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Learning to Play With a Lion's Testicles: Unexpected Gifts From the Animals of Africa
The cheeky title of Melissa Haynes's story of adventure in Africa, Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles , earned the book some big publicity on NBC-TV/Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on September 4,2013 where it topped the show's list of "Titles Not to Read" for September 2013. Melissa's book was also a big smash on the March 11, 2014 Ellen Show , where Ellen and guest Ricky Gervais highlighted the book throughout the entire hour.
Playing with a lion’s An African saying that means to take foolhardy chances.
For the reader who has ever dreamed of going to Africa or knows the pain of loss and guilt, Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles will fill your soul.
Melissa, an exhausted executive from the city seeks meaning and purpose from her work volunteers for a Big Five conservation project in South Africa. Her boss, an over-zealous ranger, nicknamed the Drill Sergeant, has no patience for city folk, especially if they're women. He tries to send her packing on day one, but Melissa stands her ground with grit and determination, however shaky it may be.
Conflict soon sets the pace with a cast filled with predatory cats and violent elephants, an on-going battle of wits with the Drill Sergeant. Even Mother Nature pounds the reserve with the worst storm in a century. But the most enduring and profound conflict is the internal battle going on within Melissa, as she tries to come to terms with the guilt surrounding her mother's death. When death grips the game reserve, it is the very animals Melissa has come to save that end up saving her.
Playing with a lion’s An African saying that means to take foolhardy chances.
For the reader who has ever dreamed of going to Africa or knows the pain of loss and guilt, Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles will fill your soul.
Melissa, an exhausted executive from the city seeks meaning and purpose from her work volunteers for a Big Five conservation project in South Africa. Her boss, an over-zealous ranger, nicknamed the Drill Sergeant, has no patience for city folk, especially if they're women. He tries to send her packing on day one, but Melissa stands her ground with grit and determination, however shaky it may be.
Conflict soon sets the pace with a cast filled with predatory cats and violent elephants, an on-going battle of wits with the Drill Sergeant. Even Mother Nature pounds the reserve with the worst storm in a century. But the most enduring and profound conflict is the internal battle going on within Melissa, as she tries to come to terms with the guilt surrounding her mother's death. When death grips the game reserve, it is the very animals Melissa has come to save that end up saving her.
235 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
7 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Haynes
3 books11 followersMelissa Haynes: Chronic adventure junkie, conservationist and ink slinger.
They say when we step outside of our comfort zone magic happens and Melissa didn't just step out of her comfort zone; she shot herself out of a human cannon to get as far away from it as possible.
But the real magic happens when we give of ourselves because in giving we receive and we receive beyond our greatest dreams. Combine the two and the results are nothing short of a miracle.
Her debut book, Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles is the story of the miracles she experienced in South Africa with an unlikely cast of characters - both two legged and four.
Live with courage or die with regret is one of the many messages in her African adventure memoir, Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles.
Playing with a lion's testicles: A South African expression that means to take foolhardy chances.
Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles: Unexpected Gifts from the Animals of Africa
They say when we step outside of our comfort zone magic happens and Melissa didn't just step out of her comfort zone; she shot herself out of a human cannon to get as far away from it as possible.
But the real magic happens when we give of ourselves because in giving we receive and we receive beyond our greatest dreams. Combine the two and the results are nothing short of a miracle.
Her debut book, Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles is the story of the miracles she experienced in South Africa with an unlikely cast of characters - both two legged and four.
Live with courage or die with regret is one of the many messages in her African adventure memoir, Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles.
Playing with a lion's testicles: A South African expression that means to take foolhardy chances.
Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles: Unexpected Gifts from the Animals of Africa
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 3, 2016
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
I was expecting something entirely different inside this book; despite the title, the cover art fooled me into believing this book was much more serious than it was. There was the element of the author's struggles to come to terms with her mother's death, but the mood of the Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles was ridiculously engaging. Melissa Haynes obviously felt very little concern over maintaining her dignity as she repeatedly threw herself under the bus for a good laugh. Her writing style reminded me of Jen Lancaster's; I kept stopping my reading to look at the book's cover to make sense of why Jen was on Safari. Weird, but good.
A physical copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author for purposes of review.
