Last Chance to See

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Summary: Everyone should read this book
Review: This is the way to write about endangered animals. Adams has a serious story to tell, but he does it with so much caring, gentle wit, and laugh-out-loud humour, that it's a sheer delight to read this book from cover to cover. This may very well be the best book that Adams ever wrote. He ranges from insightful and philosophical musings to hilarious accounts of all the (mis)adventures that he and Mark Carwardine (Carwardine is listed as co-author, but his literary contribution is restricted to a short afterword) had while travelling to find the endangered animals that this book is about.
The book begins with a brief introductory chapter, entitled "Twig Technology." There then follows five chapters, one for each endangered animal that Adams and Carwardine (accompanied by various personnel from the BBC) travelled to see: the Komodo dragon, the northern white rhinoceros, the kakapo, the Baiji dolphin, and the Rodrigues fruitbat. Several other endangered animals are encountered along the way. The book ends with a finishing chapter by Adams, and the afterword by Carwardine.
The hopelessness of fighting against primitive human stupidity and greed in this battle to preserve and protect the remaining remnants of wildlife on Earth is vividly portrayed, but Adams is never ranting or preaching. His elegant and gentle style of writing is preserved throughout, so that you sometimes wish he would explode in a scorching diatribe (there would have been plenty of cause for it, on many occasions). But that was never his way.
Adams' opinions of religion shine through in a few places, further adding to the joy of reading this book. Here is a wonderful quote from the book: "I don't like the idea of missionaries. In fact the whole business fills me with fear and alarm. I don't believe in God, or at least not in the one we've invented for ourselves in England to fulfil our peculiarly English needs, and certainly not in the ones they've invented in America who supply their servants with toupees, television stations and, most importantly, toll-free telephone numbers. I wish that people who did believe in such things would keep them to themselves and not export them to the developing world."
The world needs more books like this one, and the world desperately needs more people like Douglas Adams (and the other hard-working men and women all over the world who are fighting to preserve what little nature is still left on our tortured planet). Adams' premature death was an irreplaceable loss. Now we can only console ourselves with the few precious gems of literature he left behind. This is another one of those so very rare books that should be read by everyone. If people read books like this in stead of the Bible or the Qur'an, then the world would be a better place for all of us to live in.

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Summary: This is you Last Chance!
Review: Last Chance to See
Last Chance to See is a novel by Douglas Adams about endangered animals. Adams writes about his adventures seeking out very rare animals. Adams treks through places that are forbidden by animal rights groups to give us a glimpse of just how rare and endangered these animals are. However serious this issue may be Adams writes with humor and compassion. This book is a lot of fun and inspires you to learn more about these animals.
While following the African White Rhino, Adams dispels myths surrounding the endangered animal that could save his life. For example, Rhino's are often killed because there is a myth that their horns are an aphrodisiac. The White Rhino has two horns so poachers get more form just one animal. This myth has killed thousands of Rhinos. Dispelling myths just might help save these animals.
In New Zealand there is a rare native bird called a Kakapo. A Kakapo is a good natured fat parrot like bird who is basically defenseless against predators that humans have brought to New Zealand. What are the predators that have been brought by humans? You'd be surprised that cats kill more Kakapo's than anything else. In a special part of New Zealand there are Kakapo trackers who kill cats to protect the birds. This allows the Kakapo's to live the way they used to when humans did not live in New Zealand. Humans need to be aware of the things we introduce to different environments because it may be killing precious creatures.

Adams writes in a good natured, informative way to let us know how we should be aware of how we are affecting the earth. If you are interested in a great adventure book or a really informative environmental book you should pick up a copy of Last Chance to See. To entice you further, the book comes with great pictures of these rare animals. This book is sure to make you laugh and more importantly make you care. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to be a friend to the earth.

