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My Steve
Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter, Aussie larrikin, the man who brought wildlife to the world-this is how we saw him. In My Steve, Terri Irwin portrays her husband as he really was-a devoted family man, a fervently dedicated environmentalist, a modest bloke who spoke to millions on behalf of those who could not speak for themselves.
For Terri and their children Bindi and Robert, the world stopped the day Steve was tragically killed. Millions of people shared their pain as they struggled to accept that this larger-than-life character was gone from their lives. But Steve's legacy remains, and his work goes on as a new generation of the Irwin family rises to the challenge.
My Steve is an uplifting, humorous and heart-breaking account of Terri's relationship with Steve, the work they carried out together, and their unswerving commitment to wildlife conservation. Wrestling crocodiles in north Queensland one day, attending the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles the next, theirs was a life of contrast and excitement. But it was also one filled with warmth and compassion, and a deep respect for the beauty and riches of our natural environment.
My Steve is a non-stop adventure, a love story, and a fitting and inspiring tribute to a man adored by everyone whose life he touched.
For Terri and their children Bindi and Robert, the world stopped the day Steve was tragically killed. Millions of people shared their pain as they struggled to accept that this larger-than-life character was gone from their lives. But Steve's legacy remains, and his work goes on as a new generation of the Irwin family rises to the challenge.
My Steve is an uplifting, humorous and heart-breaking account of Terri's relationship with Steve, the work they carried out together, and their unswerving commitment to wildlife conservation. Wrestling crocodiles in north Queensland one day, attending the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles the next, theirs was a life of contrast and excitement. But it was also one filled with warmth and compassion, and a deep respect for the beauty and riches of our natural environment.
My Steve is a non-stop adventure, a love story, and a fitting and inspiring tribute to a man adored by everyone whose life he touched.
268 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Terri Irwin
15 books97 followersTerri Irwin is an Australian-based, American-born naturalist, author, the widow of Australian naturalist Steve Irwin and owner of Australia Zoo at Beerwah, Queensland, Australia. She co-starred with her husband on The Crocodile Hunter, their unconventional television nature documentary series along with its spin-off series, Croc Files and The Crocodile Hunter Diaries. She has lived in Australia since 1992, when she married Steve Irwin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 627 reviews
January 15, 2021
Lately I have been finding a lot of comfort in watching Crikey, It’s The Irwins (Terri, Bindi, and Robert Irwin’s show all about Australia Zoo) and reruns of The Crocodile Hunter. Steve was a childhood hero to so many of us, and his untimely death in 2006 was tragic. I had to pick up this book all about Steve and his wife Terri’s love story - told from Terri’s perspective. This was written/published in 2007, one year after the tragedy.
She often tells the story of how she met Steve and subsequent little stories about their relationship during documentaries and interviews since his passing, and they were, completely, wildly in love.
Their love story started as a chance encounter, as Terri decided to visit the Beerwah Reptile And Fauna Park (Now Australia Zoo) with some friends whilst holidaying in Australia’s Gold Coast. She first saw Steve doing one of his crocodile demonstrations, he was filled with knowledge and enthusiasm about them. She knew that she had to meet this man, to deeply converse with him, and the rest is history.
Their shared passion for wildlife conservation and a true understanding for the well-being of animals really seemed to bring them together. She loved helping cougars, he loved helping crocodiles. As a team, they were selfless and compassionate.
Upon having their children, Bindi and Robert, it was Steve’s dream for them to one day carry on his legacy as wildlife warriors and that is exactly what has happened. Terri, Bindi and Robert still own and live in Australia Zoo to this day, doing the crocodile feeds and shows just like Steve did. 🐊
These quotes by Terri really sums up her and her family’s philosophy towards wildlife conservation:
”When you help an animal, do your absolute best to make sure you don’t harm it at the same time.”
”Never walk past a problem with an animal — fix it.”
She often tells the story of how she met Steve and subsequent little stories about their relationship during documentaries and interviews since his passing, and they were, completely, wildly in love.
Their love story started as a chance encounter, as Terri decided to visit the Beerwah Reptile And Fauna Park (Now Australia Zoo) with some friends whilst holidaying in Australia’s Gold Coast. She first saw Steve doing one of his crocodile demonstrations, he was filled with knowledge and enthusiasm about them. She knew that she had to meet this man, to deeply converse with him, and the rest is history.
Their shared passion for wildlife conservation and a true understanding for the well-being of animals really seemed to bring them together. She loved helping cougars, he loved helping crocodiles. As a team, they were selfless and compassionate.
Upon having their children, Bindi and Robert, it was Steve’s dream for them to one day carry on his legacy as wildlife warriors and that is exactly what has happened. Terri, Bindi and Robert still own and live in Australia Zoo to this day, doing the crocodile feeds and shows just like Steve did. 🐊
These quotes by Terri really sums up her and her family’s philosophy towards wildlife conservation:
”When you help an animal, do your absolute best to make sure you don’t harm it at the same time.”
”Never walk past a problem with an animal — fix it.”
January 2, 2019
4.5 stars
“When your hero dies, everything he stood for does not end. Everything he stood for must continue”.
This book was really heartwarming, refreshing and awe-inspiring. It was satisfying to read about Steve’s life from Terri Irwin’s perspective, it felt authentic.
Reading about the early stages of Terri and Steve’s relationship was captivating as it exemplified how genuine their love was for each other.
The last part of the book that touched on Steve’s death really hit me hard and I think I cried for a good hour. I just can’t understand, why bad things happen to such good people but that question is for another time and place.
Steve’s wildlife legacy is continuing on in the hands of his incredible family. Terri, Bindi and Robert are the definition of a family making the very best out of terrible situation. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who was touched by Steve. We owe a lot the Aussie crocodile hunter who will remain eternally young, strong and brave in our eyes.
