Through a Window by Jane Goodall
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Book Reviews of Through a Window
Book Review: A Wonderful Reflection by Dr. Goodall on her later years with the Chimpanzees of Gombe
Summary: 5 Stars
This book, a followup to "In The Shadow Of Man", tells what happened in Gombe after the first 10 years of Dr. Goodall's study of the chimps. A lot of her discoveries occurred during this later period. The reader is introduced to the chimps making war upon another group as well as dealing with cannabalism amongst its own members.
Her stories are related as if she is talking about real human persons rather than about our closest relative in the animal kingdom. She writes with a compassion that bridges the gap between our species and makes the reader really care about the good and bad things that happens to them.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about how our species are similar and what is happening to these wonderfull creatures. Be sure to read her earlier book "In The Shadow Of Man" as well to get the whole story.
Book Review: Brand new book at a used book price!
Summary: 5 Stars
The book I purchased was in excellent condition. I could hardly believe it was used. Shipping didn't take very long and I'd likely shop from this user again!Book Review: Surprisingly Entertaining
Summary: 4 Stars
When I picked up this book it was because I randomly chose it from a pile of recommendations a friend gave me. I had no desire to read it, and the only reason I actually went through with it was that a) I would have to give the book back someday and b) she always recommends good-to-decent books. And despite the obvious reputation that Goodall has, I still had no desire to read it. Having recently picked up (and put down) Rachel Carson's The Edge of the Sea, I was in no mind to read another nature-based book. That gives you a good indication of my mindset going into this.
I'm glad I was wrong. I enjoyed this book much more than I would have imagined - it's a fascinating read. I say that having had virtually no prior interest in chimpanzee's nor Jane Goodall. I doubt I would have read this book on my own, since there are a million books begging to be read every time I open my eyes. Sometimes you need to go where you don't necessarily want in order to find a jewel.
The title of this book refers to the window that Goodall gets when she observes the chimps over the years. Through this window she gets an idea of how we, humans, have evolved from where we were to where we are. It gives her a glimpse of the similarities - sometimes uncanny - between chimps and humans. This window often leads to observations you can never expect. Goodall's observations and her way with words fully draw you into the narrative.
Goodall writes anecdotally, attempting to illustrate her point with examples of behavior she observes in the field. These instances make the book much easier to read than a pure scientific approach. Through the text you grow to like (and dislike) some of the chimps in the narrative, as well as easily finding yourself drawn into the various elements of (nearly human) chimp behavior.
The thing I find most surprising is that the stories which transpire between the "actors" are just as dramatic as a work of fiction. They say that fact is stranger than fiction. I don't know if I agree, but it can undoubtedly be interesting. It's certainly a surprise how similar the chimps are to us - or maybe it's not, which I guess is one of the points of the book.
If I have to take on the other POV, which I usually force myself to do in an effort to be fair, I suppose I have to say that despite all she has seen, she does at times force the issue that chimps are better than people. One thing I worried about was that Goodall would constantly laud how amazing the animals are and how we humans could learn from them. For the most part, she doesn't do this. From time to time she seems to be on the verge, but she balances it out with fair observations on both sides of the fence.
In all, it is a riveting book that is well-balanced and, to be sure, well researched. Goodall's years of experience no doubt come through with this book, and her ease behind the keyboard is surprising. I did not find this clunky in the normal vein of science texts at all. In fact, it was a smooth read, almost to a word. Granted, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the subject matter discussed in Through A Window is sure to entertain most people who pick it up. Excellent book and highly recommended.
Book Review: Great Condition, took too long to get to me though
Summary: 4 Stars
The book was in new condition I was very pleased with how new it was for only .99 cents.
I know I selected standard shipping, but it did take a while to get to me. but other than that I'm very happy with this product.
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