Rating: 
Summary: Wow--A book that will change your thoughts on life
Review: I just returned home after seeing Jane Goodall speak at Chautauqua, NY. After her inspiring and life changing (for me) speech, I bought this book and found it to be just as wonderful and moving as her speech. This book made me rethink they way I was leading my life and resolve to change for the better. She uses the story of her fascinating life with the chimps at Gombe to argue against the 'justmeism' prevalent in today's society.(Its just me--how can I make a difference) It made me understand that there is no reason why I can't use my purchasing power to influence companies to treat animals more humanely and to care for our environment. I loved her thought of humans being in a time of 'moral evolution'. It really made me feel that we do have a higher purpose in life and should be trying to live our lives the most compassionate way we can. I've already told my friends about her book and her message and they have been inspired as well. I hope everyone picks up a copy of this book and is moved the way I was. I, too, understand her reasons for worrying about our future and her reasons to hope.
Rating:
Summary: cool
Review: I loved this book. I loved it because it explained what she did and her views on what she did or why she should. I learned so much from this book. She brings up thoughts that have been argued for the longest time and seems to come up with the perfect answer. It really gets you thinking about the way you have lived your life. I also love her describtions of her adventures. They are so action packed. When she starts talking about what she saw, what she did, you feel like you are with her. The book is written in a way that you feel as if she were speaking to you and not like a big school lecture. I think it is wonderful for all ages. My teacher loved it as well, and lend it to me to read, and I'm glad she did.
Rating:
Summary: Goodall shares her wisdom and gives us hope
Review: I purchased Jane Goodall's book Reason for Hope due to my admiration for her work with the Chimpanzees in Gombe. My reward is a beautifully written journey where Goodall shares with readers about her life and the treasures she has learned along the way. Goodall who with no formal education first traveled to the Gombe because of a twist of fate and a love for animals has to this point in her life contributed greatly to all human and animal kind. She writes in a soft soothing tone expressing her deep feelings and beliefs. Even when toward the end she pushed for environmentalist causes and vegetarian diet she did so in a non-threatening non preachy tone. In this book she shares her knowledge as well as experiences. A very inspirational and educational read.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful... just like the author
Review: I remember reading Goodall's first book when I was a child and I got hooked on her story. This book does not disappoint such a devoted fan. It's an excellent summary of her experiences in Gombe- both the physical and the metaphysical. I appreciate her comparisons between the chimpanzees and the people she knows, as well as her sharing of her own struggles with theology and faith. For anyone who wants to know more about Goodall or simply wants to read an excellent autobiography.
Rating:
Summary: Reaffirms why I so admire this woman
Review: I was one of those kids who was just at an age to be fascinated by the National Geographic when Ms. Goodall's first article was published in it. I looked at the pictures, yes, but then went beyond them to the remarkable text about her remarkable experiences. I eagerly gobbled up each new installment of her life among the chimps of Gombe. As a college student in communication disorders, my early interest in primates that was spawned by her work reasserted itself, when I did my senior paper on the chimp language studies being done at that time, taking an anthropological point of view. I had thought maybe one day I would find myself following chimps through the African forests. I have been to Africa, but have not seen the chimps, though that may yet happen. This is a book written by a very public woman who has maintained a very private personal life. I was especially interested to see what she had to say about religion and science, and more than anyone else I have read, she embodied the true sense of what it means to be spiritual. Her description of the vivid experiences she had upon the death of loved ones, and her eventual healing and acceptance of what life had dealt her, was particularly poignant and inspiring. Her views of what is really important in this world are clearly shaped by her unique experience among the chimpanzee community at Gombe, but she elucidates so clearly these values for all to consider. Most amazing to me, however, is her willingness to accept the call she felt to leave her beloved Gombe behind most of the time to travel the world, hoping to create change in our attitudes and specific practices that harm animals and the environment. Any of us who have felt the pull from something we love to take us into action can relate to the strength of her convictions. I am so inspired by this book, in fact, that I have already begun to explore how I might start one of her "Roots and Shoots" programs for kids at the school where I teach. There are not many books that stir in me an almost immediate response like that. If you have an interest in Ms. Goodall, in her work with chimps, in the relationship between science and religion, or in how one person might begin to work for change, this book will not disappoint. Her clear, direct voice about her purpose on this planet is refreshing and inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: Shining spirit
Review: I've enjoyed reading other books by Jane Goodall about her research with chimpanzees in Gombe. I guess, judging from the content of those other books, this book comes as no surprise. The spiritual side of her character, although not alluded to directly, comes forth in her other books. I think the reason I so enjoyed this book is that she touches on the spiritual component at the core of environmental issues. I was also fascinated by her accounts of her spiritual development and her strong connection to the jungle and her relationship with her husband. This is a wonderful book. Her humanity and spirit shine through.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring!
Review: If you have ever said the words, "What can I do, I'm only one person", this book is for you. Change is simple, and starts in each one of us, as Jane explains in her book. Simple acts of kindness towards others and animals, as well as respect and caring for this wonderful earth we call home. When presented in that repect, it doesn't seem so hard to do, nor hopeless. Things in my enriched life that I took for granted once, I will never be able to do so again. Her book touched my heart.