“When your hero dies, everything he stood for does not end. Everything he stood for must continue”.
This book was really heartwarming, refreshing and awe-inspiring. It was satisfying to read about Steve’s life from Terri Irwin’s perspective, it felt authentic.
Reading about the early stages of Terri and Steve’s relationship was captivating as it exemplified how genuine their love was for each other.
The last part of the book that touched on Steve’s death really hit me hard and I think I cried for a good hour. I just can’t understand, why bad things happen to such good people but that question is for another time and place.
Steve’s wildlife legacy is continuing on in the hands of his incredible family. Terri, Bindi and Robert are the definition of a family making the very best out of terrible situation. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who was touched by Steve. We owe a lot the Aussie crocodile hunter who will remain eternally young, strong and brave in our eyes.
November 5, 2024
As someone who often watched Animal Planet in the late '90's and early aughts, Steve Irwin's death hit me hard. I remember waking up on Labor Day 2006 and hearing the sad news; it's still shocking to think he is gone.
Terri, his widow, does a great job of showing us who her late husband really was. Sure, everybody saw him on television...but, what was he like behind the scenes? His dedication to wildlife and his family is evident in every story she shares here.
Unfortunately, some suggestive details and occasional profanity get thrown into the mix. Talking about the things Steve did to make his second child be a boy is simply too much information. Still, those content issues are minor and infrequent; most adults won't be bothered by them, and this remains a superb portrait of a late great champion for nature.
Terri, his widow, does a great job of showing us who her late husband really was. Sure, everybody saw him on television...but, what was he like behind the scenes? His dedication to wildlife and his family is evident in every story she shares here.
Unfortunately, some suggestive details and occasional profanity get thrown into the mix. Talking about the things Steve did to make his second child be a boy is simply too much information. Still, those content issues are minor and infrequent; most adults won't be bothered by them, and this remains a superb portrait of a late great champion for nature.
April 27, 2016
I can't say enough good things about this book. It was truly one of those reads that you want to put your life on hold for and just lose yourself in. But I guess with a life and a persona like Steve's, that would be missing the point.
Terri's acknowledgements mention a 900 page first draft...where can I find that??
Terri's acknowledgements mention a 900 page first draft...where can I find that??
September 4, 2012
~8 years ago today we lost Steve Irwin so I'm rebooting my review~
Opening Line:"The name of the zoo was the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park."
You will really get a feel for the Crocodile Hunter's spirit and zest for life with this memoir but also a continuing feeling of urgency on his part to experience everything and get things done as quickly as possible. Its as if he knew that he wasn't long for this earth. Steve also had a strong sense of family and longed for children to carry on his work after he was gone.
Terri Irwin has written a wonderful love story with this tribute to her late husband. Encompassing her life in Oregon before she met Steve on that fateful day in Australia and their many adventures together afterwards. She has managed to capture the spirit of this Wildlife Warrior perfectly and although not full of personal revelations this is still a well written memoir that I couldn't put down. Including 12 pages of photographs and a glossary of Australian terms, fans of the Crocodile Hunter and Steve in general will be swept away in the adventure and enthusiasm that was his life.
When Terri was 27 years old she took a vacation to Australia. While there she visited a small wildlife park and in a chance of fate met the tall blonde force of nature named Steve Irwin. The two maintained a long distance relationship over the following year but were soon married. In fact their honeymoon escapade became the very first episode of the Crocodile Hunter.
At first Terri had a tough time adjusting to life in Australia, it was quite different from what she was used to back in Portland Oregon. The snakes and spiders, the language barrier and the heat. She gives us many great stories of her newlywed years; working at Australia Zoo and their adventures in the bush where Steve was happiest. There's also some background about Terri's life before she met Steve and I was interested to learn that she'd also worked with animals back in the States, in particular a cougar rescue facility. She even had a pet cougar named Malina who she tried for years (unsuccessfully) to get into Australia. There are a few stories of Steve's childhood, working alongside his father as they perfected the art of capturing and relocating crocodiles. Steve often spent months alone in the bush and his capture of "the black ghost" helped shape him into the man he became.
Even though we all know what happened the ending of this book is still absolutely heartbreaking. I would suggest that you have some tissues handy as Terri unknowingly describes in detail the last time she and the children saw Steve and the last words she said to him.
Steve Irwin always felt a need to hurry yet he lived his life full of joy and enthusiasm. We miss you mate but our world is a better place because of your work. I now catch myself rescuing spiders from the bathtub and think of you, thanks.
Opening Line:"The name of the zoo was the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park."
You will really get a feel for the Crocodile Hunter's spirit and zest for life with this memoir but also a continuing feeling of urgency on his part to experience everything and get things done as quickly as possible. Its as if he knew that he wasn't long for this earth. Steve also had a strong sense of family and longed for children to carry on his work after he was gone.
Terri Irwin has written a wonderful love story with this tribute to her late husband. Encompassing her life in Oregon before she met Steve on that fateful day in Australia and their many adventures together afterwards. She has managed to capture the spirit of this Wildlife Warrior perfectly and although not full of personal revelations this is still a well written memoir that I couldn't put down. Including 12 pages of photographs and a glossary of Australian terms, fans of the Crocodile Hunter and Steve in general will be swept away in the adventure and enthusiasm that was his life.
When Terri was 27 years old she took a vacation to Australia. While there she visited a small wildlife park and in a chance of fate met the tall blonde force of nature named Steve Irwin. The two maintained a long distance relationship over the following year but were soon married. In fact their honeymoon escapade became the very first episode of the Crocodile Hunter.