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Summary: Science In Service of The Enviornment
Review: Initially I did not want to read this book. It was an effort for me to start. As someone who has an interest in nature and environmental preservation but a laymen's orientation, it was an effort. Observing, admiring, being fascinated by exotic and unique creatures in a reserve or zoo is very different from reading about them, even with color photography.
What Adams and Carwardine have done is fabricate a humorous odyssey of sorts founded in knowledge with a purpose, interspersed and laced with moments of poignancy. At first glance, The Last Chance To See portrays an air of the flippant and artificial. The author's are adept speaking with a "Jay Lenoistic" voice where useful. This serves the purpose of 'drawing you in', as it were, where you might not otherwise mentally care to go. Once "there" however you find yourself somewhere between curious and captivated by the admixture of political, environmental and travel log topics.
It also becomes quickly clear that had the authors and their party not been in search of the Komodo Dragon, as well a host of other rare and exotic creatures, they would not have ever been in many of the places vividly and humorously described. The beginning of the book is essentially a travel log with the relative inaccessibility of Madagascar detailed with attendant difficulties described. Slow as a start, though, this detailing serves to "humanize" a story (environmental odyssey) by placing it in terms familiar to all. The Komodo Dragon is introduced as a man-eater who as a scavenger prefers dead meat. As a live person, this was somewhat reassuring to hear-I guess. Though blatantly intended as "environmental shock therapy", it imparted to me vital information about a species of exotic nature, which is important for me as a citizen of the planet with all its other varied members to know. Along with the appropriate respect (through distance) an appreciation can hopefully be realized as well.
Though concerned about the author's ribbing- well intentioned or not- which seems to be largely aimed at 3rd world countries, the text also bears out the extreme passion and devotion of a growing number of environmentalists on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves and who being residents like us of this same speck in the Universe deserve all of the advocacy possible.

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Summary: this is my review
Review: This book was incredibly funnuy and informative. The authors bizarre sense of humor and spunk added much to reading this book. The way that the authors explain the kinds of things they are seeing and doing in complete detail really keeps the reader interested. This book shows that people really do care about wildlife. Most of the animals they encounter on their journey I have never even heard of before. My favorite part is about the kamodo dragon. I love how he anthropomorphizes these animals. The most interesting animal was the Kakapo. Not only does it have an odd name, but the features of this bird are incredible. Who knew that there are so many plants and animals becoming extinct every year? I definitely give mad props to these people that care and are trying to make a difference in the animal world.

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Summary: Endangered animals meets British humor
Review: Do you like humorous books? How about one's with travel, nature, and exotic, endangered animals? This book covers all of those subjects and more. The author and narrator of this book is Douglas Adams who travels along to many countries with Mark Carwardine. They go to places such as Komodo island (to search for the Komodo Dragon of course), Zaire Africa, Madagascar, and those are just naming a few. They go there to track down endangered animals, and they keep it interesting with their intelligence and humor.
Adams is a brilliant writer never leaving out anything. For example, when he can't think of anything else to say he writes that he can't think of anything else to say, even printed in his book. When they were flying to China to look for the baiji dolphin Adams bought several different aftershave's just for the heck of it. That's where a lot of the humor comes in.
I can think of laughing at so many points in this book. Adams sarcastic and witty comments toward everything make you smile and puts you in a good mood. Such as when he talks back to a man in a blue polyester suit, in Tanzania at the "airport." Another person that I found to be quite humorous was Dr. Struan Sutherland a man who had devoted his whole entire life to the study of venom. Adam's and his crew went to go ask him what to do if they got bit by a Komodo dragon or a snake. His response was simply, "Don't get bitten." There was more, but I don't want to give it away.
This book is very adventurous, and a bit suspenseful at times with all the dangerous animals. They risked being hurt several times, which is definitely more interesting to read. So if you are interested in anything I've said Last Chance to See is a must read for you.

