INTERNATIONAL
REVIEWS
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READERS FAVORITE.COM
"Wow!! I could not put this book down. I love the work you two are doing. I love your writing style. I felt like I was right there with you experiencing what you experienced.
Great Book!"
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Philip Van Heusen
Review by: Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
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Brian J. Bassett loves Africa and wildlife. He shares his love in Blood,
Sweat, and Fears. Brian’s wife, Sue, shares his passion and adds
her love of photography. This book gets readers so close to wild
animals that it might have an alternative title of Encounters of the
Wildlife Kind. Brian and Sue have had many unforgettable
encounters with wild animals during their trips to Africa.
Reading this book will not only thrill you, but it will make you feel as if you are on safari with Brian and Sue. What would you do if your tent
was rustled by an enormous African bull elephant during the night?
Brian shares this experience as well as seeing thirteen white rhinos
while on a walk through the bush. Can you imagine standing close
to a wild white rhino that might charge at any moment while you
have no protection?
This book will get your adrenaline flowing!
Blood, Sweat and Fears is an adventure book in which Brian shares
much information about the wildlife of Africa. You will learn about
conservation camps and the animals that grace the lands. Brian
writes most fascinatingly. Reading this book made me feel like I
was standing right next to Brian as he helped Dr. Peter and his
team perform medical work on wild animals.
I felt like I was actually in Africa while I was safe at home, far, far away from massive, wild animals. Reading this book will probably introduce you to some animals you have never heard of before. The photos by Sue Bassett add to the story. If you love animals, you will absolutely love this book. If you are into conservation, this book might spur you into taking a trip to help with African conservation.
I couldn’t put this book down.
Review by: Leonard William Smuts for Readers' Favorite
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The African continent is renowned for its magnificent scenery and
unique wildlife. It was to Africa that Brian Bassett and his wife Sue
were first drawn in 2010, armed with cameras and open to
experiencing it in its many facets. This and their later adventures
gave rise to Blood, Sweat and Fears, an aptly titled record of their
experiences.
They return, not as conventional tourists, but as
volunteers to assist in conservation and research. In doing so, they
encounter Africa’s animals, both large and small, plus a wide
variety of birds. They meet wonderful and hospitable people while
experiencing life in the bush first-hand and without the frills of
luxury accommodation. They assist wildlife veterinarians in darting
animals for research and conservation purposes, also undertaking
basic game ranger training.
It is an arduous but rewarding time, leading to close encounters with dangerous species such as lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhino. Some of these interactions are a little too close for comfort, reminding them that nothing in Africa should be taken for granted - certainly not personal security.
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The book concentrates on their activities in South Africa and Kenya,
expanding their already considerable knowledge and understanding
of Africa and all its complexities.
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Brian Bassett is a retired engineer from Australia, who has
developed a passion for Africa. Blood, Sweat and Fears is a vivid
and at times dramatic account of a magical time spent in the
African bush, usually in remote areas and very close to nature in
the raw. Extensive travels expose Brian and Sue to the full
spectrum of the African experience, from culture, food, language,
and friendship to the stark realities - and at times cruelty - of the
animal kingdom.
The book exposes the evils of poaching and the valiant struggle of conservationists to ensure the survival of the many endangered species. In that regard, tourist revenue is vital to fund both conservation and provide work opportunities for the local
population, thus avoiding a clash between humans and nature.
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Africa is not just about the “Big Five” but provides a wide array of
smaller but equally interesting animals, trees, plants, and colorful
characters. The text is enhanced by a variety of photographs by
Sue, which depict both the animals and scenery, rounded off with
an excellent glossary.
Brian captures all of this perfectly in a highly
entertaining and descriptive account, making this essential reading
for those who love Africa and its inhabitants.
Review by: K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
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Blood, Sweat & Fears: True Stories of Aussies in Africa is a work of
non-fiction in the travel, memoir, and adventure subgenres. It is
suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by
author Brian J Bassett. In this fascinating true-life account, we meet
author Brian and his wife Sue on their travels from Australia to
Africa, where they transform from wildlife enthusiasts into
advocates for welfare and research.
The book collects together some very exciting and emotional stories about different encounters with the wildest and weirdest animals of Africa, whilst
also introducing us to the culture and attitudes of many different African countries.
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Author Brian J Bassett pulls no punches in describing the dangerous
realities of travel and exploration in Africa, and it certainly made
me glad that I was reading from the comfort of my armchair and
not there in the fray! I really admired and adored Brian and Sue’s
growing commitment to conservation, and that was a message
which really formed the true heart of the work as a whole.
The narrative technique balances enthusiasm and excitement with a
realistic sense of danger and kindness toward protecting wildlife,
which will surely inspire anyone reading the book to participate in
the cause in some way too. I think that “Why Rangers Really Wear
Khaki” was probably my favorite chapter of all, although each one
had its own humor, style, and central message.
Overall, I would certainly recommend Blood, Sweat & Fears for fans of travel books and those wishing to know more about Africa in general.
Review by: Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
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Blood, Sweat & Fears (True Stories of Aussies in Africa) by Brian J
Bassett and photographed by Sue Bassett is a non-fiction travel
book best suited for a diverse audience of young adults and adults
with an interest in Africa. Brian and Sue Bassett share their
experiences in Africa as they progressed from mere visitors to
researchers to rangers. The husband and wife pair shares their
journey with a mix of words and images to educate, amuse, and
amaze.
Are you ready to follow Brian and Sue Bassett on their
African exploration adventure?
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Blood, Sweat & Fears (True Stories of Aussies in Africa) by Brian J
Bassett is a well-written book filled with breathtaking images that
provided the perfect lure to grab and hold my interest. I have
thought about how Africa would be an interesting place to visit
because the normal Africa travel books never managed to inspire
me enough to actually look into the practicalities of traveling to
Africa.
This book did not suffer from such a deficit; instead, it pulled
me in and made me feel like I was a part of the journey. I liked how
the book has parts that made me laugh and parts that really
grabbed my interest, yet the book also shared the nitty gritty of
what it is like to be a visitor and volunteer in Africa. I really enjoyed
the photographs that accompanied the narrative as they really
helped me to create a clear picture in my mind of the couple’s
experiences.
Overall, this book is a worthwhile read that I would recommend anyone considering Africa as a destination should read before traveling there!
Review by: Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
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What would you do if there was an elephant next to your tent?
What if you saw a black or white rhino up close? Would you have
the courage to track a lion? These are just some of the adventures
that Brian J. Bassett tells in his book Blood, Sweat & Fears: True
Stories of Aussies in Africa.
Starting from Bassett's first trip to Africa, Blood, Sweat & Fears recollects the most incredible events that happened to him and his wife during their travels in this fascinating continent and their progressive commitment to it.
Through a series of stories and photographs taken by the author's
wife, Blood, Sweat & Fears introduces us to dangerous animals and
all the unpredictable situations that can happen during a visit to
Africa. Are you ready for a memorable journey?
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Blood, Sweat & Fears is not a book for the faint of heart, but an
adventure lover will treasure it.
Brian J. Bassett relates his experiences in an exciting way that will thrill the reader. Although I have never been to Africa, Bassett's descriptions are so clear that I could imagine events and places as if I were there with him. He has
a knack for relating critical situations, such as his close encounters
with big cats. These pages are among the most impressive of the
entire book.
I must also praise the many stunning photographs that evoke the exotic atmosphere of Africa. Blood, Sweat & Fears is the perfect book for anyone who wants to discover this beautiful continent.
I recommend it to readers with the spirit of adventurous travelers.