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Recommend this book:
Almost Full Circle
From Montserrat to Canada and Back-ish
Jacqueline Greer Graham
2023 Gold Medal
257 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
In Almost Full Circle: From Montserrat to Canada and Back-ish, Jacqueline Greer Graham takes readers back to her Caribbean roots, her youth in Montserrat, and her time in Canada with her mother and stepfather. She remembers the wonderful and positive experiences she had as a youngster, like being brought up by her grandmother to be independent, taking part in vibrant Caribbean festivals and cultural events, and seeing snow for the first time in Canada. Her account includes heartbreaking details of sexual predators, domestic abuse, and the destructive Montserrat volcanoes. When she went to Montserrat years later, she saw that the volcanic activity had drastically transformed the island from what she recalled as a youngster. The profound lessons and lovely memories she got from her youth in the area, on the other hand, would stay with her long after natural calamities had transformed its physical structure.
Almost Full Circle by Jacqueline Greer Graham simply blew me away! This smart, incisive, and highly visual tale has opened my eyes to the commonalities between African and Caribbean civilizations. The novel's setting in the 1970s and 1980s is defined by nostalgia for a simpler time, as well as the fragility and preservation of the link to the past. This is a fascinating book that not only recounts a story but thanks to her great writing talents also displays Jacqueline's indomitable spirit. We can see how her abuse, adversity, and scarcity of resources molded her into a stronger person, similar to how butterflies go from caterpillars slowly plodding and crawling to butterflies smoothly and attractively soaring about. This book will appeal to anybody looking for a well-written, historically grounded memoir with a Caribbean and African theme. Words cannot fully express how I feel. You must experience it for yourself!
In Almost Full Circle: From Montserrat to Canada and Back-ish, Jacqueline Greer Graham takes readers back to her Caribbean roots, her youth in Montserrat, and her time in Canada with her mother and stepfather. She remembers the wonderful and positive experiences she had as a youngster, like being brought up by her grandmother to be independent, taking part in vibrant Caribbean festivals and cultural events, and seeing snow for the first time in Canada. Her account includes heartbreaking details of sexual predators, domestic abuse, and the destructive Montserrat volcanoes. When she went to Montserrat years later, she saw that the volcanic activity had drastically transformed the island from what she recalled as a youngster. The profound lessons and lovely memories she got from her youth in the area, on the other hand, would stay with her long after natural calamities had transformed its physical structure.
Almost Full Circle by Jacqueline Greer Graham simply blew me away! This smart, incisive, and highly visual tale has opened my eyes to the commonalities between African and Caribbean civilizations. The novel's setting in the 1970s and 1980s is defined by nostalgia for a simpler time, as well as the fragility and preservation of the link to the past. This is a fascinating book that not only recounts a story but thanks to her great writing talents also displays Jacqueline's indomitable spirit. We can see how her abuse, adversity, and scarcity of resources molded her into a stronger person, similar to how butterflies go from caterpillars slowly plodding and crawling to butterflies smoothly and attractively soaring about. This book will appeal to anybody looking for a well-written, historically grounded memoir with a Caribbean and African theme. Words cannot fully express how I feel. You must experience it for yourself!
Recommend this book:
The Remarkable Reefs Of Cuba
Hopeful Stories From the Ocean Doctor
David E. Guggenheim
2023 Bronze Medal
264 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
David E. Guggenheim tells the story of discouragement replaced by the story of hope found, of all places, in Cuba. In The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba: Hopeful Stories from the Ocean Doctor, David shares his involvement in analyzing Cuba’s coral reefs. While coral reefs are dying everywhere else in the world, the reefs of Cuba are healthy and growing. This book discusses why and how such an excellent environment survives a toxic Earth. While David is a scientist, he makes sure his stories and insights are accessible for the nonscientist to understand. What has happened to the reefs affects every living human on planet Earth. It is of ultimate consequence that we all understand what is happening and how we can be part of the cure. The history of Cuba and its people is nicely woven into the story of life and the corals.