At first Terri had a tough time adjusting to life in Australia, it was quite different from what she was used to back in Portland Oregon. The snakes and spiders, the language barrier and the heat. She gives us many great stories of her newlywed years; working at Australia Zoo and their adventures in the bush where Steve was happiest. There's also some background about Terri's life before she met Steve and I was interested to learn that she'd also worked with animals back in the States, in particular a cougar rescue facility. She even had a pet cougar named Malina who she tried for years (unsuccessfully) to get into Australia. There are a few stories of Steve's childhood, working alongside his father as they perfected the art of capturing and relocating crocodiles. Steve often spent months alone in the bush and his capture of "the black ghost" helped shape him into the man he became.
Even though we all know what happened the ending of this book is still absolutely heartbreaking. I would suggest that you have some tissues handy as Terri unknowingly describes in detail the last time she and the children saw Steve and the last words she said to him.
Steve Irwin always felt a need to hurry yet he lived his life full of joy and enthusiasm. We miss you mate but our world is a better place because of your work. I now catch myself rescuing spiders from the bathtub and think of you, thanks.
November 2, 2008
I loved this book! It is a very easy read and mainly filled with stories about Steve and Terri.
A friend was reading Steve and Me at school and remarked at how good it is. I borrowed it during the beginning of class to read a few pages. The word "kindred spirit" jumped out at me. Terri calls Steve her kindred spirit. I am very interested in how much Terri talks about the energies Steve had, and how he drew animals to him. He seems so connected to the animals that he not only studied them but knew them. Like the incident where he thought he'd see a fierce snake two minutes after he said he would. I also found it interesting that he thought he would die young and in action.
I cried at the end of the book. But the book doesn't focus on his death, it celebrates his life. Terri provides lots of great stories to really bring Steve Irwin alive. I'd seen some of his TV shows on Animal Planet but hearing from Terri that he was truly as passionate, energetic, and loving as he seemed without an ego was really powerful.
A friend was reading Steve and Me at school and remarked at how good it is. I borrowed it during the beginning of class to read a few pages. The word "kindred spirit" jumped out at me. Terri calls Steve her kindred spirit. I am very interested in how much Terri talks about the energies Steve had, and how he drew animals to him. He seems so connected to the animals that he not only studied them but knew them. Like the incident where he thought he'd see a fierce snake two minutes after he said he would. I also found it interesting that he thought he would die young and in action.
I cried at the end of the book. But the book doesn't focus on his death, it celebrates his life. Terri provides lots of great stories to really bring Steve Irwin alive. I'd seen some of his TV shows on Animal Planet but hearing from Terri that he was truly as passionate, energetic, and loving as he seemed without an ego was really powerful.
September 30, 2016
"One crowded hour of glorious life is worth more than an age without a name."
That quote made me re-think what I'm doing. Steve Irwin packed so much into everyday of his life, and I can't remember what I did two weeks ago.
I realized while reading this that it wasn't so much an homage to the amazing person that Steve was, but another way of continuing the message of wildlife conservation that he fought for every day of his life.
The other amazing thing was the relationship between Steve and Terri. They had a marriage like no other. One of their first dates was a trip into the wilderness on a canoe looking for crocs. Their honeymoon was the filming of the first Crocodile Hunter. They were both totally committed to wildlife preservation, and worked side-by-side making their conservation dreams into realities. The book is full of stories from the Australian bush, encounters they had with amazing wildlife, and moments they shared as a family that touched them.
His death was tragic, but rather than dwell on the loss, she celebrates his life and everything that he lived for. Inspirational.
That quote made me re-think what I'm doing. Steve Irwin packed so much into everyday of his life, and I can't remember what I did two weeks ago.
I realized while reading this that it wasn't so much an homage to the amazing person that Steve was, but another way of continuing the message of wildlife conservation that he fought for every day of his life.
The other amazing thing was the relationship between Steve and Terri. They had a marriage like no other. One of their first dates was a trip into the wilderness on a canoe looking for crocs. Their honeymoon was the filming of the first Crocodile Hunter. They were both totally committed to wildlife preservation, and worked side-by-side making their conservation dreams into realities. The book is full of stories from the Australian bush, encounters they had with amazing wildlife, and moments they shared as a family that touched them.
His death was tragic, but rather than dwell on the loss, she celebrates his life and everything that he lived for. Inspirational.
Read
March 19, 2008I never really was a Crocodile Hunter fan (mostly just squeamish from looking at how scary some of the animals were.) But after Steve Irwin died, I saw a Barbara Walters TV interview with his wife Terri. I was impressed with how well she carried herself, but also showed her emotions as well. So I picked up this book based purely on the fact I was impressed with Terri Irwin.
There are definitely some times where I felt the book had a fairy tale like quality to it but it was also really cool to get background on their lives and see how everything worked behind the scenes. Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me.
There are definitely some times where I felt the book had a fairy tale like quality to it but it was also really cool to get background on their lives and see how everything worked behind the scenes. Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me.
January 29, 2016
When Steve told me the story of the capture, I got the sense that he felt sorry he had to catch the crocodile at all.
"It seemed wrong to remove the king of the river," Steve said. "That croc had lasted in his territory for decades. Here I was taking him out of it. The local people just seemed relieved, and a couple joked about how many boots he'd make."
Steve was very clever to include the local people and soon won them over to see just how special this crocodile really was. Just as he was dragged into his crate, the old croc attempted a final act of defiance, a death roll that forced Steve to pin him again.
"I whispered to him to calm him down," Steve said.
"What did you say to him?" I asked.
"Please don't die."