Rating:
Summary: Rich and Rewarding, Highly Recommended
Review: In this rich and rewarding autobiographical journey - from infant to wizened woman in her sixth decade - Jane Goodall shares her life-defining experiences including her mentorship by Louis Leakey, the observations of chimpanzees that made her famous, and her significant relationships. The reader is right there with her through learning experiences and personal struggles and may be surprised to know about the difficulties and sacrifices even the lucky, gifted and famous have to make. Jane Goodall frequently calls on her grandmother's favorite scripture for comfort in inclement times, "as thy days, so shall thy strength be." Goodall's accounts and insightful realizations give courage and perspective for dealing with the hardship and obstacles in our own lives. One of the things I value most about this book is that Goodall addresses ethical and spiritual dimensions of science and conservation. Most scientists do not publicly discuss these larger ethical dilemmas or they sometimes engage in them but lose perspective in balancing human needs with those of other living creatures. Jane Goodall is not only willing and able to discuss these complex dimensions, but the outcome is helpful and thought-provoking. If I were a professor in any of the sciences (esp. biology, genetics, and environmental studies) or ethics, I would leap at the opportunity to make this required reading. In her broad and clear way, Jane Goodall touches on many of the key issues and interrelations that scientists (budding or established) need to be aware of but will not find in a science textbook. We, as students and concerned individuals, need to know about the Jane Goodalls, Rosalind Franklins, and Einsteins in addition to the Watsons and Cricks so we can visualize the full range of options for how we live and the kind of science we do. Some people have been lucky enough to know all along that they can have both their science and their religion (in some religions, the harmony of science and religion are explicit, such as in the Baha'i Faith), their compassion and a keen desire for intellectual investigation, scientific research and problem solving. Goodall is one of these people, and it is wonderful to have a respected thinker like her showing that the two seemingly dichotomous realities can blend harmoniously and that it is not always inappropriate for a scientist to also be civically active. Of course, some level of detachment and impartiality must be maintained in scientific research, but this other element of human compassion and civic responsibility needs to be increasingly recognized, emphasized, and cultivated. While Goodall's periodic discussions of spirituality and ethics may seem unusual subject matter for many traditional science environments, scientists and students will appreciate the opportunity this book offers to broach these subjects in a planned and meaningful way. There is something unthreatening and inclusive in the way Goodall finds value in religious traditions beyond her own, and this feature makes "Reason for Hope" an especially good candidate for required reading in academia. In contrast to books like "The Double Helix," Goodall's sensitivity and same-era research into another genetics-related area provide a needed counterpoint to the attitudes of competition and exclusion that characterized the discovery of DNA. Different models of scientific exploration, different kinds of scientist. Both will be encountered, and both are important to know about. Readers of all ages can find a hero and a role model in Jane Goodall. Her books for young adults and children have inspired me even as a 23 year old, and I have since given copies of "My Life with the Chimpanzees" as gifts to children as young as 9. Jane Goodall is a remarkable human being with heart, compassion, strong communication skills, and unflagging commitment to chimp research, improving the lot of humans, animals, and all of the life on our planet. The vision and persistence she lends to those tasks are making a wide impact, not only on Westerners, but also on African children and communities at multiple socio-economic levels. People who are working to make a difference are among Goodall's "reasons for hope," the sincere, caring and visionary Yous and Mes of all countries and backgrounds. Goodall's fresh perspectives illumine things I already knew about and reveal many things I did not know before. Her beautiful command of the English language, vivid descriptions and compelling viewpoints will appeal to the artist, nature-lover, and poet and her sincere spirit speaks poignantly to further engage and delight the rest of us. Female scientists and concerned citizens will be among the most appreciative audience. I read "Reason for Hope" in one long sitting -- only interrupted by dinner on this Thanksgiving eve. It felt as though Jane Goodall had taken the time to have a powerful, absorbing, and stimulating conversation with me the reader. I say conversation because going with her on her life's journey caused me to reflect simultaneously on my own. She realized her most cherished childhood dreams. Can we all? For Jane Goodall's gift of time and energy, I feel honored and grateful. She has this effect, and because of this valuable "conversation," I feel more dedicated to my own path of service to humanity. I highly recommend this book to anyone. By the way ... don't miss the breathtaking color photograph on the inside front cover!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: Jane Goodall captures the readers mind with this wonderful book. I got this book for my birthday amd have hardly been able to put it down since then. I recomend this book to anyone who is interested in chimps and Jane Goodall. If I could I would give this book many more stars than 5.
Rating: 
Summary: Hope in the Face of Despair
Review: Jane Goodall reaches out to all who care for the earth and living things. Those involved in nature causes know the phenomenon of seeing so much irreparable wrong that life and effort begin to seem futile. Here is a book with at least a temporary antidote for depair. Goodall is not and does not pretend to be a great prose stylist. Maybe the simple straightforward words serve to advance her points. Her frank examination of a lifetime of ideas about spirituality is lit with sincerity, courage, and a willingness to share her most beautiful and moving moments. We return to the old question: what is spiritual, really? Does it have to do with churches or with moments of beauty and love given to us in nature and with those near to our hearts? She is not a Pollyanna, however, and shares with us enough of the dark of human behavior and the modern world to let us know she sees the same world we do. Thus, when she goes on to assert her belief in hope and the worth of continuing to act toward a better world, we have to listen and try in our hearts whether, even in the face of what we know to be true, we cannot learn again to believe. Most movingly, she admits that in accepting the imperative to do what she can to make a difference, she has had to give up the precious golden hours she once spent with the chimps. Even after her beautiful descriptions of those early magical times, we can only glimpse the poignant loss that this must be for her. Herein is the example set for all those of us who have had those moving and holy moments with nature: that from those to whom much has been given, much is to be expected. Only we have the certainty and experience it takes to stand in the face of apparent futility and fight, even though we might prefer to hide in the woods until they're all cut down. Were we given these blessings because we deserve them, or because we might then want to pass them on to those who come after? Jane Goodall has taken the noble path of love and compassion.
| 