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Summary: British humor, makes fun safari!
Review: Douglas Adams' Last Chance to See is a book that takes the reader on his journey visiting endangered species. This could be the most boring topic to read about, but the way British writer Adams' writes is so funny the reader cannot help but laugh their way through the book. Above all about this book, the reader comes away with so much knowledge about these animals.
When it came to endangered species I was one of those people that would know the least about the topic, but because of Last Chance To See, I am familiar with all kinds of animals now. The book begins with Adams going to Madagascar going to see the aye-aye which is a lemur near extinction. Come to find out the aye-aye is a nocturnal lemur and is very strange looking. The book goes on to talk about komodo dragons, keas, kakapo, north island robins, echo parakeets and so many more animals. My favorite to read about was the Qi-Qi baiji dolphin. The information about the animal was absolutely fascinating.
Humorous comments about situations Adams finds himself in are written so cleverly. One of my favorites comments Adams makes is in reference to scrunching up Norway taking out all the moose's and filling it with birds would be a waist because it was already a place, New Zealand. Little comments and events that happen cause me to be even more interested in the book and enjoy reading more of it.
Adams non-fiction Last Chance To See is just a really well done book on endangered species. Adams makes a strong point in the book that if no one cares, and lets these animals become extinct, we can never bring them back. The world will never have these fascinating creatures if we don't put and end to the animals that are becoming extinct by the thousands every year. If anyone is interested in learning more on the subject and having some good laughs I would tell them to stick out the first chapter and once you get into the book you will really enjoy reading Last Chance To See.

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Summary: Journey Of A Lifetime
Review: This book was an absolute delight to read. It will make you laugh but also makes you think and feel very sad that such beautiful creatures are no longer here on earth and others are becoming extinct. The authors (Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine) go on a journey to see the world's rarest and most endangered animals. Along the journey they tell of their adventures with the animals as well as dedicated people trying to save them. The main species featured in the book are the komodo dragon, northern white rhino, mountain gorilla, kakapo (ground dwelling parrot), baiji dolphin (Yangtze-River dolphin) and Rodriguez fruit bat. Each of these animals have a heart breaking story and people racing to save the species. I would recommend this book to nature lovers of any age. There were many parts of the book I enjoyed during my journey around the world with Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine. I learned things that I never knew, not only about the animals but also about the places they visited. I stayed interested throughout the entire book and that is a task for me. It seemed as though they had many obstacles to conquer in the beginning of their travels. I would have to say my favorite part of the book was when they were looking for and found the mountain gorilla. The excitement they were feeling passes right through you. I really enjoyed the part when the gorilla watches the author as he takes a piece of pink writing paper out of his bag and starts to take notes. After a short while the gorilla touches the paper then the top of the pen. The gorilla did not want to take the pen or paper, he just wanted to see what it was. That would be so cool to experience and scary at the same time. The funniest part in the book was when they went to China, to the Yangtze River to look for the baiji dolphin. They decided they wanted to see what the river actually sounded like under the water and to record it, but they forgot to get water proof microphones, so what they did was go to buy condoms to cover the microphone with. They didn't speak chinese, and the Chinese women didn't really speak much english, so they had to figure out a way to tell them that they needed condoms. It was hilarious! Then there is the breath taking journey to find the kakapo. This was one of the more intense searches for a species. The guys along with the help of a kakapo tracker by the name of Arab and his dog Boss, went through a lot but did finally find the kakapo. Of course I cannot forget the feeling of fear I got from them as they approach the Island of Komodo in search of the komodo dragon. Knowing that just the saliva of a komodo dragon can kill man is enough to fear. Still you can sense the joy these men feel when they locate one of these animals. These are just samples of the exciting stories you will read in the book. Each of the animals have their own special part in the book. The author tells in detail about the animals and the journeys they themselves take to find the species so they know for sure that they still exist and try to make sure they continue on in life. I feel that if more people paid attention to what is happening to our animals maybe they would try a little harder to keep them from going extinct. For instance, the most famous extinct animal of all is a large dove with the weight of a well fed turkey, the dodo. This animal was clubbed to death just for the sport of it. It's meat was tough and bitter so there really has never been any reason for humans to kill it. Then there is the story of the extinct giant tortoises. These are all very interesting, but sad stories. As you read through the book there are many animals mentioned and the status of their species. I am sure if more people read this book, these and many more animals would be cared for before they too become extinct. After reading the book, it seems as though things are going in the right direction for those animals, as at the end of the book the author tells of a coupke letters they received. One was good news and one not so good news, but so long as we keep getting the good news the efforts being made to keep these animals from becoming extinct is well worth the time and money it takes. You will have to read the book to find out what an awesome journey Douglas adams and Mark Carwardine can take you on and how you will feel as though you are there with them. This is a great book so take the time to read it, you will not be sorry!