The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba shares the love of nature with the care of nature. David E. Guggenheim shares his journey from his introduction to sea life as a teen to his involvement as a scientist and professor of ocean life. His stories involve those who are working furiously to save the environment. It tells the human side of environmental heroes, including one of the heroes of my younger days, Jacques Cousteau. I watched and read everything I could find by Jacques. David includes his connection with him; talk about a throw-back moment. This book will enlighten those who are not marine biologists or ocean scientists. I highly recommend it to learn more about the environment’s danger. David tells stories of real people, challenges, and work in the background; he aims to make science understandable to nonscientists and elevate science above the dry and dull. He has accomplished both through his excellent storytelling.
David E. Guggenheim tells the story of discouragement replaced by the story of hope found, of all places, in Cuba. In The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba: Hopeful Stories from the Ocean Doctor, David shares his involvement in analyzing Cuba’s coral reefs. While coral reefs are dying everywhere else in the world, the reefs of Cuba are healthy and growing. This book discusses why and how such an excellent environment survives a toxic Earth. While David is a scientist, he makes sure his stories and insights are accessible for the nonscientist to understand. What has happened to the reefs affects every living human on planet Earth. It is of ultimate consequence that we all understand what is happening and how we can be part of the cure. The history of Cuba and its people is nicely woven into the story of life and the corals.
The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba shares the love of nature with the care of nature. David E. Guggenheim shares his journey from his introduction to sea life as a teen to his involvement as a scientist and professor of ocean life. His stories involve those who are working furiously to save the environment. It tells the human side of environmental heroes, including one of the heroes of my younger days, Jacques Cousteau. I watched and read everything I could find by Jacques. David includes his connection with him; talk about a throw-back moment. This book will enlighten those who are not marine biologists or ocean scientists. I highly recommend it to learn more about the environment’s danger. David tells stories of real people, challenges, and work in the background; he aims to make science understandable to nonscientists and elevate science above the dry and dull. He has accomplished both through his excellent storytelling.
Recommend this book:
The Climate Pandemic
How Climate Disruption Threatens Human Survival
Dennis Meredith
2023 Honorable Mention
480 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Climate Pandemic: How Climate Disruption Threatens Human Survival is an environmental non-fiction book by Dennis Meredith that details the peril planet Earth faces at the hands of the most destructive animals in the history of the world: us. Eschewing what they call bland generalized words such as 'global warming' and 'climate change', Meredith pinpoints specific issues, how we created them, whether or not they can be slowed or repaired, how to do it, and why we aren't. The biggest reason why we are not is overwhelmingly economic, and therefore political. What is most painful about these reasons is that there is ironclad, irrefutable scientific evidence that denialists, or 'de-nihilists' as Meredith calls them, either wilfully ignore or ignorantly contradict. Human survival is threatened and yet, here we are, watching sea levels rise, temperatures rise, extreme weather, agriculture failures, and scarcity of water.
I have a sister-in-law who has never pumped a single gallon of gas in her entire life. Can you imagine that? This is a generation where it is possible that gas stations will be shut down because they are obsolete. And yet, for all of the laziness, complacency, and entitlement that we attribute to Millennials and Generation Z, they aren't the ones who have messed everything up. The Climate Pandemic by Dennis Meredith is eye-opening in how comprehensive it is, and scary in the way it reveals how long we have known what would occur; not could, but what would occur, and still we cracked on. From a social standpoint, I was most surprised by corporate 'greenwashing' which, my apologies, I had never heard of before. Environmental initiatives are all smoke and mirrors but people buy into them because it makes them feel good, and makes companies look good. Meanwhile, entire cities have to pay for water not because the water bottle looks cute tucked in with their yoga mat, but because there is no water left for them to survive on. It's going to take some time for me to absorb all I have learned from this book. I sincerely hope it gets into the hands and hearts of those who control these factors on a macro level. Very highly recommended.
