The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times

The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall & Douglas Abrams, Celadon Books 

Jane Goodall is known for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and conservational work to protect the environment. In her new book, The Book of Hope, we sit down with Goodall and co-author Douglas Abrams conversing in a raw dialogue about the one thing that may keep humans alive or keep us going through the hard times in life: Hope. We are living during trying times to say the least, but through this captivating conversation with one of the most inspiring individuals alive today, Jane Goodall reminds us of past trials that we overcame and other reasons to continue hoping for the best in this world. 

“Hope...is what enables us to keep going in the face of adversity. It is what we desire to happen, but we must be prepared to work hard to make it so.” 

This book focuses on Jane’s Four Reasons for Hope: The Amazing Human Intellect, The Resilience of Nature, The Power of Young People, and The Indomitable Human Spirit. Abrams does a wonderful job playing devil's advocate, mentioning all that we have been through—a global pandemic has swept through our lives, climate change progresses, poverty and violence seem to be everywhere, a political scene that makes everyone cringe permeates our existence—and asks Jane questions that we are all thinking during this difficult time in history. She comes back with sincere answers that spark joy and, yes, even hope within the reader. If ever we needed a book full of hope, I’d say now is that time, and coming from none other than the astounding Jane Goodall at that. Throughout this uplifting text, Goodall takes us on her life’s journey. We see her living through wars, grieving a departed partner, and even meet a young Jane who was unsure of herself. Yet, hope was always around the corner—as it is today. A must read for anyone who wants an extra spark of, well, hope.