Terri Irwin has done a remarkable job capturing the charismatic and larger than life, force of nature spirit of her husband, Steve. His earnest passion for conservation and innate, almost supernatural connection with the wildlife he championed absolutely comes alive in this memoir.
Terri's account of their 14 years together is engaging, humble, and infused with a sweet warmth that shifts as easily into mirth (and cheekiness!) as it does into the quiet strength of a partner, wife, and mother co-helming the creation of one of the world's most significant conservation legacies.
The book itself is at its strongest describing the Irwins' time spent exploring the Australian bush together. That was Steve's element, the place he returned to regroup after tragedy, the place where his magical connection with and deep love for the land and its fauna was most alive. Terri captures that beautifully in anecdote after anecdote--some recognizable from filmed episodes of their show, some private--in a way that simultaneously feels loving and personal and yet always gets to the point of their joint mission together: taking that bush magic and applying it to the greater goal of education and conservation. Steve's gifted ability to demystify the dangerous and misunderstood and make it accessible to others was the vehicle through which we, the public, learned to love him. Terri, side by side with him at ground level, shows just what it took on very human level to make that possible.
To her credit, she doesn't shy away from addressing the Irwins' side of the controversy that plagued their family in Steve's final years. She also doesn't linger on it, keeping the focus always, as they did, on their family, the flood of positivity and love that rose up around them from the public to combat the media witch hunt, and their mutual decision to fight all the harder for wildlife in response.
Because that is their goal, first and foremost: conservation, education, and love. That current ran through their lives with Steve, through their lives now that he's gone, and Terri's purpose in sharing the more personal side of their story on this memoir.
I hope she knows how much the world and all its species appreciate them.
Crocs rule.
February 25, 2019
I actually give 4 1/2 stars, Terri, his wife and author, said she had over 900 pages of stories for this book and was thankful for the guy who helped her narrow it down to less than 300 pages....I think that guy should be kicked in the head. I could not get enough stories of this very real, unpretentious man and his love of wildlife and family. 5 full stars if she kept more stories in the book. Even in her grief there is SOOO much faith and hope, it really is a beautiful story.
September 28, 2011
I remember the first time I saw Steve Irwin on TV. I was visiting my parents, prior to heading further north to Wisconsin. My mother decided to set me in the basement with the 100-year-old-plus loom to make rugs so I wouldn't be completely bored out of my mind. She also pointed out the TV. "You should watch Animal Planet," she said, "You'll like The Crocodile Hunter." It wasn't the first time I'd heard that title mentioned; two of my best friends had told me about this guy named Steve who wrestled crocs. I watched an episode.
I was hooked.
I was severely disappointed to find out he was married.
Yeah, I was hooked.
Reading Terri Irwin's book, it's easy to see why she was hooked, too. Steve's sheer exuberance comes through on nearly every page. Even at the distance of reading it through her eyes, Steve comes across as almost a power of nature, a force to be reckoned with. While many of the little stories that Terri tells are ones that fans of Steve have heard many times, there are some that are not so well-known. Stories about them going to bush, tracking down crocs without camera crews. Running after feral pigs. Bathing with a decomposing cow. Bindhi's first croc capture.
With the joys also come the sorrows; Steve's premonitions that he wasn't going to live past forty; his realization that his mother had died long before the news came; the loss of so many of their precious animals as well as Steve himself.
As a memoir, it's only a small taste of what life with the Irwins was like. It still makes a very good read for fans.
I was hooked.
I was severely disappointed to find out he was married.
Yeah, I was hooked.
Reading Terri Irwin's book, it's easy to see why she was hooked, too. Steve's sheer exuberance comes through on nearly every page. Even at the distance of reading it through her eyes, Steve comes across as almost a power of nature, a force to be reckoned with. While many of the little stories that Terri tells are ones that fans of Steve have heard many times, there are some that are not so well-known. Stories about them going to bush, tracking down crocs without camera crews. Running after feral pigs. Bathing with a decomposing cow. Bindhi's first croc capture.
With the joys also come the sorrows; Steve's premonitions that he wasn't going to live past forty; his realization that his mother had died long before the news came; the loss of so many of their precious animals as well as Steve himself.
As a memoir, it's only a small taste of what life with the Irwins was like. It still makes a very good read for fans.
November 18, 2018
Here's a book that brought tears of sorrow and joy. Terri's Irwin's description of Steve and the blooming of their love was beautiful. While this is no literary masterpiece, it is a simply written memoir that gets right to the heart of who Steve Irwin was and what his legacy will be for decades to come.
September 3, 2008
Steve Irwin was such a conservationist icon and I admired him so much that I experienced his death in 2006 as a kind of blow to the stomach, feeling a sense of loss out of all proportion for someone I never personally knew. I think it's because he took more positive action for wildlife in his short life than most of the other people I know put together. Reading Steve & Me, I guess wanted to feel like he was alive for a little longer by walking through his memories. Terri Irwin succeeds in providing some moving stories of the life that she and Steve built together and of the kind of man that he was. The problem I have with this text is that it feels very uneven and the language is clumsy in places. Maybe I'm assuming too much here, but I get the sense that the original manuscript must have been much, much longer and that some meaningful content and continuity got lost in the editing. (Steve's best friend Wes, for instance, with whom he worked before Steve and Terri even met, is only mentioned in the last couple of chapters.) I can understand how that might happen, given the huge amount of material that Irwin's life entailed. I just wish that I could have been the one to choose which stories to tell. That said, I had tears in my eyes when I reached the final chapters, including Terri's description of going home to their house for the first time without her beloved Steve. The world is indeed a sadder place without his immense enthusiasm for the animals he defended.
