—The Seattle Times

“Macomber’s legions of fans will embrace this cozy, heartwarming read.”—Booklist

“Readers will find the emotionally impactful storylines and sweet, redemptive character arcs for which the author is famous. Classic Macomber, which will please fans and keep them coming back for more.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Macomber is an institution in women’s fiction. Her principal talent lies in creating characters with a humble, familiar charm. They possess complex personalities, but it is their kinder qualities that are emphasized in the warm world of her novels—a world much like Rose Harbor Inn, in which one wants to curl up and stay.”—Shelf Awareness

“The storybook scenery of lighthouses, cozy bed and breakfast inns dotting the coastline, and seagulls flying above takes readers on personal journeys of first love, lost love and recaptured love [presenting] love in its purest and most personal forms.”—Bookreporter

“Just the right blend of emotional turmoil and satisfying resolutions . . . For a feel-good indulgence, this book delivers.”—RT Book Reviews

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00MJD7ACW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lyons Press (December 20, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 20, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1051 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0762777567
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 329 ratings

About the author

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Peter Allison

Peter Allison

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Hello! I'm a safari guide* who lived for many years in some of Africa's finest wild areas. This was an unlikely career as I grew up in the most sedate parts of Sydney and in my youth rarely encountered anything more dangerous and wild than a parrot. Travels have also taken me in search of South America's wild places, and where my record of poor decision making led me to live naked with a tribe famous for killing outsiders, as well as spending a month tied to a puma. The stories I write are the sort you would hear around a campfire, or in some seedy backpacker's lodge in Quito.

I post most regularly here: https://www.facebook.com/Peter-Allison-5686359511

* Some foamy mouthed critics get very upset if they buy my books to discover that I was a photographic safari guide and not a hunting one. For anyone that wants stories about someone flying halfway around the world to kill an animal that wasn't bothering them may I suggest the self-help section instead?

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
329 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book entertaining and humorous with good information. They appreciate the author's humor and witty writing style. Readers describe the stories as enjoyable, inspiring, and fantastic for animal and adventure lovers. The travel experiences are interesting and relatable.

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ReadabilityHumorInformation qualityWriting styleStory qualityTravel value
29 customers mention "Readability"29 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's entertaining and humorous writing style. They find it a great read with good information in its stories. The author's humor and absurdities are appreciated. Readers appreciate the author's self-deprecation and humor. Some readers say the last few chapters are the best, while others say the middle parts are not as good.

"...It's a fun read between using a puking cat as a pick up line, dodging puma attacks, and surviving earthquakes and crazy drivers, there is a lot to..." Read more

"...It is well written, really fun to read with an amazing sense of humor to keep you turning the pages...." Read more

"...That said, the last few chapters are by far the best as the chapters in the middle do not say much. Overall a decent read." Read more

"...34;Whatever You Do Don't Run", but still informative, openhearted, funny and a good (and easy) read" Read more

13 customers mention "Humor"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it amusing with laugh-out-loud moments and interesting characters. The author's witty language is also appreciated.

"...’ll find him dragging you inexorably into his world of vivid color, dry humor, and a quiet but insistent whisper, “Save Mona.”..." Read more

"Peter Allison has a delightful sense of humor, and I had to struggle not to laugh aloud in public a few times when I was reading How to Walk a Puma...." Read more

"...It is well written, really fun to read with an amazing sense of humor to keep you turning the pages...." Read more

"...Full of good humour and amusing tales - definitely worth reading." Read more

12 customers mention "Information quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and entertaining. They appreciate the author's knowledge of plants, animals, and birds. Readers enjoy his perspective on life, travel, and wildlife. They also mention that the book is a follow-up to his African adventures, with humor and interesting interactions with animals and people.

"Not a patch on his "Whatever You Do Don't Run", but still informative, openhearted, funny and a good (and easy) read" Read more

"...(or run) and his enthusiasm for the animals, people and places he meets is truly enjoyable and infectious...." Read more

"...I was enthralled by the interview...." Read more

"Peter Allison is a fun read. I devoured his books on Africa, often laughing out loud at his self-deprecation, humor and the wonderful absurdities he..." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing style"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style engaging and relatable. They describe it as an easy read with a conversational tone. The descriptions put them in the author's shoes, making them feel like they share his experience.

"...It is well written, really fun to read with an amazing sense of humor to keep you turning the pages...." Read more

"...Now it's Allison's turn to "Walk a Puma". The writing is hilarious & at times sad. I'd say it is an Eye Opener...." Read more

"Funny, Funny, Funny. I enjoyed it so much. It is so easy to relate to the things that happen to this person that it seems you are right beside him..." Read more

"Second book of Peter's I've read, very funny writing style, and equally funny circumstances he seems to get himself into...." Read more

7 customers mention "Story quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the stories. They find them enjoyable, wonderful tales by a free spirit on journeys we would all like to have the courage to take. The book is fantastic for animal and adventure lovers, entertaining, and an excellent storyteller. Readers describe the book as humorous, inspirational, and openhearted.

"This is a fantastic book for animal and adventure lovers. I would give it six or seven or ten stars if they were available...." Read more

"...on his "Whatever You Do Don't Run", but still informative, openhearted, funny and a good (and easy) read" Read more

"...Read this one in about 3 days. Great read, enjoyable stories." Read more

"Entertaining! Allison is an excellent storyteller. I Learned a lot about South America and its fauna...." Read more

5 customers mention "Travel value"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's travel experiences. They find the writing engaging and describe the book as an adventure.