I was expecting something entirely different inside this book; despite the title, the cover art fooled me into believing this book was much more serious than it was. There was the element of the author's struggles to come to terms with her mother's death, but the mood of the Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicles was ridiculously engaging. Melissa Haynes obviously felt very little concern over maintaining her dignity as she repeatedly threw herself under the bus for a good laugh. Her writing style reminded me of Jen Lancaster's; I kept stopping my reading to look at the book's cover to make sense of why Jen was on Safari. Weird, but good.
A physical copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author for purposes of review.
December 31, 2013
I might not have ever read this book had it not the word 'testicles' in the title.
A friend browsing on Amazon saw that and decided this was the perfect gift for my bookshelf. Go figure... and that title might just be the most un-cliched line in the entire book.
I think I would miss many good things though if I disregarded them on that basis alone, but to leave some honest criticism, much of this book was built up of cliches. Middle-class blonde American girl goes off to Africa after her mother dies, hoping to find her purpose in volunteer work. Her direct superior is a beautiful, twatiful ranger and the endangered species she wishes to protect would just as soon kill her as not. Enraged elephants, surly superiors, ferocious felines, oh my. Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore.
The earnestness and complete sincerity of this book's set-up made me roll my eyes at first--and then feel thoroughly ashamed of myself.
Do all of us have to be so cynical?
I don't know if it was the book's intention, but beyond its artless message of finding oneself in the world was a meta message imploring me to not lose hope and to try my best, even if that effort reaches only one person--and that message I found genuinely touching.
I'm glad this will be the last thing I read in 2013. It's filled with adventure and hope for new beginnings.
A friend browsing on Amazon saw that and decided this was the perfect gift for my bookshelf. Go figure... and that title might just be the most un-cliched line in the entire book.
I think I would miss many good things though if I disregarded them on that basis alone, but to leave some honest criticism, much of this book was built up of cliches. Middle-class blonde American girl goes off to Africa after her mother dies, hoping to find her purpose in volunteer work. Her direct superior is a beautiful, twatiful ranger and the endangered species she wishes to protect would just as soon kill her as not. Enraged elephants, surly superiors, ferocious felines, oh my. Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore.
The earnestness and complete sincerity of this book's set-up made me roll my eyes at first--and then feel thoroughly ashamed of myself.
Do all of us have to be so cynical?
I don't know if it was the book's intention, but beyond its artless message of finding oneself in the world was a meta message imploring me to not lose hope and to try my best, even if that effort reaches only one person--and that message I found genuinely touching.
I'm glad this will be the last thing I read in 2013. It's filled with adventure and hope for new beginnings.
February 1, 2018
This is a tough one to rate. I would have liked more depth in the coverage of the conservation aspect. Instead, it's more of a short memoir of how that experience helped the author deal with the grief of family loss. But my biggest issue is that (and I'm sorry if the author reads this), she's too whiny and a bit of a jerk through most of the book. On the other hand, the conservation park stories, though too few, are interesting. And the parts dealing with her mother resonated with me for personal reasons. So, I give it 3 1/2 stars, rounding up to 4 because of the great title.
October 23, 2013
This book was not quite what I expected but I really enjoyed it anyway. I was looking for a more conservationist experience and what I got was a personal growth story. I can't say I'm disappointed though, it was a quick read and held my interest. While it was deep in parts, it was also laugh out loud funny in others. Her experience in the game reserve is amazing, whether she's running from lions, being charged by a rhino, or having dung thrown at her by a pissed off elephant; she never gives up and becomes a stonger person both physically and mentally throughout this experience.
April 14, 2013
A touching story of dealing with loss in an unexpected way.....volunteering on a African game reserve. It has humour ( think a little James Herriott ), adventure, and learning some life lessons. A very easy read and I found myself not wanting to put it down till I finished. I don't know if I will ever travel to a game reserve but this is pretty close with the descriptive story-telling. I went through a number of emotions as I read and to me that's a good book. Highly recommend this book.
March 20, 2013
I have read an advanced copy and it is excellent! A moving story of coming to terms with guilt over death and the adventures of volunteering on a wildlife reserve and what animals can teach you. Highly recommend.
July 11, 2013
Having such an odd title, I was skeptical. I really enjoyed this story. Beautifully narrated by the author, it had me crying along with her thru her struggles and laughing out loud at her adventures. I would recommend this book.