July 29, 2011
This book has completely salvaged my faith in romance, so much more so than the so-called 'romantic' novels I've read recently. I think the problem has not been a lack of belief in love but rather in the heroes I've encountered. Not so with Steve Irwin.
He was one of the most watchable people on television. Quite aside from his obvious physical advantages (yum!), his passion and enthusiasm leapt from the screen. And his widow does a great job of translating this to the page, as well as their mutual adoration, trust and respect.
Although when you're reading it, you are of course gearing up to the tragedy at the end, the sadness permeates the whole book and you know it's not just for dramatic effect. This family did face the grim reality of death every single day. But look at what they've achieved as a result.
He was one of the most watchable people on television. Quite aside from his obvious physical advantages (yum!), his passion and enthusiasm leapt from the screen. And his widow does a great job of translating this to the page, as well as their mutual adoration, trust and respect.
Although when you're reading it, you are of course gearing up to the tragedy at the end, the sadness permeates the whole book and you know it's not just for dramatic effect. This family did face the grim reality of death every single day. But look at what they've achieved as a result.
June 6, 2020
Oh, man, I was totally in tears finishing it this morning. Terri Irwin's story of her life with Steve and their conservation work is well told and very compelling, and, just as Steve always tried to do, she does an excellent job of keeping a lot of the focus on the animals they worked with. Steve's love for wildlife shines though on every page. I liked seeing their son Robert, now six, in the news this week for following in his father's footsteps. I will definitely be visiting Australia Zoo whenever I finally make it over to Australia, and look forward to seeing the results of the conservation work that the Irwin family has been engaged in first hand.
August 19, 2017
Steve Irwin was my actual childhood hero. While most kids grew up watching cartoons and kid tv shows, I spent my entire childhood from preschool to high school with animal planet on 24/7, The Crocodile Hunter being my favorite show. I have never been so devastated by a 'celebrity' death as I was by the loss of Steve and I couldn't be more proud of all that Bindi and Robert and Terri have accomplished since that tragic day.
I somehow had missed the fact that Terri had written a book about how she and Steve met and their whirlwind courtship and marriage and life together. This books brought me so much joy and I flat out cried so many times reliving episodes of The Crocodile Hunter that I still vividly remember as Terri recounted them in this book. The Australia Zoo and the Irwin family will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart. I hope to someday be able to travel to the other side of the world to experience, in person, the legacy Steve left through both his zoo and the Steve Irwin Wildlife reserve that was named in his memory.
I somehow had missed the fact that Terri had written a book about how she and Steve met and their whirlwind courtship and marriage and life together. This books brought me so much joy and I flat out cried so many times reliving episodes of The Crocodile Hunter that I still vividly remember as Terri recounted them in this book. The Australia Zoo and the Irwin family will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart. I hope to someday be able to travel to the other side of the world to experience, in person, the legacy Steve left through both his zoo and the Steve Irwin Wildlife reserve that was named in his memory.
February 9, 2012
This book would be on my keeper shelf if I had purchased it instead of borrowing from the library. I don't know if Terri Irwin wrote this book as a way to work through her grief over Steve's death, or as a tribute to him, or for a way to tell their love story. Whatever her reasons, this book is a touching, exciting, emotional account of her life with Steve. The stories she tells about him and their adventures are amazing and (almost) unbelievable, and the respect and love she had for him are so evident in every word she wrote. I feel like I got to know her and she gave us a glimpse into her larger than life husband. I loved this book. It took me about an hour to read the last chapter because I kept having to walk away to stop crying. I commend her for her strength, honesty and integrity, and am deeply saddened for her that her soul mate was taken from her so young.
May 20, 2014
So this book wasn't quite a 4 stars for me...more like a 3.75, but I rounded up because it deserved it. The book wasn't flawless, or perfectly written, but I found myself swept up in the story nonetheless. While I might not be the biggest Crocodile Hunter fan or much of a wildlife enthusiast, I really learned to love and appreciate the man behind the hype. If I could sum him up in one word it would be passionate. Steve Irwin exuded passion: about life, his family, and especially wildlife. I also enjoyed reading about the love story between he and his wife...it was so real. The joy, the heartache...you could feel how much Terri loved Steve. It was a much better book than I expected and I'm glad I read it.
March 20, 2011
I would never had read this in a million years, but its a book club book.
And I was pleasantly surprised.
I don't think it was terribly well written, sometimes the stories were a bit flat, but it was easy to read and shed new light onto the excentric character I've seen on TV loads of times.
Before reading the book, I saw Steve Irwin as a quirky showman, but it was interesting to read about his passion for wildlife.
This book is EXACTLY why I like bookclubs - I would never had read it out of choice, but I enjoyed the story and learned a lot.
And I was pleasantly surprised.
I don't think it was terribly well written, sometimes the stories were a bit flat, but it was easy to read and shed new light onto the excentric character I've seen on TV loads of times.
Before reading the book, I saw Steve Irwin as a quirky showman, but it was interesting to read about his passion for wildlife.
This book is EXACTLY why I like bookclubs - I would never had read it out of choice, but I enjoyed the story and learned a lot.
February 3, 2017
Wow! To be honest I was never really a huge fan of Steve or interested in reading this book. My mum purchased it for me whilst visiting Australia Zoo. OMG. this book had me from the very first few pages. I never knew how much Steve had done for the wildlife and how much of a truly humble and caring person he was. He was definitely put on this earth for a reason. Remarkable book. Captured the life of Steve and his family at its best. I believe he has gained another fan. 10/10
December 28, 2017
I always have loved Steve Irwin and his show, Crocodile Hunter. I really appreciate how his wife writes about their lives, she instills the essence of who he was in this book. He died too soon, he definitely will be missed.
