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A review by sheisinquisitive
The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall
4.0
"And once I was alone in the forest, I suddenly thought that perhaps there was a spark of that spiritual power in all life. We humans, with our passion for defining things, have made that spark in ourselves our soul or spirit or psyche. Bust as I sat there, embraced by all the wonder of the forest, it seemed that that spark animated everything from the butterflies that fluttered past to the giant trees with their garlands of vines."
Jane Goodall has a way with words. Drawing on life experiences, emotions, and a strong self- and environmental awareness, Goodall paints pictures of her life in the mind of her readers. Once there, she allows her readers to experience the same epiphanies she had, and it is liberating.
"Hope, on the other hand, is a stubborn determination to do all you can to make it work. And hope is something we can cultivate."
Goodall and Douglas Abrams' collaboration couldn't have come at a more appropriate time in my life. Following the horrors of COVID, especially with the increased wildfires, terrible air pollution, and bipolar weather in Canada (summer has never felt less summer-y), this book reminds me to take a deep breath. There is much to learn, much to do, and much, much more hope than we believe... we only need to pay attention. Goodall teaches her readers about their power and influence on the state of the world, one that is more impactful than we think. Hope is a state of mind, a determination of the heart. It simply requires us to take action with the body. To either spread awareness or partake in communal or global initiatives. Change begins with us and her emphasis on the youth holding much of that power is very, very motivating.
Outside of its central theme of "hope" in the context of environmentalism, the text explores equally important and intersecting topics like research and opportunity, resilience, and grief. Every story, every trouble and triumph, and every experience both writers highlight touched my heart.
My only area of criticism is the lack of an intersectional lens. Though no fault of the writers, there is a difference (whether we like it or not) in how much influence and power one has, varying across genders and races. Although I find Goodall's story remarkable, the opportunities she had are ones non-white women may not have had at the time to study or research, establish organizations, and create the change they wanted. Perhaps things are different now, but I believe debating this would've been a smart idea.
On the book cover, her eyes are warm but focused. The sun lights her up. The wrinkles on her face, the soft smile, and the strands of gray hair show me how much of an intentional life she has lived so far. There is something hopeful in her expression that speaks to me.
I hope Goodall decides to do another collaboration soon. There are still so many stories to hear, wise words to pass down, and areas of enlightenment she can introduce to the younger generation.
Jane Goodall has a way with words. Drawing on life experiences, emotions, and a strong self- and environmental awareness, Goodall paints pictures of her life in the mind of her readers. Once there, she allows her readers to experience the same epiphanies she had, and it is liberating.
"Hope, on the other hand, is a stubborn determination to do all you can to make it work. And hope is something we can cultivate."
Goodall and Douglas Abrams' collaboration couldn't have come at a more appropriate time in my life. Following the horrors of COVID, especially with the increased wildfires, terrible air pollution, and bipolar weather in Canada (summer has never felt less summer-y), this book reminds me to take a deep breath. There is much to learn, much to do, and much, much more hope than we believe... we only need to pay attention. Goodall teaches her readers about their power and influence on the state of the world, one that is more impactful than we think. Hope is a state of mind, a determination of the heart. It simply requires us to take action with the body. To either spread awareness or partake in communal or global initiatives. Change begins with us and her emphasis on the youth holding much of that power is very, very motivating.
Outside of its central theme of "hope" in the context of environmentalism, the text explores equally important and intersecting topics like research and opportunity, resilience, and grief. Every story, every trouble and triumph, and every experience both writers highlight touched my heart.
My only area of criticism is the lack of an intersectional lens. Though no fault of the writers, there is a difference (whether we like it or not) in how much influence and power one has, varying across genders and races. Although I find Goodall's story remarkable, the opportunities she had are ones non-white women may not have had at the time to study or research, establish organizations, and create the change they wanted. Perhaps things are different now, but I believe debating this would've been a smart idea.
On the book cover, her eyes are warm but focused. The sun lights her up. The wrinkles on her face, the soft smile, and the strands of gray hair show me how much of an intentional life she has lived so far. There is something hopeful in her expression that speaks to me.
I hope Goodall decides to do another collaboration soon. There are still so many stories to hear, wise words to pass down, and areas of enlightenment she can introduce to the younger generation.