The Climate Pandemic: How Climate Disruption Threatens Human Survival is an environmental non-fiction book by Dennis Meredith that details the peril planet Earth faces at the hands of the most destructive animals in the history of the world: us. Eschewing what they call bland generalized words such as 'global warming' and 'climate change', Meredith pinpoints specific issues, how we created them, whether or not they can be slowed or repaired, how to do it, and why we aren't. The biggest reason why we are not is overwhelmingly economic, and therefore political. What is most painful about these reasons is that there is ironclad, irrefutable scientific evidence that denialists, or 'de-nihilists' as Meredith calls them, either wilfully ignore or ignorantly contradict. Human survival is threatened and yet, here we are, watching sea levels rise, temperatures rise, extreme weather, agriculture failures, and scarcity of water.
I have a sister-in-law who has never pumped a single gallon of gas in her entire life. Can you imagine that? This is a generation where it is possible that gas stations will be shut down because they are obsolete. And yet, for all of the laziness, complacency, and entitlement that we attribute to Millennials and Generation Z, they aren't the ones who have messed everything up. The Climate Pandemic by Dennis Meredith is eye-opening in how comprehensive it is, and scary in the way it reveals how long we have known what would occur; not could, but what would occur, and still we cracked on. From a social standpoint, I was most surprised by corporate 'greenwashing' which, my apologies, I had never heard of before. Environmental initiatives are all smoke and mirrors but people buy into them because it makes them feel good, and makes companies look good. Meanwhile, entire cities have to pay for water not because the water bottle looks cute tucked in with their yoga mat, but because there is no water left for them to survive on. It's going to take some time for me to absorb all I have learned from this book. I sincerely hope it gets into the hands and hearts of those who control these factors on a macro level. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
A Guide to the Climate Apocalypse
Our Journey from the Age of Prosperity to the Era of Environmental Grief
Vítězslav Kremlík
2022 Gold Medal
477 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
A Guide to the Climate Apocalypse: Our Journey from the Age of Prosperity to the Era of Environmental Grief by Vítězslav Kremlík is the book that some of us don’t want but all of us need because it takes an open mind and a welcoming heart to swallow the bitter truths that it presents, backed up with data and case studies. This book exposes how environmentalists, or the Greens, manipulate and exaggerate climate issues, stretching them to apocalyptic levels to attract attention and instigate what they perceive is a much-needed change in our lifestyle and business practices. With scholarly devotion to the topic, the book traces the history of climate change, its models, its polarizing effects, and its contemporary ramifications. The author gives you a critical assessment of the subject to arrive at the conclusion of whether or not there is a cause for panic.
There are hundreds if not thousands of conversations about climate change today, but they tend to overwhelm us as they all run in the same vein of doomsday pronouncements. If you do not want to get lost in the noise, I strongly recommend that you arm yourself with proper information before joining environmental crusades and demanding change. The sense of urgency and genuine concern to shed light on a pressing subject, where many are misinformed, makes Vítězslav Kremlík’s writing strongly compelling. In a time when it is difficult to filter out the right information, you owe it to yourself to investigate the persistent and exaggerated claims advanced by those who have their own agendas to push. A timely and thought-provoking work, A Guide to the Climate Apocalypse is a must-read that proves how many are crying wolf when it comes to environmental issues.
A Guide to the Climate Apocalypse: Our Journey from the Age of Prosperity to the Era of Environmental Grief by Vítězslav Kremlík is the book that some of us don’t want but all of us need because it takes an open mind and a welcoming heart to swallow the bitter truths that it presents, backed up with data and case studies. This book exposes how environmentalists, or the Greens, manipulate and exaggerate climate issues, stretching them to apocalyptic levels to attract attention and instigate what they perceive is a much-needed change in our lifestyle and business practices. With scholarly devotion to the topic, the book traces the history of climate change, its models, its polarizing effects, and its contemporary ramifications. The author gives you a critical assessment of the subject to arrive at the conclusion of whether or not there is a cause for panic.