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Summary: You'll Laugh Your Best Laughter Despite the Tears
Review: I was howling and in tears with the laughter while reading this book -- the scene in the chinese grocery looking for a "microphone cover" still makes me giggle -- and I first read those lines years ago! I'd hoped that Douglas Adams would have the time and ability to do a follow-up book -- but sadly the universe had other plans for him and intervened.

I've given away and recommended this book many times. Not just for the laughter, but also for opening more eyes to the sad truth of mankind's role in the extinction of animal species and to how much more empty our planet will be as each species becomes extinct. Where will we be when the komodo dragon, northern white rhinoceros, mountain gorilla, kakapo, baiji dolphin, and the rodrigues fruit bat and all of their cousins are extinguished from existence?

This is a book for those with soul and who like to share it. Thank you Douglas Adams, wherever you are now, for sharing your slice of humanity with us all.

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Summary: I Don't See A Problem
Review: Last Chance To See, written by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine, is a book about survival. Adams takes the reader on a wonderful exploration of isolated locations in the world and some not so isolated. Locations like the Yangtze River in China or go island hopping along the Indonesian archipelago, where myths come alive. Places where some of God's magnificent and strangest creatures live. I'm not sure "live" is appropriate; let's say where they may possibly teeter on the brink of survival. Creatures like the mystical Komodo dragon and the fragile Kakapo. This could be possibly the last chance to see some of these magnificent creatures.
On a scale from 1 to 5, I give this book a rating of 4. Some may find this book to be a little monotonous. However, I found it rather enjoyable and educational. The excursions that Adams shares with his traveling companions, the reader, are intriguing; as well as, learning about the people that are involved in the preservation projects and the geography lessons are quite enlightening. Adams attempts to keep the reader's interest by mixing in his personal traveling fiascos and humor. He lingers sometimes too long on these predicaments, in which I believe distracts from the book.
So What? Who cares that these animals may become extinct? We all should care if nobody else, I care. Carwardine sums it up well "there is one reason for caring...the world would be a poorer, darker, lonelier place without them" (Pg. 213). If we allow these creatures to become extinct we may never know if they held the keys to cures of some of our deadliest diseases. But, for no other reason they deserve to live. I believe along with Carwardine that the steps we take to ensure that these creatures continue to exist will also guarantee are own survival.
Last Chance To See gives the reader some insight on how some people may look at nature. It brings awareness to the fact that we cannot risk throwing off the balance of our fragile ecology by killing off species due to our own ignorance, or even worse, by doing nothing to stop such atrocities. Unfortunately, issues like these if not brought to the forefront are easily ignored or believed not to exist. Adams enlightens the reader of these issues; regrettably most will continue to deny there is a problem. All the knowledge in the world, if not applied, becomes worthless or worse yet, powerless. Adams challenges us to look at the effects that civilization has on our world and have the fortitude to do something about it. If everyone does a little it will add up to a lot.
I can't say my life has drastically changed since reading the book although it has affected the way I look at my own misconceptions about nature. It has enlightened me on how severe it is for these species and others that are on the edge of annihilation. I am now conscious of what products I choose to endorse.
I believe everyone should read this book, if just for the splendid journeys Adams takes the reader on. In the process you might learn a thing or two. If you are animal lover this book will make laugh you, cry, angry and leave you with a glimmer of hope. If you know nothing about rare species of animals it will give a thrilling education. For those who are made to read it by an instructor, don't worry: you will enjoy the journeys. Oh, and one more thing, keep a map of the world close by for reference, you might get lost!

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Summary: The Vogons aren't going to destroy this one...
Review: Some years ago Douglas Adams wrote The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a story about the world being unexpectedly demolished by hideous creatures from another planet, Vogons. It was meant as a joke... Now, animal by animal, tree by tree, the world is being demolished around us; not by Vogons. Adams decided it was time to think about the absurdities of life on Earth, and what we are doing to it. He teamed up with zoologist and photographer Mark Carwardine, and together they set off around the world in search of some of the rarest and most endangered animals on Earth. As Adams stated so eloquently: "My role, and one for which I was entirely qualified, was to be an extremely ignorant non-zoologist to whom everything that happened would come as a complete surprise."

