FROM SHARK ATTACK SURVIVOR TO THE SHARK’S BIGGEST ADVOCATE.
Something happens to you the first time you dive with sharks…
WE HAVE A PERENNIAL FASCINATION WITH SHARKS.
Portrayed in the media and popular culture as killing machines, we are awed by their power and strength. But the shark is so much more – a marvel of the sea, they have evolved over 450 million years into over 500 species, from the bioluminescent kitefin to the tiny dwarf lantern shark, the sociable lemon shark to the cow shark, which can birth up to 100 pups in one litter. Bringing balance to the ocean's ecosystem, our planet is at serious risk when these amazing creatures are threatened.
Paul de Gelder, who lost two limbs in a shark attack during a mission as an elite Australian navy clearance diver, spent time as part of his recovery learning all about sharks. He became so obsessed that, despite what happened to him, he is now an expert and has dedicated his life to helping save them. Shark is his love-letter to these unfairly vilified animals, and his warning to the world about what will happen if we don't look out for them.
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
As someone who has experienced firsthand the power of these apex predators, Paul brings an extraordinary perspective to shark conservation. His journey from victim to advocate offers a powerful testament to the importance of understanding rather than fearing these magnificent creatures.
"De Gelder's uncommon perspective distinguishes the book, and it amplifies his call to protect sharks: if he sounds the alarm, the rest of us should at least take notice." — New Scientist
"An ode to the species… De Gelder's passion is all the more impressive when you learn about his own first near-fatal encounter." — Guardian
"This book will dissolve your fear, turn it into fascination, and truly make you LOVE sharks. They are magnificent creatures, vital to our ecosystems and the survival of every living being on the planet. This may be one of the most important, and most captivating reads of our time!" — Rhiannon Bresnitz
"Very well written and easy to read. I believe this should be a book that everyone should read - just to know how important sharks are. Very inspiring and this book could really motivate a lot of people to stand up for sharks and for the future of our planet." — Eric
"He has shown that you can move beyond what has happened and embrace what you have now and move into the future!!!" — Billy-Jade K Achiu
"I listened to the audiobook version to hear Paul speak his own words. I enjoyed his book and I think he was able to portray the urgency of protecting the ocean and its amazing beings with facts, humor and giving us resources to look into." — CLM
"This book is his love letter basically to all things sharks. You will learn a lot about different shark types, eating habits, and so much more." — Danielle
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
Paul de Gelder is a former Australian Army Paratrooper and Navy Clearance Diver who survived a brutal shark attack that claimed his hand and leg. Rather than surrendering to limitation, Paul transformed this life-altering event into a platform for global impact as a speaker, environmentalist, television personality, and advocate.
His remarkable evolution from troubled youth to military elite to global inspiration demonstrates how the right mindset transforms setbacks into platforms for extraordinary impact.