There are hundreds if not thousands of conversations about climate change today, but they tend to overwhelm us as they all run in the same vein of doomsday pronouncements. If you do not want to get lost in the noise, I strongly recommend that you arm yourself with proper information before joining environmental crusades and demanding change. The sense of urgency and genuine concern to shed light on a pressing subject, where many are misinformed, makes Vítězslav Kremlík’s writing strongly compelling. In a time when it is difficult to filter out the right information, you owe it to yourself to investigate the persistent and exaggerated claims advanced by those who have their own agendas to push. A timely and thought-provoking work, A Guide to the Climate Apocalypse is a must-read that proves how many are crying wolf when it comes to environmental issues.
Recommend this book:
The Demogra-fate Hypothesis
Is demographic aging, as seen on Earth, the natural death of all intelligent species in the Universe?
Nguyen Ba Thanh
2022 Silver Medal
143 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Demogra-fate Hypothesis is a work of non-fiction in the social issues subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Nguyen Ba Thanh. The book is a discussion of the idea that the population aging that we see today may indicate an end to the life cycle of our species, and the implications that this idea has on the age-old question of 'are we alone in the universe.' Using data taken from our own censuses and extrapolating the possible implications this would have on other civilizations, the book addresses the paradox of why we haven’t found life in a huge and busy universe.
The idea that the human race has a shelf life and we have no idea what the expiration date is has the potential to be quite horrifying on its own. Could we be years away from our end or millions of years? Fortunately, author Nguyen Ba Thanh is able to bring not just incredible insight on the topic but also just enough wry humor to prevent a discussion on our own extinction from descending into existential dread. The ideas on display here are fascinating and accessible to all, grounding the more abstract ideas in verifiable data in order to constantly remind readers that this isn’t science fiction; this is an issue we should be talking about right now. The Demogra-fate Hypothesis is a must-read for those with an interest in our species' future, presenting a complex and far-reaching hypothesis in a way that allows even casual readers to join the discussion.
The Demogra-fate Hypothesis is a work of non-fiction in the social issues subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Nguyen Ba Thanh. The book is a discussion of the idea that the population aging that we see today may indicate an end to the life cycle of our species, and the implications that this idea has on the age-old question of 'are we alone in the universe.' Using data taken from our own censuses and extrapolating the possible implications this would have on other civilizations, the book addresses the paradox of why we haven’t found life in a huge and busy universe.
The idea that the human race has a shelf life and we have no idea what the expiration date is has the potential to be quite horrifying on its own. Could we be years away from our end or millions of years? Fortunately, author Nguyen Ba Thanh is able to bring not just incredible insight on the topic but also just enough wry humor to prevent a discussion on our own extinction from descending into existential dread. The ideas on display here are fascinating and accessible to all, grounding the more abstract ideas in verifiable data in order to constantly remind readers that this isn’t science fiction; this is an issue we should be talking about right now. The Demogra-fate Hypothesis is a must-read for those with an interest in our species' future, presenting a complex and far-reaching hypothesis in a way that allows even casual readers to join the discussion.
Recommend this book:
The Cactus Surgeon
Using Nature to Fix A Faulty Brain
Hannah Powell
2022 Bronze Medal
194 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite
Mother Nature has a way of not only healing itself but wildlife, sea animals, and humans. We're not meant to run after life's material possessions because as we seek more, it's human nature to desire more. These desires are designed to keep you off balance. This imbalance is due to the high demands placed on your life. As a result of stress, you begin to worry excessively, exhibit poor eating habits, show signs of a lack of sleep, and begin to display symptoms of various diseases and illnesses. Hear what author Hannah Powell shares with the reader in her book, The Cactus Surgeon: Using Nature to Fix A Faulty Brain. She fell into the same trap that many of us do by working in a high-level career which resulted in being burned out. Her body began to break down, which resulted in her later being diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND). As she began seeking ways to heal, she realized that the answer to balance was getting in touch with nature, something that had been a part of her life since childhood. This is her story.
The Cactus Surgeon: Using Nature to Fix A Faulty Brain by Hannah Powell is a beautiful story of discovery, relief, and change. As Hannah walks through the several facets of her life in telling her story, she also shares personal parts of herself with childhood, family, and nature photos. You will see several photos of nature from a woodpecker, blossoms, Echinops, snowdrops, sunflowers, and sweetpeas to a jellyfish. By getting back in touch with nature, gardening, and relocating to a calm location along with physiotherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative medical options, Hannah not only was able to heal but got married and raised a family. If you're seeking a way to get off the hamster wheel and get balanced before a life-defining moment changes the course of your life, get a copy of this book to help you along your journey. Enjoy!
