Description

‘Inspirational’ – Professor Alice Roberts

‘Engrossing’ – Professor Ben Garrod

Rhys Jones was brought up on a council estate in South Wales where expectations for what life held in store for you were slim. As he recalls, he was born fighting and never stopped. His perspective on what life could offer him changed forever in the early 1980s when his grandfather took him to the local cinema to see Stephen Spielberg’s blockbuster Raiders of the Lost Ark. The dream of emulating his hero Indiana Jones and travelling to the farthest reaches of the planet to explore exotic locations and its wildlife now burned deep inside him.

As he progressed at school this passion to escape and explore was further kindled through the pages of an old natural history encyclopaedia given to him by his grandmother. Devouring the pages, the encyclopaedia would help craft his chosen path in life. Like his hero and namesake Indiana Jones, Rhys’s journey has now taken him to all corners of the globe with friends and colleagues at every port; from the Australian outback to the furthest outpost of the Maasai tribe in Eastern Africa.

In Becoming Dr Jones Rhys will take the reader on an inspiring journey through his life. One filled with highs, lows, humour and poignancy, as well as reverent insights into some of the amazing residents of our beloved natural world. If adventure had a name it would be Jones, and Dr Rhys Jones has taken that mantle to a whole new level!

Publisher Review

An inspiring journey that reflects Rhys' strength, resilience, and perseverance in the face of life's challenges. Through his words, Rhys has beautifully captured his life's experiences, and has shared them with the world. He has opened up about his struggles and triumphs, and his unwavering spirit shines through every page. This book is a reminder of the power of human determination and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams. Rhys' story is a shining example of how one can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side -- Sir Gareth Edwards CBE Rhys Jones is one of the most upstanding, kind, intelligent, and engaging people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His ability to connect with people on a deep level is remarkable. Whether it is through his warm and welcoming demeanour, his thoughtful conversation, or his insightful observations, Rhys has a unique talent for making others feel seen, heard, and appreciated -- Jamie Baulch From a childhood immersed in books, films and wildlife to a career in environmental science - Dr Rhys Jones' inspirational story is a call to arms - to follow our dreams! -- Professor Alice Roberts This engrossing, humorous and inspiring journey, from little boy to globe-trotting adventuring scientist, is a heart-warming tale for us all -- Professor Ben Garrod Dr Jones is a wonderful raconteur. I implore you to join him on this epic journey filled with passion, his thirst for knowledge and an insatiable desire to connect human beings to their remarkable cohabitants -- Mark A Sheppard What an inspiration to anyone and everyone who has ever been told 'you will come to nothing . . . Give up!' He is a kind reminder that working hard and sticking to your dreams whilst being kind and generous to those you meet along the way is the message we should all be pushing for -- Eve Myles An honest, funny and action-packed memoir from one of Wales' real life heroes -- Gareth David Lloyd An inspiration for those who have dealt with adversity . . . Dr Jones truly has led a WILD LIFE worth hearing -- Jesse McClure