June 20, 2022
A beautiful book written by Terri Irwin which details the life she and Steve had together and all their wildlife conservation adventures. I've highlighted some of my favourite quotes from the book on my kindle and shared them here.
January 18, 2025
Incredibly moving, but also emotionally devastating. Not ashamed to admit I had a good cry while reading this😂 Steve Irwin was a real one. RIP
February 10, 2024
The wonderful, true, story of a long time hero, Steve Irwin, written by his wife. It tells of their quest to rescue animals, to protect them, even though they were dangerous. It tells of their struggles and their triumphs, and assures that the work will continue! A truly wonderful biographay!
July 8, 2021
I can't say I am much fond of reptiles- particularly, crocodiles freak me out. I start shivering if I see even a small house lizard.
Animal Planet used to keep playing Steve Irwin's 'Crocodile Hunter' in a loop, that it was hard to miss. That's how I have ended up watching a few episodes of this program and have been in awe of this man who (seemingly) effortlessly rescued so many crocodiles with his bare hands. His death was so sudden and ironical when he was killed by a stingray barb. (The reported deaths by stingray attacks till date is in double digits while over 1000 people are killed by crocodiles every year). Even the casual viewers like me were shaken by this event.
This biography by his wife, Terri, gives very good insights into the Steve Irwin's life, and his remarkable efforts in wildlife conservation. Terri was also an animal activist in her own right even before she met Steve. Her accounts of the rescue of the cougar, Malina was hair raising. Her meeting with Steve was serendipitous and I can't think of any other couple who is better-matched. Who else would agree to go crocodile-hunting on her honeymoon !
Some of the things he did almost felt supernatural - like predicting the exact time when a venomous snake would appear, the location to find a crocodile or sitting very close to a nursing orangutan.
Terri mentions some of the controversies where Steve dangled meat at a crocodile while holding his 1 month old baby son in the other hand. This did seem like a dangerous stunt. Terri clarifies how this was a very natural thing for Steve and he was very much in control as he always was.
There is no mention of Steve's father, Bob, after his mother, Lynn's death, not even after Steve's death. From the internet searches it seemed that Bob did not approve of the way Terri ran the zoo.
Terri talks at length about their efforts to have a baby boy, like following a ' Baby boy diet'. I sincerely hope that some people in my country (where the gender-ratio is already skewed) don't get ideas and try these things.
(Prenatal sex determination was banned in India in 1994 as this was seen as the cause for female feoticide)
Though this book doesn't inspire me to jump into a crocodile enclosure and hug it, I appreciate Steve Irwin's hard work and perseverance in conserving wildlife and teaching important lessons on ecological balance. It is heartening to know that Bindi Irwin is continuing her father's legacy.
Animal Planet used to keep playing Steve Irwin's 'Crocodile Hunter' in a loop, that it was hard to miss. That's how I have ended up watching a few episodes of this program and have been in awe of this man who (seemingly) effortlessly rescued so many crocodiles with his bare hands. His death was so sudden and ironical when he was killed by a stingray barb. (The reported deaths by stingray attacks till date is in double digits while over 1000 people are killed by crocodiles every year). Even the casual viewers like me were shaken by this event.
This biography by his wife, Terri, gives very good insights into the Steve Irwin's life, and his remarkable efforts in wildlife conservation. Terri was also an animal activist in her own right even before she met Steve. Her accounts of the rescue of the cougar, Malina was hair raising. Her meeting with Steve was serendipitous and I can't think of any other couple who is better-matched. Who else would agree to go crocodile-hunting on her honeymoon !
Some of the things he did almost felt supernatural - like predicting the exact time when a venomous snake would appear, the location to find a crocodile or sitting very close to a nursing orangutan.
Terri mentions some of the controversies where Steve dangled meat at a crocodile while holding his 1 month old baby son in the other hand. This did seem like a dangerous stunt. Terri clarifies how this was a very natural thing for Steve and he was very much in control as he always was.
There is no mention of Steve's father, Bob, after his mother, Lynn's death, not even after Steve's death. From the internet searches it seemed that Bob did not approve of the way Terri ran the zoo.
Terri talks at length about their efforts to have a baby boy, like following a ' Baby boy diet'. I sincerely hope that some people in my country (where the gender-ratio is already skewed) don't get ideas and try these things.
(Prenatal sex determination was banned in India in 1994 as this was seen as the cause for female feoticide)
Though this book doesn't inspire me to jump into a crocodile enclosure and hug it, I appreciate Steve Irwin's hard work and perseverance in conserving wildlife and teaching important lessons on ecological balance. It is heartening to know that Bindi Irwin is continuing her father's legacy.
May 10, 2016
"One crowded hour of glorious life is worth more than an age without a name. I had no regrets for Steve's glorious life, and I know he couldn't have lived any other way."
Well said, Terri. But all the same...I sure do miss Steve Irwin. I am grateful for all he did.
Well said, Terri. But all the same...I sure do miss Steve Irwin. I am grateful for all he did.
July 13, 2008
The writing isn't to die for, but it really gave me an appreciation for Steve Irwin. I found out he wasn't just a big ham for TV but rather a person who was really dedicated to preserving wildlife.
August 24, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. Terri's love for her husband and everything he believed in really shone through.
March 10, 2011
I just finished reading this absolutely amazing book and here I am sitting numb. I am not sure if I can review this book without being emotionally overwhelmed. I don’t think I can. Well, Steve Irwin was a global icon in the movement of wildlife conservation. His contribution to the area of conservation is just so huge that one would fall short of words to describe it. He was a Hero, a Legend the world will always remember.