Mother Nature has a way of not only healing itself but wildlife, sea animals, and humans. We're not meant to run after life's material possessions because as we seek more, it's human nature to desire more. These desires are designed to keep you off balance. This imbalance is due to the high demands placed on your life. As a result of stress, you begin to worry excessively, exhibit poor eating habits, show signs of a lack of sleep, and begin to display symptoms of various diseases and illnesses. Hear what author Hannah Powell shares with the reader in her book, The Cactus Surgeon: Using Nature to Fix A Faulty Brain. She fell into the same trap that many of us do by working in a high-level career which resulted in being burned out. Her body began to break down, which resulted in her later being diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND). As she began seeking ways to heal, she realized that the answer to balance was getting in touch with nature, something that had been a part of her life since childhood. This is her story.
The Cactus Surgeon: Using Nature to Fix A Faulty Brain by Hannah Powell is a beautiful story of discovery, relief, and change. As Hannah walks through the several facets of her life in telling her story, she also shares personal parts of herself with childhood, family, and nature photos. You will see several photos of nature from a woodpecker, blossoms, Echinops, snowdrops, sunflowers, and sweetpeas to a jellyfish. By getting back in touch with nature, gardening, and relocating to a calm location along with physiotherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative medical options, Hannah not only was able to heal but got married and raised a family. If you're seeking a way to get off the hamster wheel and get balanced before a life-defining moment changes the course of your life, get a copy of this book to help you along your journey. Enjoy!
Recommend this book:
Einstein's Last Message
Saving our world by changing how we think
Rod O'Connor
2022 Honorable Mention
157 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Einstein's Last Message: Saving our world by changing how we think is a work of non-fiction focused on environmental issues in the modern world, and was penned by author Dr. Rod O'Connor. Drawing on history to teach us about the future of our world, this international healthcare researcher and cognitive psychologist utilizes Einstein’s concept of ‘a new type of thinking’ to discuss how we got into such a mess with climate change and habitat destruction, and what can be done to change ourselves, and in doing so, the wider world. So begins a fascinating journey into the realm of psychology in order to understand how decision making works, and what it means for our future.
Author Dr. Rod O'Connor has crafted a really fascinating work that lays out some very complex psychological concepts but does so in a highly accessible way that people can truly understand and take to heart. I was fascinated to see such expert knowledge portrayed, and I felt that the clear, jargon-free prose really aided understanding. The organization of the work was helpful too, serving to build upon concepts in a linear progression that never felt rushed, but also always keeping one eye on the wider perspective issues of the natural world and humanity’s dangerous and destructive potential. What results is a work of great wisdom which brings its message home on a crest of excellent research and critical thinking. Overall, I would highly recommend Einstein's Last Message: Saving our world by changing how we think to all readers, so that they may better understand the world and themselves.
Einstein's Last Message: Saving our world by changing how we think is a work of non-fiction focused on environmental issues in the modern world, and was penned by author Dr. Rod O'Connor. Drawing on history to teach us about the future of our world, this international healthcare researcher and cognitive psychologist utilizes Einstein’s concept of ‘a new type of thinking’ to discuss how we got into such a mess with climate change and habitat destruction, and what can be done to change ourselves, and in doing so, the wider world. So begins a fascinating journey into the realm of psychology in order to understand how decision making works, and what it means for our future.
Author Dr. Rod O'Connor has crafted a really fascinating work that lays out some very complex psychological concepts but does so in a highly accessible way that people can truly understand and take to heart. I was fascinated to see such expert knowledge portrayed, and I felt that the clear, jargon-free prose really aided understanding. The organization of the work was helpful too, serving to build upon concepts in a linear progression that never felt rushed, but also always keeping one eye on the wider perspective issues of the natural world and humanity’s dangerous and destructive potential. What results is a work of great wisdom which brings its message home on a crest of excellent research and critical thinking. Overall, I would highly recommend Einstein's Last Message: Saving our world by changing how we think to all readers, so that they may better understand the world and themselves.