July 29, 2013
This book had many strengths but many weaknesses too. I was very irritated by the spoilt blonde but deeply moved when she wrote about her mother. The last chapter about what she learnt was the best of the book.
March 20, 2013
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!!! Couldnt put it down. It made me laugh, it made me cry. A must read.
March 15, 2022
This gives a good explanation on how to really go behind a lion and play with his testicles, it seems realistic. I would really want to play with a lions testicles but I'm just too scared to even go near a lion. I don't want to risk my life just trying to play with testicles, even If I properly learned how to and even If I had a 100% chance of survivability. Overall 4 star book. I enjoyed.
December 12, 2017
I'm not going to say that the second half of the book made the first worth it... but it DEFINITELY softened this review! Within the first twenty pages or so I was already convinced this would turn into a hate-read (but as short as it is I figured I'd power through just in case it miraculously got better).
First thing is first. 'Playing with a lion's testicles' means taking foolhardy chances, the book title suggests she needed to somehow learn this? No. She did this from day one... as if she was a professional.
Other than that, I had three main issues.
1.) Holy fucking whine! She whines and pouts nonstop. Imagine dropping a teenage cheerleader in the bush and you'll get an idea of what I mean. She actually says 'Eeek' & sasses 4 ton elephant as if will cower before her. She has the same inner monologue about whether the ranger is attracted to her and then bashing him when he shows no interest. She's arrogant and belligerent and then cries when shit goes wrong (or turns out exactly as she was told it would if she didn't listen). The majority of her early woes are self-induced, and amplified by her own whining. For fuck's sake she won't even sleep in her tent until like 3 days before she heads home--I literally snorted when I read the the author bio and she said she's a "adventure junkie."
2.) She's clueless. For claiming to be 'passionate' about Africa and its wildlife she was ignorant as hell or grief numbed the part of her brain where that passion and know-how was stored. Chapter one has her wondering if an anaconda is outside her tent? You mean the giant snake that lives on a different fucking continent? She references surviving the 'outback' ...again, a different content than the one she was presently on! She repeatedly mentions how mean Gerrit "Drill Sergeant" is, specifically after she does stupid shit like jumping into a crocodile infested mud pit or harrassing elephants.
3.)The formatting. There's NO flow or separation between the present and flashbacks. None. Most of them in NO way are tied to or sparked by whatever she'd just been talking about. They're almost randomly placed as if to fill the gap or remind you that her mother died. She does something equally aggravating during internal conflicts, putting everything in quotations instead of italicizing it... this is REALLY an issue towards the end of the book when she's talking to Gerrit while she's doing this. Also, the last two chapters are out of chronological order and it's a bit jarring. She leaves the reserve and goes on another mini excursion and you have no sense of closure for the weeks she spent there and then the last chapter is about her saying goodbye before going on that outing. I admit the farewell chapter is the best way to end the book, I just don't think the chapter before it is necessary at all (other than to show she's capable of joy and enjoying life).
The ONLY reason I gave this more than one star is because of the last few chapters. After more than 150 pages of her being a whining idiot she finally pulls herself together. There's some decent introspection, and self-reckoning. Like I said, the last 50 pages don't make up for the first 3/4 of the book, but you begrudgingly accept that the first 150 pages of nonsense had purpose, and that those last few dozen pages wouldn't have the weight or impact they do without it.
But don't pay full price for it.
First thing is first. 'Playing with a lion's testicles' means taking foolhardy chances, the book title suggests she needed to somehow learn this? No. She did this from day one... as if she was a professional.
Other than that, I had three main issues.
1.) Holy fucking whine! She whines and pouts nonstop. Imagine dropping a teenage cheerleader in the bush and you'll get an idea of what I mean. She actually says 'Eeek' & sasses 4 ton elephant as if will cower before her. She has the same inner monologue about whether the ranger is attracted to her and then bashing him when he shows no interest. She's arrogant and belligerent and then cries when shit goes wrong (or turns out exactly as she was told it would if she didn't listen). The majority of her early woes are self-induced, and amplified by her own whining. For fuck's sake she won't even sleep in her tent until like 3 days before she heads home--I literally snorted when I read the the author bio and she said she's a "adventure junkie."