The book is insightful and at the same time extremely emotional in the way it has been penned down. As I started reading the book, I realized that Steve was a highly formidable person. He fought the odds, the nature and many a red tape to save wild animals and their habitats. Of course, many people have acknowledged him as inspirational, humorous, daring and what not. However, one of the most beautiful aspects of his personality that shines through the book is his sensitivity towards people around him and toward the environment. His heart always stayed with nature, with the eco-system. There is a wonderful incident that is narrated in the book where Terri says that once Steve was bitten on his nose by a snake. He immediately said that if an animal ever bites him, it would be not be its fault but it would be his. It just goes to prove the immense compassion and love he had for wild animals. He knew that he was in their world trying to study and save them not the other way round.
It was fun to read about his courtship with Terri and about his relationship with his fellow colleagues. It goes to show that one needs to be a spirited, good human being in order to generate so much of momentum in spreading the wildlife conservation message across the globe. People related to him in many ways than we can imagine. On his death, the world mourned. Terri has described ways in which people reached out to her and her family. She has observed the faces of police force as they waited in attention to receive Steve’s body at the airport and she talks about the grief she saw on their faces. One of the aspects that I truly liked while reading this book was the way it has been presented. It reads matter of fact, very candid and straight from the heart. It talks about Steve’s bonding with his family, with his colleagues and showcases how deep relationships can be.
One of the things that I learnt after reading the book was the term “Mateship.” Terri says that ”Wes,” Steve’s best friend was Steve’s mate, as they say it in Australia. “Mate” is someone who is always on your mind regardless! Whenever you do something, you think about that person’s well-being. Steve thought about ‘Wes’ the same way. When ‘Wes’ was bitten by “Agro,” the large crocodile, Steve carried him to the hospital and was with him all through. Terri says that the expressions on Steve’s face showed a side of him unknown to many. He was gentle, sensitive and so emotional. It was wonderful to read about how compassionate and sensitive Steve was as a person.
She also talks about how Steve loved his Dog, Sui. She was his girlfriend, says she. She would understand everything Steve said to her. I also found it interesting to know that Terri shared a similar bond with Shasta, her dog and Malina, her rescued Cougar. As I was reading the book, a thought overtook me. I wondered about how connected some people are with nature and the eco-system around. Their body language and the electrical charge (so to speak) in their body convey their relatedness with nature. There is a particular incident that Terri has shared with the readers. It’s amazing to read about it in print.
She says that once Steve had gone to Indonesia to film Orangutans. While filming, he decided that it was a good idea for him to be with them in the tree and then do the filming. One of the female Orangutans had a baby. He wanted to go up in the tree and get filmed with all of them. A local expert suggested him that it was not a particularly good idea because Orangutans are fiercely protective of their babies. It would be dangerous to go anywhere close by. Should someone go close by, they would just come down and pull that person’s hand or chew his head off. Regardless, Steve insisted on going up in the tree to get this candid moment captured by the camera. He told this expert that he would be careful and nothing like that would ever happen.
Against the advice of this expert Steve went up the tree and sat on a branch. As expected, the female Orangutan came down thundering to the branch where Steve was seated. She sat next to him. Looked into his eyes straight and for a moment Steve and the cameraman as well as the expert thought that she was going to attack him. However, she put her arm around his shoulders, pulled her baby close and showed it to Steve. Steve told her that she was beautiful and she was taking very good care of her baby. He told her that she was a good mother. Soon, the Female Orangutan went away. Terri says that the animals understood him and his language as well. He was at his natural best among them.
The book talks about his death very briefly. I am not surprised. I am sure it must be hard for Terri to talk about him and his death. While reading the book, I kept wondering how this woman must be surviving with two young kids without their source of strength, Steve. Terri talks about her dialogue with Bindi when she expressed to see her Daddy one last time. Terri told her that she probably should not go and see him because Steve when saw his mother last on her death, the image of that moment haunted him for a long time every single day. Bindi listened to Terri’s advice.
They shared a bond which was very special and to have that person exit so fast, so suddenly must have been terribly traumatic. She talks about how she strategized on her plans for the zoo with Wes. She talks about fulfilling whatever Steve was doing at that point in time, and then she decided to take up work that all of them had planned on and then she decided to do whatever she wanted to do. That is quite brave of her! She also highlights the fact that Steve never feared Death and that was one reason he was able to do so much in the area of Wildlife Conservation.
It was heart wrenching to read about her days after Steve’s death and about the way Bindi, their daughter and Robert, their son has been coping with Steve’s demise. The condolence letter at the end of the book is extremely touching as well. After I finished reading the book, I paused and thought about the greatness of this man, Steve who lived Wildlife Conservation all his life. His contribution to the conservation effort is not only recognized but will always stay on top of people’s minds.
It would not be an understatement if I said that today, the younger generation thinks about Wildlife and its conservation because Steve Irwin was the face they have been inspired by. His enthusiasm, his excitement, his cheerfulness was infectious. He was the Crocodile Hunter, a real Hero who made a difference to this planet.
Read this book for some insightful anecdotes and also for the spirit it conveys. Read it to learn how humble this man was and for getting inspired by Steve’s work. All of us cannot become Steve Irwin for sure but even if we take baby steps in protecting our environment and conserving nature in whichever tiny way we can, then it would be our contribution to the Movement of Wildlife Conservation that Steve Irwin began several years ago.
The book is insightful and at the same time extremely emotional in the way it has been penned down. As I started reading the book, I realized that Steve was a highly formidable person. He fought the odds, the nature and many a red tape to save wild animals and their habitats. Of course, many people have acknowledged him as inspirational, humorous, daring and what not. However, one of the most beautiful aspects of his personality that shines through the book is his sensitivity towards people around him and toward the environment. His heart always stayed with nature, with the eco-system. There is a wonderful incident that is narrated in the book where Terri says that once Steve was bitten on his nose by a snake. He immediately said that if an animal ever bites him, it would be not be its fault but it would be his. It just goes to prove the immense compassion and love he had for wild animals. He knew that he was in their world trying to study and save them not the other way round.