Recommend this book:
Practical Sustainability
Circular Commerce, Smarter Spaces, and Happier Humans
Corey Glickman and Jeff Kavanaugh
2022 Finalist
358 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
We are all concerned about the issue of sustainability, and due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the process has accelerated significantly. We hear so much news about sustainability and carbon footprint reduction that many of us struggle to understand what is best to do. Thankfully, Corey Glickman and Jeff Kavanaugh's comprehensive book, Practical Sustainability: Circular Commerce, Smarter Spaces, and Happier Humans, helps shed some light on this matter. The book focuses on people, buildings, smart cities, and digital technology to show that it is possible to have a productive society that is also aware of the value of sustainability. The authors will also explain the five sustainability elements to support their approach: regenerative future, circular commerce, human experience, a system of systems, and digital twin.
Anyone interested in sustainability should read Practical Sustainability. Written by two authors with in-depth knowledge of the topic, this will be a milestone and a point of reference for years to come. Corey Glickman and Jeff Kavanaugh explore the subject from every point of view and offer the reader a clear overview and precise, up-to-date indications of what to do. I have never read a book that explains what our approach to sustainability should be in such an excellent manner. I am sure that this book will impact the vision of all those who intend to do business in this era, and it is to them that I especially recommend this book.
We are all concerned about the issue of sustainability, and due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the process has accelerated significantly. We hear so much news about sustainability and carbon footprint reduction that many of us struggle to understand what is best to do. Thankfully, Corey Glickman and Jeff Kavanaugh's comprehensive book, Practical Sustainability: Circular Commerce, Smarter Spaces, and Happier Humans, helps shed some light on this matter. The book focuses on people, buildings, smart cities, and digital technology to show that it is possible to have a productive society that is also aware of the value of sustainability. The authors will also explain the five sustainability elements to support their approach: regenerative future, circular commerce, human experience, a system of systems, and digital twin.
Anyone interested in sustainability should read Practical Sustainability. Written by two authors with in-depth knowledge of the topic, this will be a milestone and a point of reference for years to come. Corey Glickman and Jeff Kavanaugh explore the subject from every point of view and offer the reader a clear overview and precise, up-to-date indications of what to do. I have never read a book that explains what our approach to sustainability should be in such an excellent manner. I am sure that this book will impact the vision of all those who intend to do business in this era, and it is to them that I especially recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Forever Wild, Forever Home
The Story of The Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado
Melanie and Mark Shellenbarger
2021 Gold Medal
232 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Forever Wild, Forever Home: The Story of The Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado is a work of non-fiction that was penned by Melanie and Mark Shellenbarger. The book was written to celebrate the forty-year anniversary of the world’s leading large carnivore sanctuary. Covering the history of the sanctuary as well as its mission and the residents that have passed through its doors, the book is a celebration of the accomplishments the sanctuary has achieved since its inception as well as a heartfelt tribute to the work done by the employees and volunteers at the Sanctuary who have made its mission possible.
Author team Melanie and Mark Shellenbarger have crafted a beautifully presented and very engaging work of non-fiction with plenty of informative and emotive content to offer readers. In times like these, more than ever we really need a reminder that good people and good, charitable works exist, and this emotionally stirring tale documents the incredible work of just such people and what they do to help animals in need. It really makes readers want to visit the sanctuary and get involved in activism to stop such terrible cruelty happening the world over, whilst also providing great information. I also really enjoyed the human element to the history, celebrating and featuring those who work hard to care for such beautiful animals and help them recover from terrible mistreatment. Overall, I would highly recommend Forever Wild, Forever Home: The Story of The Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado to fans of inspirational stories, gorgeous photography, and to animal lovers everywhere.