"I loved this book! Peter writes in a way that takes you along for the ride (or run) and his enthusiasm for the animals, people and places he meets..." Read more

"...means you should read them all if you're a wildlife lover and a travel enthusiast." Read more

"...out of his travels, and, as usual, I enjoy his perspective on life, travel, and our wildlife...." Read more

"...Some of his travels were interesting. Came off a bit superficial." Read more

Great book!
5 out of 5 stars
Great book!
Always love his books. But why does the Amazon description feature quotes from the publisher regarding a Debbie Macomber cozy romance (see pic)? What the heck? I bet Peter might find that funny.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • J. Villarrubia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious, Moving Inspirational
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    When you open one of Peter’s books for the first time you’ll sense him reaching out to shake your hand. You’ll take it, that’s only normal courtesy. But within a few pages you’ll find him dragging you inexorably into his world of vivid color, dry humor, and a quiet but insistent whisper, “Save Mona.”

    I find myself feeling an old itch to save wildlife and focus my efforts on conservation. How I’ll go from where I am to where I want to be I don’t know, but I can’t just read about it, I’ve got to go live it.

    One day I’ll join Peter on one of his safari’s and encourage him to become the next Steve Irwin (if he isn’t already).
    Helpful
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  • Last Mango
    4.0 out of 5 stars Vamos gatito
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Peter Allison has a delightful sense of humor, and I had to struggle not to laugh aloud in public a few times when I was reading How to Walk a Puma. It's a fun read between using a puking cat as a pick up line, dodging puma attacks, and surviving earthquakes and crazy drivers, there is a lot to enjoy. At some point I became a bit annoyed at someone having the time to spend a year and a half just doing whatever came to his mind, but that was probably more jealousy on my part than bad writing on his!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Bearboy7623
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging, delightful, wonderfully written
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is a fantastic book for animal and adventure lovers. I would give it six or seven or ten stars if they were available. It is well written, really fun to read with an amazing sense of humor to keep you turning the pages. Peter Allison has another of these books, "Don't Look Behind You" as well and both are fantastic so order them together. You will be absolutely delighted. I promise!
    Helpful
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  • Missty
    5.0 out of 5 stars Arrived promptly, book as described.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Book is slightly older than I'd imagined, but in good condition for a used book.
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  • Melissa Hoopman
    3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
    Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    As the third book, I found it interesting still but not as entertaining and funny as the first two. That said, the last few chapters are by far the best as the chapters in the middle do not say much. Overall a decent read.
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  • ruth weissenberg
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mmmmmm
    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Not a patch on his "Whatever You Do Don't Run", but still informative, openhearted, funny and a good (and easy) read
    Helpful
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  • Stuart Thom
    5.0 out of 5 stars A truly entertaining read!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book! Peter writes in a way that takes you along for the ride (or run) and his enthusiasm for the animals, people and places he meets is truly enjoyable and infectious. It had me looking out the window of buses and seeing parts of the world I've never been to and smiling at the things I was seeing. Full of good humour and amusing tales - definitely worth reading.
    One person found this helpful
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  • SuSu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening. Be entertained.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book after hearing Peter Allison on the radio doing a promo of the book. I was enthralled by the interview. Peter Allison spoke with humour & candour telling of life in the jungle, his travels and most importantly, of walking a Puma. I thought "I must have this book" and I was so happy I bought it. Allison documents his travels in a way that is grass-roots, telling of all things that can & do go wrong, the unexpected, the annoying, (especially when you are Un-co and have a knack for getting into a bind). In this book, basically a diary of Allison's adventures & travels through South America, we are introduced to Roy, the orpahaned Puma, being cared for at a sanctaury, by volunteers who come and go. Now it's Allison's turn to "Walk a Puma". The writing is hilarious & at times sad. I'd say it is an Eye Opener. We in the cities have little idea how the rest of the world live and survive. This book is different, in a good way. Read it and just be entertained. I would like to know what has become of Roy since?
    11 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Defontaine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wildlife
    Reviewed in France on January 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Marvelous story like all the book Peter Allison wrote , funny and entertaining. A real pleasure . Lots of humor and when you live wildlife you just spend a marvelous time
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  • Jenny Goodwin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Peter Allison is a very funny author. I love all his books
    Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Peter Allison is a very funny author. I love all his books. I hope to visit some of the places mentioned in his books and have adventures as awesome as his.
    Report
  • Sq
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rollicking good read
    Reviewed in Australia on September 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Peter Allison is so down to earth, insightful, humble and hilarious. I would love to travel around searching for wildlife with him, he has a deep passion for nature and a wild sense of adventure. I loved this book.
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  • besenstiel
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love it
    Reviewed in Germany on April 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    like his other two books, this book is written with hilarious dry self irony.
    also you can learn stuff. I love it
    Report
  • Nafisa Miyajiwala
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as the previous two books
    Reviewed in India on September 9, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Not as good as the previous two books, " Don't run whatever you do" and "Don't look behind you". I found these two books "unputdownable", full of amusing and interesting stories. His experiences as a safari guide and the description of animal behaviour were really enthralling in these two books. Though "How to walk a Puma" has been written in the same humorous style and quite readable it is just not as good.
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