The Ten Trusts

July 22, 2002
Goodall (My Life with Chimpanzees; Reason for Hope) and Bekoff, a biology professor at the Univ. of Colorado, offer a prescriptive conservation plan designed to protect animals as well as help educate people about the importance of saving both animals and the environment. The authors, who have also worked on Roots & Shoots, an international service program for young people, explain their position by including personal recollections and statistical evidence. Their position—that people have chosen to destroy both animals and habitats and will continue to do so unless they radically change their behavior—is stressed throughout the book: "It is sad to have to put a monetary value on the wilderness and on animal species. But until the wealthy nations can agree to pay an annual 'rent' on huge areas of land, it seems likely that governments in the developing world will exploit their natural resources in any way they can...." The steps to action, including "Praise and Help Those Who Work For Animals and the Natural World" and "Value and Help Preserve the Sounds of Nature," are sound. For example, having children work with animal protection programs has already been successfully tried. Suggesting that kids "adopt" animal programs by making monetary donations is also practical. The book is particularly likely to interest people already active in environmental causes. (Oct.)Forecast:Given Goodall's reputation along with the 75,000 first printing, national advertising, a 15-city NPR tour along with lectures, initial sales are likely to be strong.

September 1, 2002
Scientist Goodall's profound compassion and respect for life have induced her to become a tireless activist on behalf of animals, over whom humans hold the power of life and death. Here she teams up with ethologist Bekoff, author of " Minding Animals" [BKL Ap 1 02], to present a riveting treatise on how to "become better and more compassionate inhabitants of Earth" by embracing 10 "trusts" that will put a stop to animal abuse, environmental destruction, and concomitant human suffering. In deeply moving true-life stories of love and altruism involving various creatures from dogs to a parrot, donkey, and pot-bellied pig, matched by indelible accounts of the healing properties of mutually affectionate human-animal relationships, these two lucid scientists declare once and for all that animals do, as any close observer will attest, possess emotions and intelligence; they do feel pain. This is prelude to harrowing descriptions of how these sentient, most likely sapient beings are routinely tortured in the service of science, medicine, agriculture, cosmetics, and entertainment. Goodall and Bekoff's mission is not to horrify but to inspire. Determinedly optimistic, they insist that every effort to eradicate these crimes against animals, no matter how modest, from buying free-range eggs to supporting animal rights groups, proves that we can still become "wise stewards of life on Earth." An accessible, compelling, and important expose.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)

April 1, 2003
Adult/High School-Hiking through the mountains of Colorado, Bekoff found inspiration for a series of exhortations that he and Goodall believe would drastically improve all animal life (humans included) if enough people took action. Among the 10 trusts are "Rejoice that we are part of the animal kingdom"; "Refrain from harming life in order to learn about it"; and "Have the courage of our convictions." A blend of anecdotes and scientific data illustrates why each trust is important. Informal in style, the book leisurely goes back and forth between authors, creating a conversational feel that works nicely. Plenty of primate stories from Goodall are intermingled with dog tales from canine-loving Bekoff. Particularly riveting are his accounts of his personal involvement with animal experiments. Along with what is cited in the text, the section on sources includes more than a dozen pages of books, articles, and Web sites. Here, readers who are already familiar with animal-rights issues will find fuel for their fire, and those who are not are likely to experience an awakening. Without a doubt, Goodall and Bekoff are very good at tugging at the heartstrings while feeding the mind. Eco-warriors will adore this one.-Sheila Shoup, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2002
This inspiring book brings together two notables of the animal welfare movement-primatologist Goodall and animal behaviorist Bekoff, who coedited the Encyclopedia of Animal Rights and Animal Welfare-for the first and, one hopes, not the last time. The result of their labor is a gift to those who care about the environment, animals, and people. How many readers have thought, "I care about environmental issues, but what can I do? My contribution would be a drop in the bucket." The authors answer that questions with their ten trusts, e.g., "Teach our children to respect and love nature" and "Praise and help those who work for animals and the natural world," which one can use as a personal action plan. For instance, in their discussion of the trust "Respect all life," the authors point out that while it was once necessary for humans to wear furs to survive, today it is a needless and thoughtless act perpetuated by fashion designers. Readers are encouraged to examine the facts in such cases and make some life choices. This book will be popular wherever there is an interest in animals and the environment.-Peggie Partello, Keene State Coll. Lib., NH

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.