The Book of Hope

May 1, 2021

At a time of pandemic, political divisiveness, and panic over climate change, is it possible to have hope? World-renowned naturalist Goodall joins with internationally best-selling author Abrams ( The Book of Joy) to argue in the affirmative. Drawing on her work and her life, Goodall enunciates "Four Reasons for Hope": the Amazing Human Intellect, the Resilience of Nature, the Power of Young People, and the Indomitable Human Spirit. Her own story of hope begins in the early years as she lived through World War II, then continues with her years in Gombe studying chimpanzees and the realization that she had to go out into the world as an advocate for environmental justice. With a 300,000-copy first printing.

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 28, 2021
This illuminating conversation between naturalist Goodall (Reason for Hope) and Abrams (coauthor, The Book of Joy) teases out Goodall’s thoughts on why one should feel hopeful in “dark times.” According to Goodall, there are “four main reasons for hope: the amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power of youth, and the indomitable human spirit.” In unpacking her belief in the power of persistence, Goodall takes readers to her childhood home in England, where her family questioned if she had the constitution to travel to Africa; to Tanzania, where she studied chimpanzees and came face to face with “crippling poverty, lack of good education and degradation of the land”; and into her work as a U.N. Messenger of Peace. In the process, she cites having a spiritual sense of purpose as crucial to her hope and activism. Her infectious optimism and stirring call to action make this necessary reading for those concerned about the planet’s future: “we must not let this distract us from the far greater threat to our future—the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity,” she writes. “Find your reasons for hope and let them guide you onward.” Goodall’s rousing testament will resonate widely.

September 1, 2021
The renowned naturalist and chimpanzee researcher reflects on her philosophy of life. No longer observing wildlife in the fast-vanishing African forests, Goodall, now 87, continues to work, traveling the world to speak about conservation, humane treatment of animals, reforestation, and the detriments of climate change and poverty. Written as a dialogue with Abrams, who has co-authored similar eloquent testaments with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, this book mixes autobiographical details with a fiercely positive credo that has kept Goodall fighting in the face of immense odds. Goodall maintains that hope is often misunderstood. "People tend to think that it is simply passive wishful thinking: I hope something will happen but I'm not going to do anything about it," she notes. "This is indeed the opposite of real hope, which requires action and engagement. Many people understand the dire state of the planet--but do nothing about it because they feel helpless and hopeless." She adds that achieving a lasting sense of hope requires four components: attainable goals, realistic pathways to pursue them, confidence that we will succeed, and confidence that others support us. Goodall emphasizes that hope is a survival trait that every child possesses, but it must be cultivated. She illustrates this point with anecdotes from her life as a naturalist and teacher as well as many mystical, science-can't-explain experiences that often turn up in inspirational writing. Ultimately, this is less a self-help book than the personal testament of a traditional idealist with the belief that we are put on Earth for a purpose and that the universe must have a deep, guiding intelligence behind it--if not the traditional God, then something similar. As Goodall notes late in the book, she welcomes a "convergence of science and religion and spirituality." An estimable researcher and activist tells stories and delivers uplifting advice.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2021

Abrams (The Book of Joy: Finding Happiness in an Uncertain World) interviews famed animal behaviorist and environmentalist Goodall (In the Shadow of Man) on her hopes for the future of the world. Although the planet is in dire straits due to climate change, poverty, corruption, loss of habitat and diversity, unsustainable lifestyles, and a rapidly growing population, Goodall believes there is still a window of opportunity to solve these and myriad other problems that affect the Earth's functioning. Among Goodall's reasons for hope: the amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power of young people, and the indomitable human spirit. Adams and Goodall explore each of these reasons for hope, and Goodall offers examples to illustrate her points. Her key argument is that governments and scientists must involve everyone, especially young people, in decision-making if both the environment and people are to prosper. Abrams also shares the science of hope, events from Goodall's life, and photographs from throughout her career. VERDICT An inspiring, personal, hopeful look at ways in which people can work towards solutions to serious problems to prevent further environmental disaster. This book will appeal to Goodall's many fans, conservationists, and anyone who cares about the planet and needs a dose of hope.--Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove, IL

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2021
Goodall, world-renowned naturalist, humanist, and environmental advocate, is hope incarnate. Her podcast is even titled Hopecast. Goodall elucidates her commitment to hope in conversation with Douglas Abrams in this companion volume to The Book of Joy (2016) in which Abrams spoke with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Abrams and Goodall meet in Tanzania, the Netherlands, and, during the pandemic, on video, with Goodall offering a laptop-camera tour of her family home in England. Abrams sets the scene for each encounter, ensuring that Goodall's unique personality, poise, and inner strength shine forth. Their jousting discussions are passionate, candid, and very moving as Abrams asks difficult questions and Goodall responds with enthralling real-life stories shaped by her extensive knowledge, extraordinary experiences, and hard-forged wisdom. Without minimizing the daunting challenges we face as the climate crisis takes hold, Goodall explains that hope is a "human survival trait" that requires "action and engagement." She then fully explains her ""Four Reasons for Hope: The Amazing Human Intellect, The Resilience of Nature, The Power of Young People, and The Indomitable Human Spirit." Bright with photographs, supported by an excellent "Further Reading" section, and, vibrant with wry humor, scientific fact, grassroots advances, compassion, and spiritual depth, this compelling and enlightening dialogue of hope amplifies Goodall's mantra: "Together we can. Together we will." HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Goodall is a trusted global force for good, and her keen perspective on hope offers an encouraging, much-needed guide forward.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.