Review by Choice Review
Primatologist Goodall turns her attention to the myriad facets of the relationship between plants and people in a book that combines history, current conservation issues, and memoir. In attempting to cover such a large topic, Goodall sacrifices depth for breadth but uncovers many interesting corners of the plant world. Part 1 is the most autobiographical, detailing the influences that led to this book. Part 2 contains biographical sketches of plant hunters, a history of famous botanic gardens, and tales of orchids. Part 3 runs the gamut from medicinal plants to plantations to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Part 4 describes projects undertaken to preserve the natural world. Fifty pages of footnotes, added after plagiarism was uncovered in an initial release, encompass a mix of periodicals, books, and websites. These often seem selected to support Goodall's message rather than resulting from a thorough review of existing research. Particularly in the chapter on GMOs, her passion for her subject is admirable, but the thoroughness of her review of the research is not. Laypeople who enjoyed her previous books, particularly Hope for Animals and Their World (CH, Feb'10, 47-3165), may enjoy this similarly conservation-themed book. Summing Up: Recommended. With reservations. General readers. --Christin Helen Chenard, Plymouth State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Though Goodall is known everywhere as the chimpanzee expert who transformed our understanding of primates and ourselves, it comes as no surprise that her profound love of nature and vigorous global activism extend to the plant kingdom. Goodall begins this tribute to the glory of plants and trees and protest against their endangerment with memories of her grandmother's English country home, where her best friend was a large, cradling beech. She also shares her reverence for the forests of Gombe that nurture chimpanzees. In this far-ranging, gracefully impassioned book, Goodall, aided by frequent coauthor Hudson, shares her fascination with the beingness of plants, from the miracles of seeds to photosynthesis and astonishing strategies of seed dispersal, pollination, defense, and communication. She writes of her mystical experiences with trees, obsessive and daring plant hunters, orchid fever, and the deep psychological benefits of gardening. Goodall celebrates the long history of medicinal plants and decries corporate biopiracy and exposes the horrendous human suffering and environmental damage wrought by today's cotton industry and the disastrous consequences of genetically modified crops. Appalled by the ongoing destruction of forests, Goodall finds seeds of hope in those who work to protect the green world, upon which we are utterly dependent. A crucial and commanding summons to care and act by one of nature's most heroic champions.--Seaman, Donna Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Goodall (Reason for Hope) and her frequent coauthor Hudson here cover the use and abuse of plants in food, medicine, clothing, worship, and fuel. The work also examines farming practices, such as large-scale plantation farming of single, profitable plants that destroy natural diversity and contribute to human poverty. While the work at times takes on a gloomy, pessimistic tone, Goodall and Hudson provide examples of individuals and groups attempting to bring about change by working on organic farming; preservation of seeds for future use; conservation of forests, grasslands, and wetlands; and business practices that minimize impact on the environment. Cautionary tales are intermixed with Goodall's reminiscences of a childhood spent in the English countryside and her studies of primates in Africa. The audiobook includes a PDF file of images from the print work. Reader Edita Brychta does an excellent job of telling the tale. -verdict Recommended to all listeners who are interested in expanding their knowledge on environmental issues.-Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A wonderful introductory guide to the plant kingdom from one of the world's leading naturalists. Well-known for her pioneering work with primates, Goodall (Hope for Animals and Their World: How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued from the Brink, 2009, etc.) is now lecturing and encouraging young people to make a difference. With the assistance of Hudson, the author provides a comprehensive overview of the massive diversity of plants and mankind's relations with them, but she always brings her subject back to her own love and enthusiasm for nature. Goodall discusses the origins and history of trees and the importance of forests, and she offers an outline of the development of mankind's knowledge of plants. Her love for nature combines with outrage. She exposes how orchid poachers plunder the areas where the beautiful plants grow and how Western pharmaceutical interests are attempting to subject medicinally useful plants to intellectual property and patent constrictions, despite the fact that the plants have been used by mankind for probably thousands of years. Goodall shows how Monsanto and other genetic modifiers of agricultural seeds have set up a vicious cycle that ultimately leads to increased use of damaging chemicals but does not increase productivity. The author is critical of the effects of corporate and plantation-type production, and she promotes alternative methods of food production. Goodall bolsters her narrative with discussions of the healthy benefits that can be derived from plants, as well as the harm that can be done. Personal warmth and enthusiasm increase the charm of this celebration of the "beauty, mystery, and complexity" of the plant world.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
