National bestselling author, Douglas Carlton Abrams, shares his encounters with humpback whales from his research for his captivating novel, "Eye of the Whale," an ecological thriller about a marine biologist whose fate is altered after the unexpected appearance of a humpback whale, sending her on a race to discover the meaning of its mysterious song and its implications for human survival. During his close encounter research, Dougl experienced firsthand the emotional connections humans can have with whales, even though humans and whales live in two different worlds, both fates are inseparable. What do we really know about whales, their intelligence, and their fascinating efforts to communicate? Are we truly the only species that experiences love? "Eye of the Whale is a San Francisco Chronicle Bestseller a spellbinding thriller!" Michael Krasny, Forum, KQED, NPR-San Francisco "Doug Abrams plays on the reader's emotions like a virtuoso. Eye of the Whale is smart, detailed, and highly entertaining with a freshness and tension that resonates long after the last page is turned. Settle back and savor this one." - Steve Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author "Eye of the Whale is a page-turning blend of great storytelling and the latest insights of the world's leading environmental scientists. You'll race to the end of Doug Abrams' tense, heart-rending, fast-paced mystery. When you finally put his novel down, what you'll pick up, I predict, is fresh resolve for the fight to save planet Earth." - Ken Cook, President of the Environmental Working Group Follow Douglas on Twitter: http://twitter.com/douglasabrams Like Douglas on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Douglas-Carlton-Abrams/96730606977 Douglas's YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/dcabrams

1. Do Whales Truly Care About Us? By Douglas Abrams

2. Many people have seen this extraordinary photo… … and read the incredible story about the entrapped humpback whale that swam to thank each of her rescuers after they freed her.

3. Many might wonder if whales can truly care about humans or express emotion.

4. I might have had similar doubts if I had not experienced it myself. I was researching my newest novel, Eye of the Whale , and was working with marine biologists in Tonga (I'm the awkward human in the water).

5. I had just begun to film the behavior of a mother humpback whale and her newborn baby.

6. Their 40,000-pound male escort whale came over to eyeball me carefully—a vision of intelligence that I will never forget.

7. Suddenly I saw his thousand-pound flipper approaching my head. I knew that I would be killed instantly. Just before impact—the whale gracefully and purposefully lifted his flipper over my head to avoid hurting me.

8. If you love whales as much as I do and want to see them thrive, if you want to learn what they have to teach us… … I hope you will take a glimpse at the story I was inspired to write after my own fateful encounter that day.

9. I can tell you that even though we live in two different worlds, our fates are inseparable.

10. What do we really know about whales, their intelligence, and their fascinating efforts to communicate?

11. Are we truly the only species that experiences love?

12. Author John Robbins, Doug Abrams, & Captain Paul Watson, head of the Sea Shepherd & star of Animal Planet’s "Whale Wars" Because the publisher believes so strongly in the message of the book, they have agreed to share the entire novel with people who also believe in protecting our oceans.

13. For approximately the next two months, Eye of the Whale will be available to read online in its entirety for free on BookRix.com

14. I hope you will be inspired to share this message with those who care about animals, our oceans, and our future.

15. The more we express kindness, the more we receive it, even from other species.

16. May you be surrounded by loving creatures… … human and non-human alike!

17. www.DouglasCarltonAbrams.com In Friendship & Hope, Douglas Carlton Abrams Author of Eye of the Whale