Forever Wild, Forever Home: The Story of The Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado is a work of non-fiction that was penned by Melanie and Mark Shellenbarger. The book was written to celebrate the forty-year anniversary of the world’s leading large carnivore sanctuary. Covering the history of the sanctuary as well as its mission and the residents that have passed through its doors, the book is a celebration of the accomplishments the sanctuary has achieved since its inception as well as a heartfelt tribute to the work done by the employees and volunteers at the Sanctuary who have made its mission possible.
Author team Melanie and Mark Shellenbarger have crafted a beautifully presented and very engaging work of non-fiction with plenty of informative and emotive content to offer readers. In times like these, more than ever we really need a reminder that good people and good, charitable works exist, and this emotionally stirring tale documents the incredible work of just such people and what they do to help animals in need. It really makes readers want to visit the sanctuary and get involved in activism to stop such terrible cruelty happening the world over, whilst also providing great information. I also really enjoyed the human element to the history, celebrating and featuring those who work hard to care for such beautiful animals and help them recover from terrible mistreatment. Overall, I would highly recommend Forever Wild, Forever Home: The Story of The Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado to fans of inspirational stories, gorgeous photography, and to animal lovers everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Twelve Gifts from the Garden
Life Lessons for Peace and Well-Being
Charlene Costanzo
2021 Silver Medal
252 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Environment
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Inspired by nature in all its grand beauty, The Twelve Gifts from the Garden provides profound life lessons to guide readers of all ages and cultures through their time on earth. The journey of enlightenment that started in 1987 with The Twelve Gifts collection continues in The Twelve Gifts from the Garden with a deep look into Mother Nature and her unique children: trees, birds, butterflies, bees, dogs, humans, flowers, and more. The many insightful ideas in the book touch on different themes, including dreams, imagination, beauty, cancer, marital discord, appreciation, assumption, compassion, and childhood. Charlene Costanzo's encounters with different beautiful living beings—like a berry plant and a cheerful crab spider—holds lessons worth sharing and remembering for a lifetime.
Reading The Twelve Gifts from the Garden was like putting on a pair of glasses that gave me a magical and deeply satisfying view of the world around me. I suddenly felt relaxed when I started reading the book as its vivid descriptions planted in my mind the trees, the flowers, and all the beautiful living beings narrated by Charlene Costanzo. The different heartwarming stories make it even more intriguing, like the one about the zebra finch that appeared to be dying and taught Charlene an important lesson about hope. I appreciated the lessons and found many of these quotable and memorable. An example: "Perhaps another gift is the realization that life gives us guidance and opportunities for lessons every day." Charlene's book reveals the importance of stopping to smell the roses and appreciating the free gifts of life instead of chasing endless desires and destroying the natural world we've been blessed with. What a life-changing and healing experience!
Inspired by nature in all its grand beauty, The Twelve Gifts from the Garden provides profound life lessons to guide readers of all ages and cultures through their time on earth. The journey of enlightenment that started in 1987 with The Twelve Gifts collection continues in The Twelve Gifts from the Garden with a deep look into Mother Nature and her unique children: trees, birds, butterflies, bees, dogs, humans, flowers, and more. The many insightful ideas in the book touch on different themes, including dreams, imagination, beauty, cancer, marital discord, appreciation, assumption, compassion, and childhood. Charlene Costanzo's encounters with different beautiful living beings—like a berry plant and a cheerful crab spider—holds lessons worth sharing and remembering for a lifetime.
Reading The Twelve Gifts from the Garden was like putting on a pair of glasses that gave me a magical and deeply satisfying view of the world around me. I suddenly felt relaxed when I started reading the book as its vivid descriptions planted in my mind the trees, the flowers, and all the beautiful living beings narrated by Charlene Costanzo. The different heartwarming stories make it even more intriguing, like the one about the zebra finch that appeared to be dying and taught Charlene an important lesson about hope. I appreciated the lessons and found many of these quotable and memorable. An example: "Perhaps another gift is the realization that life gives us guidance and opportunities for lessons every day." Charlene's book reveals the importance of stopping to smell the roses and appreciating the free gifts of life instead of chasing endless desires and destroying the natural world we've been blessed with. What a life-changing and healing experience!
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