Just look at those soulful eyes and mischievous smile peering at you from the cover. The minute I saw that face, I knew I would go for this book. And what an experience it has been!

Dr. Rick Quinn is a 60 year old Canadian practising as a vet for most of his adult life. After reading two magazine articles about the great apes, he decided to bring together his qualification – he’s a veterinarian ophthalmologist, his hobby – he loves photography, and his passion – he has had a lifelong desire to do something for animal conservation. He decided to photograph all great ape species and journal his experiences. The culmination of his efforts is this book – an informative tome about our closest relatives on this planet, the great apes. Dr. Quinn’s pet project is his charity named “Docs4GreatApes”, which aims “to improve the health of Great Ape populations, the communities that surround them, and the ecosystem that we share”. The entire proceeds of this book will go to the Wildlife ConserVet Education Program managed by Docs4GreatApes.

Spanning seven years of travel to seven African countries and Indonesia, the book provides a glimpse into the world of the great apes, the forests they inhabit, the people around them, and the various conservation and rehabilitation centres in those areas that strive so hard to ensure that endangered species don’t turn into extinct species. Also included is the work done by a volunteer medical team named Gorilla Doctors, a group of veterinarians who do exactly what their title suggests: provide medical service to wild apes. Their stories are astounding and inspiring.

The information on all types of apes is given in a riveting manner. Be it the various types of gorillas, or orangutans, bonobos or mandrills, the book doesn’t stop at listing out their zoological details but also attempts to offer a glimpse into their emotions, their habits and their lifestyles. The details are very insightful, and can make you terribly emotional at times. Chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives, sharing an astonishing 98.4 percent of our DNA. Gorillas and orangutans follow closely behind, with 97.7 percent and 96.4 percent similarity in DNA, respectively. Is it any wonder then at just how many common traits we have across our species?

Dr. Quinn emphasizes not just on animal welfare but also on building community-centred conservation organizations. After all, man and beast are in this together. And both of us need each other to ensure a sustainable future. As one line from the book says, “Our fates are intertwined. Any sustainable and meaningful measure to help great apes needs to improve the well-being of the people with whom they share their environment—people, many of whom do not have the power, voice, or means to be heard. They, too, deserve better.”

Though broaching a serious topic, Dr. Quinn balances out the gravitas with his humour. His jovial approach is reminiscent of Sir David Attenborough, and many sections in this book brought to my mind Sir Attenborough’s “Adventures of a Young Naturalist”. The writing is straightforward, humble, sincere, funny and thorough. Truly, the journey of how Dr. Quinn transitioned from a practising vet in Canada to an active conservationist is remarkable and laudable.

What makes the book worth it is not the information and personal experience alone but the magnificent pictures accompanying it. I'm not that much of an ape person but oh my, the photos almost turned me into one! Every single photograph offers a glimpse into how many parallels run between the great apes and our species. I went through the whole book twice; the second time around was just to stare at each and every image to my heart’s content.

I will end with a quote by Jane Goodall, who has also written the foreword for this book:
“Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.”


Thank you, NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Rick Quinn is a veterinarian who became fascinated with the great apes (Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Bonobos and Orangutangs) to the point where he spent seven years crossing Africa and Indonesia to photograph them. This tribute is part memoir/part nature book and he delves into the issues of why they are endangered today. The photographs in this book are amazing as he was able to get up close to these animals in their natural habitat. An informative and enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Girl Friday Books for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Just like us is a beautiful book about the author - Dr Rick Quinns experiences and knowledge told within this visual and written book of memoirs.
The photography is beautiful andcreally captures the beauty of the apes within their natural habitats. This book was such an interesting read and I could feel the live Dr Quinn has for these animals throughout this book.
Some parts of the book are very sad and brought tears to my eyes. I adore apes and what is happening to them, their habitats and around them is devastating.
This is such an important book I urge everyone to read and take note from.

Such a beautiful and sad book. The photographs of the animals are amazing and I love the descriptions of how and where they were taken. The stories told in the book were fascinating but some so sad. The author clearly put so much time and detail into this book and it shows. I would love to read more like this.

Absolutely beautiful photos throughout and interesting from the beginning. I am fascinated by apes and their similarities to us. I enjoyed reading such an informative and beautiful book! Highly recommend!

Just Like Us is full of interesting information about great apes. I am a big fan of apes so didn't think I would learn as much as I did. There are beautiful pictures of all the great apes in their natural habitats. The pictures really show the personalities of the apes. The pictures of the babies especially with their mothers was my favorite part of Just Like Us.

Just Like Us is a must read for fans of apes.

Thank you Girl Friday Books and NetGalley for Just Like Us.

STUNNING! It starts w/the Book Cover, just look at how beautiful this Ape is and it is as if we can see into his being through his eyes.

The story is Dr. Rick Quinn is a veterinarian who specializes in Eye treatments for animals. He reads an article about Gorilla Doctors who go mostly to Africa and parts of Asia to care for different species of Apes and help with Conservation as they are now endangered. He decides to travel to Africa and help with this mission. He takes incredible pictures of the many different Apes.

Very interesting to know is that Apes are Primates and Chimps and Bonobos share 98.4% DNA with Humans.

The reason the Apes are endangered is due mostly to Logging and killing them for Meat. However, he stresses that we must understand the dire circumstances that the local farmers live under. They struggle to survive. In order for Conservation to work, we must assist and listen to the local people in these villages.

Dr. Quinn took the pictures in Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malaysia, and the Central African Republic.

This is a book I would very much like to have in the Hard Cover version and will purchase it in April. I think most people would love to look through this Gorgeous book.

Thank you, NetGalley, Ken Quinn, and Girl Friday Productions. It touched my heart to read and see this book and the efforts made to help Apes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions for an opportunity to read Just Like Us

This is such a beautiful book - I can’t stop looking at the photos and will definitely be buying a copy for my bookshelf .