2.) She's clueless. For claiming to be 'passionate' about Africa and its wildlife she was ignorant as hell or grief numbed the part of her brain where that passion and know-how was stored. Chapter one has her wondering if an anaconda is outside her tent? You mean the giant snake that lives on a different fucking continent? She references surviving the 'outback' ...again, a different content than the one she was presently on! She repeatedly mentions how mean Gerrit "Drill Sergeant" is, specifically after she does stupid shit like jumping into a crocodile infested mud pit or harrassing elephants.
3.)The formatting. There's NO flow or separation between the present and flashbacks. None. Most of them in NO way are tied to or sparked by whatever she'd just been talking about. They're almost randomly placed as if to fill the gap or remind you that her mother died. She does something equally aggravating during internal conflicts, putting everything in quotations instead of italicizing it... this is REALLY an issue towards the end of the book when she's talking to Gerrit while she's doing this. Also, the last two chapters are out of chronological order and it's a bit jarring. She leaves the reserve and goes on another mini excursion and you have no sense of closure for the weeks she spent there and then the last chapter is about her saying goodbye before going on that outing. I admit the farewell chapter is the best way to end the book, I just don't think the chapter before it is necessary at all (other than to show she's capable of joy and enjoying life).
The ONLY reason I gave this more than one star is because of the last few chapters. After more than 150 pages of her being a whining idiot she finally pulls herself together. There's some decent introspection, and self-reckoning. Like I said, the last 50 pages don't make up for the first 3/4 of the book, but you begrudgingly accept that the first 150 pages of nonsense had purpose, and that those last few dozen pages wouldn't have the weight or impact they do without it.
But don't pay full price for it.
January 9, 2014
Once I saw the meaning behind the title and got over my initial shock (wonderful marketing ploy, eh?), I was excited to read this one. I love volunteering, and although I will likely never get to do so abroad, this was a way to see what that would be like and live vicariously for a bit. At some points, not having to experience these things firsthand was quite the blessing. I have done my share of back-breaking labor and am happy to escape mucking an elephant house repeatedly. Other points in the text made me wish I could see such beautiful landscapes and majestic creatures up close as Haynes was able to. I felt the ups and downs of the trials of the human spirit, and I found myself doing little inner cheers whenever she persevered. Through it all, she shone and kept her sharp wit and keen sense of humor.
The writing itself is pretty good. What really bothered me was the incredible amount of errors with grammar. I would imagine this coming from someone who vanity published before letting any other set of eyes take in the work, but she thanked an editor for her services. That editor should either feel ashamed for doing such a crappy job or take some more lessons. I have sometimes put down books with far less mistakes. It would have been a shame for me to have missed this one because of it.
The writing itself is pretty good. What really bothered me was the incredible amount of errors with grammar. I would imagine this coming from someone who vanity published before letting any other set of eyes take in the work, but she thanked an editor for her services. That editor should either feel ashamed for doing such a crappy job or take some more lessons. I have sometimes put down books with far less mistakes. It would have been a shame for me to have missed this one because of it.
April 26, 2016
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway :)
I liked this book a lot.
The first few chapters of it were a little clunky and hard to wade through; I didn't like the switching back between the city life and the reserve (where a lot of the life lessons happen). I think that the book would do better to clump the city stuff in the beginning and THEN move to Africa... for narrative purposes and less confusion with continuity.
I wasn't so impressed with the city excerpts as I was with the African excerpts. I found the animals and all of their personalities fascinating, and I admire Haynes for being such a determined and hard-working woman throughout her time there. There was a lot of heart between the author and the people there; I found the way she described these interactions very moving. And I adore how she doesn't just betray the animals as animals- they become 'people' in her story. They have thoughts and feelings, and the author cares about them very much.
The best part is that I feel I could recommend this book to anyone! Not just a select few who are interested in reserve life or animal conservation. I believe everyone who reads this book will take away something special, and all the while have fun doing it.
I liked this book a lot.
The first few chapters of it were a little clunky and hard to wade through; I didn't like the switching back between the city life and the reserve (where a lot of the life lessons happen). I think that the book would do better to clump the city stuff in the beginning and THEN move to Africa... for narrative purposes and less confusion with continuity.