"This isn't at all what I expected," to borrow the opening line of Last Chance to See. The potential for a highly serious novel, preaching at the reader to 'save the earth', is quelled by Douglas Adams' enormous skill for satire. In his lifetime, Adams had a long history of support for the wildlife cause, although he was better known for his unorthodox humour. In this novel Adams succeeds in finding comedy in the most unlikely situations: While preparing to enter a snake-infested island in search of komodo dragons, while unexpectedly coming face-to-face with a two-metre high Silverback Gorilla, and while attempting to mime the word 'condom' to puzzled Chinese shopkeepers.

Last Chance to See is witty and well-crafted. Adams shows, rather than tells, the native attitudes and challenges for these animals. The trip to Zaire to see one of the 22 remaining northern white rhinos is introduced with the shocking image of leopard skin, made into a "rather natty" pill-box hat adorning the country's president in an airport photo. Amusing and disconcerting descriptions of bureaucratic extortion efforts and ask-questions-later poaching patrols follow.

The vivid and powerful descriptions of scenery add to the poignancy of the writing since many of the species disappearing are losing habitat. Adams writes of Fiordland, New Zealand, "The land is folded and twisted and broken on such a scale that it makes your brain quiver and sing in your skull just trying to comprehend what you're looking at." The quest of this journey is the kakapo, a fat, flightless bird with strange mating habits that involve acoustically controlled booming. In this case, their search was limited by the government's reluctance to allow anyone access to the few remaining and protected birds.

In addition, Adams and Carwardine also pursued a glimpse of a baiji river dolphin in China, and many endangered birds, along with Rodrigues fruit bats in Mauritius. The writing deftly recreates some of the rather eccentric characters they encountered along the way, some of whom are included in the colour-photo inserts. As a travel book, Last Chance to See provides a glimpse at the primitive nature of travel into the 'third world.' Rather than promote the places mentioned, Adams introduces a reason for escaping the commercial tourism arena very early in the novel. Kuta Beach in Bali is described as "lined with gift shops and hamburger bars and populated with crowds of drunken, shouting [Australian] tourists, kamikaze motorcyclists, counterfeit watch sellers and small dogs"(pg.15).

This novel is hardly a piece of promotional literature for Bali or even Africa and China. Each place's degradation is presented as a product of mass tourism, namely endangering the already endangered animal species. Adams does point out, in his ironical style, that funding in such countries is only obtained through the lure of the 'tourist dollar'. Bureaucratic governments see environmental protection as a waste unless tourism dollars can be earned in exchange for 'bumping up' the local wildlife population. China is largely exempted from these bureaucratic measures - 2001 reports state that only 5 Baiji dolphins remain in the Yangzte River - another Adams irony come to fruition perhaps?

In contrast to this, Mauritius, Komodo (Indonesia) and New Zealand are seen as the last bastion of untouched beauty. "The only roads that approach the Fiordland National Park [New Zealand] peter out quickly in the foothills, and most tourists only ever explore the fringe scenery...very, very few experienced campers try to get anywhere near the heart of it" (pg.100). Yet, it is these places that are presented as having the most prolific amount of endangered species (an irony in itself?). Komodo, Mauritius and Fjiordland are all presented as remote and difficult to reach by commercial methods, and yet endangered species still continue on their journey to extinction.

Last Chance to See brilliantly brings the environmental situation to the readers, evoking gasps, laughter and tears. Although it was written over a decade ago, this work doesn't feel outdated. It is unfortunate that Adams' relatively recent death preceded another series of journeys. Mark Carwardine's final chapter evokes a sense of unfinished business. Although his writing tries to bring optimism to a desperate situation, the reader is left with a feeling of hopelessness. The enormity of the 'endangered' list, and the small number of people dedicated to the 'cause' are desperately unbalanced.

Adams presents some brilliantly humorous insights into the absurdity of human nature. It is this that brings the reader to a rapid conclusion. This is the last chance to see. The inevitability of extinction for the animals visited on Adams and Cawardine's journey is felt with sadness - yet it is accepted as a given. Adams' somewhat Darwinian approach to 'the wild' is rapidly picked up by the reader until, by the final chapter, Cawardine's attempt at optimism is almost dismissed.