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Reason for Hope (Abridged): A Spiritual Journey Audiobook
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(4.00) - 1,521 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
From world-renowned scientist Jane Goodall, as seen in the new National Geographic documentary Jane, comes a poignant memoir about her spiritual epiphany and an appeal for why everyone can find a reason for hope.
Dr. Jane Goodall's revolutionary study of chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe preserve forever altered the very, definition of humanity. Now, in a poignant and insightful memoir, Jane Goodall explores her extraordinary life and personal spiritual odyssey, with observations as profound as the knowledge she has brought back from the forest.
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"When I told my mother I was reading this book, she responded with, "Oh that Jane Goodall is an odd one." And I suppose that's the reaction most people have when encountering an incredibly spiritual person. I found this book to be an incredibly source of strength-- she entered her field with no formal training, only a passion to learn. I find that incredible."
— Rebecca (5 out of 5 stars)
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“In an outstanding performance rich in pride, compassion, and vulnerability, Jane Goodall introduces the listener to the world of the Gombe chimpanzees she studied for twenty-five years. Her observations of the chimps alone could fill volumes, but a listener gets so much more from this superbly written biography. With an even pace, an expert abridgment, and perfectly selected music dividing each chapter, this work comes to life courtesy of Goodall’s own voice…As much a spiritual recounting of her amazing travels as it is a push for all of us to treat the earth with more respect…Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile -
“A remarkable story…passionate and convincing.”
— Washington Post Book World -
“The Einstein of behavioral sciences.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“A poignant, highly readable memoir, the book is a quiet treasure.”
— Atlanta Journal-Constitution -
“The scarcity of Jane Goodalls…may be more ominous than the scarcity of chimpanzees.”
— Rocky Mountain News -
“Marvelous…Despite the darkness, however, throughout her life’s adventures—and there are enough, in jungle and city, to make this book viscerally as well as morally thrilling—Goodall has nurtured a fundamental understanding that goodness can prevail, with each person’s help. This is a moving and inspiring book.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Provides interesting insights into the personal convictions of a world-famous researcher. This unusual book tells of not only the adventures of Goodall’s life but also the faith she constantly relies on and learns from, and as such, it is a unique look at the development of a scientist.”
— Booklist -
“[Goodall] blends a disarming humility and sense of wonder at the natural world with a determined belief that humankind is capable of doing better…A very thought-provoking and wonderful read.”
— Library Journal
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
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Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
Reason for Hope Listener Reviews
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" Great listen and enjoyed it more because Dr. Goodall narrated the book. She talks about various experiences that molded the way she sees the world. Her reasons for hope speak to an understanding of humanity and resonate with her work as a researcher and environmentalist. "
— elly, 4/12/2016 -
" Borrowed from the Fletcher Free Library for UU Book Club. "
— Faye, 2/20/2014 -
" I love Jane Goodall. She is an inspirational person without a doubt! "
— Marcie, 2/18/2014 -
" One of my absolute favorite books! I LOVE Jane Goodall! "
— Charley, 2/16/2014 -
" Enlightening and inspiring. A life well-lived. "
— Gail, 2/9/2014 -
" I don't remember it that well, but I did get a great quote from it. "
— Carrie, 1/14/2014 -
" I am sure hearing Jane Goodall speak recently and my longtime my admiration for her colored my view of the book. I like how her experiences were intertwined with reflection. Her overall message is that we can and must make the world a better place - - it's that simple. "
— Kim, 1/13/2014 -
" A little slow, but inspiring and enjoyable all the same. "
— Ashleyup, 1/6/2014 -
" Was very interesting at the beginning but some of the hippie protesting stuff I don't agree with "
— Colin, 12/14/2013 -
" "Always I have enjoyed aloneness... I was able to penetrate farther and farther into a magical world that no human had explored before." "
— Anna, 12/9/2013 -
" Jane Goodall's Autobiography/spiritual journey... She was my hero when I was a kid, now re-connecting with her, I rememmber why. "
— cindy, 11/27/2013 -
" A bit too churchy for me, but I like the sentiment overall. I'm a sucker for a good monkey tale. :) "
— JD, 11/27/2013 -
" One day in the future, when I'm not nursing an infant, I'll try again to eat mainly plants. Until then, I take inspiration from Jane's observations of chimp mothers. Raising a baby can be fun!! "
— Jami, 11/25/2013 -
" I had trouble getting into this one. I guess I was expecting it to be more about her research than it is. I finally had to put it down when I got halfway through. For anyone interested in reading about someone elses spiritual journy this is probably a good choice. "
— Colin, 11/6/2013 -
" I liked this book... but it was uneven... parts were very interesting... other sections less so... still how can one but admire Jane Goodall? "
— Eric, 10/20/2013 -
" A good read about Goodall's personal and professional evolution. Jane has been my hero since the 60's and this book confirms my admmiration of her. "
— Sarah, 7/13/2013 -
" This woman is amazing. She is a personal hero of mine and I throughly enjoyed this book. It was both interesting and inspiring. I recommend it to those with an interest in philanthropy, primatology, ecology or spiritual growth. "
— Brenna, 6/7/2013 -
" Goodall has been one of my heros since childhood. I read this book while going through a tough time. It was really helpful. Deeply optimistic, with a healthy dose of realism. "
— Caroline, 10/27/2012 -
" Reading this autobiography of Jane Goodall really changed my life. "
— Jing, 8/22/2012 -
" I liked this book but was disappointed at the last third of it. I wanted to hear more about the chimps and she went a different direction. I really respect her and think she's had an amazing life. "
— Michelle, 8/10/2012 -
" Back when it was way uncool to be an evironmentalist, Jane was and she made me one! Read why there is hope for a green planet! "
— Karman, 7/22/2012 -
" It angers me that I never had the sense to pick up one of her books before this... so much lost time. Get the Kleenex. "
— Anne, 6/18/2012 -
" It was a nice reminder of my anthropology days with a spiritual twist. I have heard Jane Goodall speak before & she is very inspirational. "
— Sierra, 5/28/2012 -
" Jane is quite an amazing lady! "
— Shelley, 2/23/2012 -
" This was a very good read. Jane Goodall takes you into her world and you are amazed. "
— Nancy, 9/4/2011 -
" A fantastic book. Equal parts memoir, philosophy and nature/biology book. This woman is incredible (I got to meet her once! Eeek!) and her books are all beautiful. Highly recommended. "
— Cortney, 3/12/2011 -
" I liked Jane Goodall before I read this book, but I like her even more now. She is a good writer, too. I highlighted quite a bit. I really admire how she has always been true to what she believes, even when it may "fly in the face" of accepted scientific belief. "
— Wwpray, 1/6/2011 -
" Borrowed from the Fletcher Free Library for UU Book Club. "
— Faye, 12/19/2010 -
" Absolutely the most brilliant, hopeful, and spiritual book I have ever read. Makes the world a better place to be in. "
— John, 8/16/2010
About the Authors
Dr. Jane Goodall is an ethologist and environmentalist. Her research at Gombe national park has given us an in-depth understanding of chimpanzee behavior. The research continues, but since then she has travelled the world raising awareness and learning about the threats we all face today, especially climate change and loss of biodiversity. As author of many books for adults and children and featured in countless documentaries and articles, she has reached millions around the world with her lectures, podcasts, and writings. She was appointed as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, is a Dame of the British Empire, and has received countless honors from around the world. Through her sixty years of groundbreaking research, she has become one of the most recognized living scientists in the world.