The Book of Hope

I have such respect for the work Jane Goodall has done as a naturalist/primatologist, so really wanted to like this book but it was just so meh.

I didn't quite realize this book is presented as a conversation between Jane Goodall and Doug Abrams, so I got the audiobook cause I thought it would be good to hear Goodall narrate her own story, but the whole conversation dynamic was just weird as an audiobook. You'd hear Doug narrate “And then Jane said” followed by Goodall narrating what she actually said... which was just odd.

I also completely agree that we need hope in order to tackle the current climate crisis, but I felt that what was discussed in this book was too handwavy. Yes, there were some nice tidbits here and there, but overall, I'd love to hear more concrete evidence.

I did finish the audiobook, but honestly I spaced out after 70% of the way.

I have such respect for the work Jane Goodall has done as a naturalist/primatologist, so really wanted to like this book but it was just so meh.

I didn't quite realize this book is presented as a conversation between Jane Goodall and Doug Abrams, so I got the audiobook cause I thought it would be good to hear Goodall narrate her own story, but the whole conversation dynamic was just weird as an audiobook. You'd hear Doug narrate “And then Jane said” followed by Goodall narrating what she actually said... which was just odd.

I also completely agree that we need hope in order to tackle the current climate crisis, but I felt that what was discussed in this book was too handwavy. Yes, there were some nice tidbits here and there, but overall, I'd love to hear more concrete evidence.

I did finish the audiobook, but honestly I spaced out after 70% of the way.

Unexpectedly comforting. Goodall is an amazing person: talented, smart, accomplished, kind, and, most importantly to me, not a bullshitter. She differentiates hope from optimism and from wishful thinking, recognizing that hope requires effort and awareness. She cites scientific research on hope, but mostly sticks to stories because they're more effective.

Our future was stolen from us on November 5. This book has helped me face that.