It was fun to read about his courtship with Terri and about his relationship with his fellow colleagues. It goes to show that one needs to be a spirited, good human being in order to generate so much of momentum in spreading the wildlife conservation message across the globe. People related to him in many ways than we can imagine. On his death, the world mourned. Terri has described ways in which people reached out to her and her family. She has observed the faces of police force as they waited in attention to receive Steve’s body at the airport and she talks about the grief she saw on their faces. One of the aspects that I truly liked while reading this book was the way it has been presented. It reads matter of fact, very candid and straight from the heart. It talks about Steve’s bonding with his family, with his colleagues and showcases how deep relationships can be.
One of the things that I learnt after reading the book was the term “Mateship.” Terri says that ”Wes,” Steve’s best friend was Steve’s mate, as they say it in Australia. “Mate” is someone who is always on your mind regardless! Whenever you do something, you think about that person’s well-being. Steve thought about ‘Wes’ the same way. When ‘Wes’ was bitten by “Agro,” the large crocodile, Steve carried him to the hospital and was with him all through. Terri says that the expressions on Steve’s face showed a side of him unknown to many. He was gentle, sensitive and so emotional. It was wonderful to read about how compassionate and sensitive Steve was as a person.
She also talks about how Steve loved his Dog, Sui. She was his girlfriend, says she. She would understand everything Steve said to her. I also found it interesting to know that Terri shared a similar bond with Shasta, her dog and Malina, her rescued Cougar. As I was reading the book, a thought overtook me. I wondered about how connected some people are with nature and the eco-system around. Their body language and the electrical charge (so to speak) in their body convey their relatedness with nature. There is a particular incident that Terri has shared with the readers. It’s amazing to read about it in print.
She says that once Steve had gone to Indonesia to film Orangutans. While filming, he decided that it was a good idea for him to be with them in the tree and then do the filming. One of the female Orangutans had a baby. He wanted to go up in the tree and get filmed with all of them. A local expert suggested him that it was not a particularly good idea because Orangutans are fiercely protective of their babies. It would be dangerous to go anywhere close by. Should someone go close by, they would just come down and pull that person’s hand or chew his head off. Regardless, Steve insisted on going up in the tree to get this candid moment captured by the camera. He told this expert that he would be careful and nothing like that would ever happen.
Against the advice of this expert Steve went up the tree and sat on a branch. As expected, the female Orangutan came down thundering to the branch where Steve was seated. She sat next to him. Looked into his eyes straight and for a moment Steve and the cameraman as well as the expert thought that she was going to attack him. However, she put her arm around his shoulders, pulled her baby close and showed it to Steve. Steve told her that she was beautiful and she was taking very good care of her baby. He told her that she was a good mother. Soon, the Female Orangutan went away. Terri says that the animals understood him and his language as well. He was at his natural best among them.
The book talks about his death very briefly. I am not surprised. I am sure it must be hard for Terri to talk about him and his death. While reading the book, I kept wondering how this woman must be surviving with two young kids without their source of strength, Steve. Terri talks about her dialogue with Bindi when she expressed to see her Daddy one last time. Terri told her that she probably should not go and see him because Steve when saw his mother last on her death, the image of that moment haunted him for a long time every single day. Bindi listened to Terri’s advice.
They shared a bond which was very special and to have that person exit so fast, so suddenly must have been terribly traumatic. She talks about how she strategized on her plans for the zoo with Wes. She talks about fulfilling whatever Steve was doing at that point in time, and then she decided to take up work that all of them had planned on and then she decided to do whatever she wanted to do. That is quite brave of her! She also highlights the fact that Steve never feared Death and that was one reason he was able to do so much in the area of Wildlife Conservation.
It was heart wrenching to read about her days after Steve’s death and about the way Bindi, their daughter and Robert, their son has been coping with Steve’s demise. The condolence letter at the end of the book is extremely touching as well. After I finished reading the book, I paused and thought about the greatness of this man, Steve who lived Wildlife Conservation all his life. His contribution to the conservation effort is not only recognized but will always stay on top of people’s minds.
It would not be an understatement if I said that today, the younger generation thinks about Wildlife and its conservation because Steve Irwin was the face they have been inspired by. His enthusiasm, his excitement, his cheerfulness was infectious. He was the Crocodile Hunter, a real Hero who made a difference to this planet.
Read this book for some insightful anecdotes and also for the spirit it conveys. Read it to learn how humble this man was and for getting inspired by Steve’s work. All of us cannot become Steve Irwin for sure but even if we take baby steps in protecting our environment and conserving nature in whichever tiny way we can, then it would be our contribution to the Movement of Wildlife Conservation that Steve Irwin began several years ago.
May 18, 2021
When my son was young, he watched almost nothing but Animal Planet. One of his favorite shows was The Crocodile Hunter. It was almost like Steve Irwin was part of our family. Steve helped make my son the conservationist that he is today, and along the way he cured me of my phobia of snakes. As my son grew up he moved on to other entertainments, but I can still hear Steve Irwin's exclamations of "Crikey" in my head when I think about him. This book, written by his widow Terri shortly after his untimely death, tells the story of the real Steve Irwin, beyond the larger than life TV personality. While not great literature, it is a great tribute, and I especially loved hearing of their very unlikely love story. The world lost someone special when we lost Steve Irwin, but he left a huge and lasting legacy in all the conservationists he helped shape, including my son.
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