I wasn't so impressed with the city excerpts as I was with the African excerpts. I found the animals and all of their personalities fascinating, and I admire Haynes for being such a determined and hard-working woman throughout her time there. There was a lot of heart between the author and the people there; I found the way she described these interactions very moving. And I adore how she doesn't just betray the animals as animals- they become 'people' in her story. They have thoughts and feelings, and the author cares about them very much.
The best part is that I feel I could recommend this book to anyone! Not just a select few who are interested in reserve life or animal conservation. I believe everyone who reads this book will take away something special, and all the while have fun doing it.
May 6, 2014
I don't read non fiction or memoirs ever ; but I do like watching The Discovery Channel when Lions are being featured, I love these beasts! & that is exactly what drew me to this novel, at a glance.
I took my time reading this book because I wanted to conserve the experience and really reflect on Melissa's journey. I think I enjoyed this memoir so much because it was: very real, funny, inspiring, and took place in Africa! I can honestly say I am inspired and have added volunteering in a wild life reserve on my bucket list!! (I do volunteer at hospitals a few months out of the year now) Im glad Melissa found peace with herself in Africa and would recommend this book to anyone that likes nature or looking for something fresh to read.
October 5, 2014
This safari kicked it out of second gear midway through its short 209 page journey. In the beginning I was spinning my wheels on antelope species, primitive African tools, and inhospitable Serengeti terrain. The road then opened up and delved into the dark emotions the author experienced after the death of her mother. As a reader I enjoyed being on the jalopy ride enough to give this memoir ⭐️⭐️⭐️. And if dismembering carcasses truly brings the inner peace the author describes I would consider Learning to Play with a Lion's Testicle myself. Until then Hakuna Matata will have to remain my mantra.
April 1, 2014
Wasn't sure what to expect from the title but I did enjoy it very much. Some serious moments as the author recalls her mothers suffering through cancer. Having just lost several people this portion was quite heartbreaking.
The African safari portions were comical. I could envision many people having the same unrealistic expectations of volunteering. The ideal of a wonderful, romantic adventure only to be disappointed with the reality of hard, back breaking and very un-glamorous work.
All in all it's a very nice quick read.
The African safari portions were comical. I could envision many people having the same unrealistic expectations of volunteering. The ideal of a wonderful, romantic adventure only to be disappointed with the reality of hard, back breaking and very un-glamorous work.
All in all it's a very nice quick read.
March 20, 2013
After reading an advanced copy I would highly recommend this book. As an animal lover I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptive nature and the healing powers that Melissa received and attributed to the animals she interacted with while volunteering on the wildlife reserve. It is a touching tale of coming to terms with guilt after loosing her mother, moving forward and includes some great truimfs over lifes lessons.
December 15, 2015
Honestly I saw this book on facebook or something and thought " haha funny title" so I bought it and read the first chapter and stopped reading it, but then I started reading a lot again so I decided to finish this book and at first it was a little hard to get into, but then I got really into it. It's actually a very good book about how through extensive exposure therapy anyone can overcome there fears and internal problems. 9/10 would recommend to some people.
April 24, 2013
I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy in the mail (autographed to boot)I could not wait to read about my friends adventures in Africa. I love the emotion, the rawness and the healing that Melissa experienced throughout. Funny how grief is different in each and everyone of us. Even the animals. A touching read. Thanks Melissa! xo
June 23, 2014
I really liked this book. Melissa's experiences of volunteering on a South African conservation project were told with a sense of humour and how she finally deals with her grief over the lose of her mother is poignant. This book is sure to turn up on book club reading lists and will get people thinking about volunteering.
August 7, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found myself cheering Melissa on and hoping she made it. She made some great discoveries about herself and her what she was running from. Being in Africa definitely a great place for her to find herself and heal.
June 3, 2013
This memoir is a vivid story of deep grief and learning that will leave you cheering the author. Good read.
June 22, 2013
It was ok.
October 18, 2013
I loved this book! It was about healing and accepting death but was a very enjoyable, funny read
May 20, 2015
Absolutely amazing. Makes you laugh, makes you want to cry, very well written. Laughed throughout the book.
Want to read
March 11, 2014Ellen Show
May 20, 2014
I was hesitant to read because the name was so weird! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and encourage others to read!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews