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Customer Reviews (1)

Interesting again and again!
I love reading this book all the time! The comics are funny and I love how you can see how much we are different from other people all over the world. ... Read more

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The litany of environmental bad news — rapid extinction of species, pollution, depleted food sources — can be overwhelming, but there's hope too. In this thoughtful look at what’s happening behind the grim headlines, authors David Suzuki and Holly Dressel show that thousands of individuals, groups, and businesses are already changing their ways. They highlight the growing number of profitable companies with a positive presence in their communities, activists and Third World villages practicing true participatory democracy, farmers and ranchers sharing their land with other species — even some governments, local and national, basing economic development on an eco-friendly model. The technologies needed to make a better world, say the authors, are already within reach — and being used. This practical, inspiring guide to saving the planet is based on the true stories of ordinary people who are doing it every day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Important Uplifting Facts about what is being done to HELP
This book will give you hope.It also will uncover the devastation on our planet, BUT with solutions that many are taking to change things for the better.You will learn many interesting and uplifting facts and enjoy being better informed in a way that gives a ray of hope.

David Suzuki has been a favorite environmenalist in Canada for years due in part to his marvelous TV program " The Nature of Things."Truly a person who is working with all his heart to improve the Planet he loves so dearly.It is a great book to give as a gift as well to those who would like some positive spin on environmental issues, while being informed on individulas that are making a difference for us all.

Inspiration, Hope, Encouragement, and Action For The Environment
Dr. David Suzuki and co-author Holly Dressel have put together a series of examples of good environmental stewardship going on all over the world for a refreshing break from the usual enviro bad news we are constantly being pelted with.

From individuals with small projects on up to larger multi-national efforts, there are a host of positive accomplishments covered and this is not just "Good News"- it's excellent, uplifting and inspiring great news- the kind of good news that everyone concerned with the health of the world needs for inspiration on continued action for the environment.

The authors conclude with the idea that teaching children from early age about the workings of nature by immersing them in it, will enhance and spread a new sense of awe, respect and good environmental stewardship of the Earth. Many examples ofcurrent enviro-education are cited. This attitude parallels the thoughts of Dr. David W. Orr in his books "Ecological Literacy", "Earth in Mind", et al. Teach your children well!

There are several resources for environmental action cited at the end of this fine book.

David Suzuki is the Chair of the David Suzuki Foundation (google it). This website is full of resources for environmental education, action and involvement.

A little bit overly simplistic
While it is refreshing to see Dr. Suzuki focus on the positive, the conspiratorial tone of the book and his pervasive suspicion of commerce put me off.

First book of the genre I bought
I'm beginning studies in Environmental Science and this is the first book I've read along the lines of sustainability. I have to say it was an amazing read. Positive and optimistic but without losing site of how wrong things are right now and of how bad they can potentially get. Very realistic.

There seems to be a focus on sustainable agriculture and foresting, which was enlightning because I had never read much on those particular subjects. There are other interesting topics that are explored in this book.

A must-buy, no doubt about it. Thank you David, for an insightful read... and for fueling my optimism about our future.

Hope for Changing our Troubled Planet

While consumptive and wasteful practices continue to plague the global world, there is new hope that has emerged among many people adapting to a more environmentally friendly attitude.In Good News for a Change, the two authors show how new practices focus on the idea of sustainability.Local values have returned ecosystems to their natural states and has allowed for long-term productivity.Together, we are finding ways in which to live that does not have to compromise quality of life.
The improvements to our everyday life have affected such things as habitat destruction, global warming, toxic waste and resource depletion.Until recently, many people were unaware of their effects and often were not discussed.However, a recent surge in the environmentalist movement has placed these issues into the minds of people across the world.No longer do we have to discuss how our natural world is changing.Instead, we have the knowledge to implicate plans that change the world in which we live.
Many of these environment problems stem from new dishonest corporate values that have displaced traditional home values.Not only do corporate values pollute water and the air we breathe, but they also create social inequalities that are hard to notice.Desires for money and the flaunting of luxurious items have been regarded as the road to happiness.Private interests have dominated policy-making and have changed the way we conduct business in the industrial world.
Multinational corporations' separation of human activities and nature has led to different attitudes and values from the workplace than those at home.If viewed together, people would realize that sustainable living should not incorporate money into the value system.Instead, wealth would be valued as a helping tool; something that can bring uplift to a community or an area in need.Human happiness could be preserved without hurting our natural resources which we rely on.
However, the western value system continues to threaten our natural resources as material wealth and consumptive practices seem to be the road to security.This will have serious impacts on future generations.Each day, we continue to lose species that once roamed on Earth.Humans have yet to understand the complex natural system in which they live.Efficiency must be increased and waste must be kept in check.By doing so, future generations will have access to unpolluted water, good soil for food production and also clean air to breathe.
Suzuki and Dressel approached developing business values in a variety of ways throughout the book.Particular issues discussed include restoration of biodiversity, saving water supplies and new growing methods for food production.They also touched on specific examples on how to manage forests, fisheries, and wildlife.In closing, the development of new technologies and the green revolution were discussed in full.This new revolution gives new options which enhance quality of life.
Being concerned over the environment, I approached this book thinking it would summarize the issues at hand and not give reasonable solutions.However, this book showed many examples of how change is occurring throughout the world at different levels that restored my faith that nature still can be protected.I agree with the authors that change must start at the local levels.When businesses start to go public, they fail to meet local concerns or lose the foundation on which the business was built upon.
The authors point out how money should be invested or shared into community needs and interests.They often drew upon examples of businesses with profits.It is easy to share when you have big profits.However, they rarely discuss what is to be done for people without such businesses.Everyday people that want to make a change are often unable to do so because of the lack of financial backing.Certain new technologies cost more and are not accessible by all.What is to be done when newer technologies benefit the natural world but are not accessible by all?
Sustainable living and development is the point of the book.Although this idea seems rather obvious to many environmentalists, it has yet to leave an impact where we need it the most.Corporations still focus on policies that give them the biggest yields or biggest profits.If a policy hurts the quarterly earnings, it is seen as a negative.They fail to meet standards that most people feel is essential to the environment.Without changing corporation's values, our environmental problems will continue to plunge into the future.
Good News for a Change is an encouraging book that establishes hope that change is occurring amongst a troubled, unhealthy planet.It is important to reestablish local values and rid global private interests.Natural capitalism can be used to restore ecosystems and discover new technologies.People have already started to lead us in the green revolution.It is time to preserve equality and limit the impacts on the environment.It is a daunting task, but it must be done to preserve human happiness for both our generation and future generations to com
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Customer Reviews (2)

Interesting Book On An Important Topic!
David Suzuki is a well-known Canadian intellectual who is playing a vital role in the ongoing debate regarding the natural environment and the future of the human (as well as all the other) species. Educated as a natural scientist, he is a former educator now working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, is also the author of such books as "God's Final Offer" (see my review). He is considered, both within Canada and without, to be one of the most credible and reputable critics of corporate and government policies concerning the natural environment. In this series of essays entitled "Earth Time: Essays" he takes thoughtful aim at the myriad of problems associated with the changes in the natural environment as we now enter the new millennium.

These essays cover such provocative issues as corporate globalization and its manifest effects on the environment as well as the associated changes to the climate, the deadening effect of political shortsightedness, the baleful legacy being created by both individual and organized greed, and the curiously willful blindness of those who should know better but choose to cast a blind eye to all that is happening around them. Yet this is not a simple desultory philippic on the evils of humankind; instead it is also a stirring call to arms for those of us who are looking for practical methods and devices to use to stem the negative tide swirling around us.

Suzuki gives us hope by showing us the sources for strength and hope, ranging from nature itself to ingenuous local political initiatives as well as educating our children beyond the consumption modality our generations seem so fatefully caught within.I recommend this book along with the previously mentioned title, both of which will measurably enhance any reader's grasp on the total range of effects of the current environmental crisis. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!

A Great Collection of Essays and Articles
Suzuki is an extremely profound and inspirational environmentalist. His perspective is essential. Trained as a geneticist, his approach is well-grounded in facts, but he writes with the ease and fluidity of a novelist. An important, useful and engaging book. You can never go wrong with Suzuki. Check out "From Naked Ape to Superspecies" and "The Sacred Balance" - two other good books by this gifted writer. ... Read more

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Explains the term environment in ways that even science-shy children will find irresistible because of the numerous variety of amusing and easy activities, experiments, whimsical illustrations and ``amazing fact'' segments that make reading this such an enjoyable learning experience. ... Read more

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Looking at Senses Do you know…

• you have about 100 "receptors" on the tip of each finger?
• the world’s best sense of smell belongs to an insect?
• food tastes different in space, and no one knows why?
• every person has a "blind spot" at the back of each eye?

Customer Reviews (1)

An easy to read book stuffed full of great activities.
David Suzuki's book "Looking at Senses" is interesting and informative.It is easy to read and it is stuffed full of great activities for all ages.I have been using it in my classroom.The activities helpdemonstrate some difficult concepts simply and clearly.They also providesome challenges and opportunities for extending students knowledge.It isa great resource for teachers and parents. ... Read more

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The Autobiography of David Suzuki
This is David Suzuki's autobiography.It is certainly interesting reading about his life (in his own words) after having watched his programs so often.He is truly a great man, who in a sensitive, humble and down-to-earth manner had championed the cause of our precious environment.Read this book. ... Read more

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Over 35,000 copies sold in Canada! Revised and updated to include Canada’s newest designated national parks. No other nation contains a pristine wilderness at once so varied and extensive. The National Parks of Canada has been a bestselling book chronicling the stunning geography of our great country and instills a pride in protecting our wilderness areas. Including complete details and statistics on the six recently designated national parks, The National Parks of Canada is a colourful visual treat reminding us how truly varied, vast and beautiful our country is and how important it is to protect it. (May 2004)

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In this eloquent collection, writers from the United States, Canada, the U.K., and Australia describe a personal encounter with the natural world that moved them, enhanced their understanding of nature, changed them, or was in some other way of prime importance to them. These essays describe childhood memories, everyday walks transformed into life-changing events, being in the grip of a great force, and startling encounters with wild animals. They are funny, sad, reflective, exciting, nostalgic, and outlandish. Each one presents a singular experience, and all are beautifully written and deeply felt. Personal encounters with the natural world written by award-winning authors. Some of the award-winning contributors include Margaret Atwood, Diane Ackerman, David Quammen, Rick Bass, and Wade Davis. ... Read more

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sloppiness spoils useful book
This was a needed book -- many 8-12 year old Suzuki method students would appreciate a children's biography of Shinichi Suzuki. The biographical facts are all there, and the language is age appropriate. I have some minor gripes about background historical ("Emperor Meiji" but "Emperor Hirohito"?? Japan invaded Asian countries at the same time that Germany invaded European countries?) and cultural information (munching on mochi rice cakes straight from the kitchen? -- what amazing teeth you have, Mr. Suzuki!), especially from a writer with more than one "famous person" book under his belt. Although care has been taken with most Japanese personal names, there were far too many simple errors in other proper nouns (Tsurni Park?? Teioku Music School??).

Physically, I found the book irritating to use. It has to be forced to open even to a right angle, and will then not close properly. The few photographs included are poorly printed, and are mostly not related to the events covered in the book, and none at all show either the young Suzuki or the environments he lived in, a pity, since the text does try to provide some of this context.

I give the book two stars: first, for covering Shinichi Suzuki, and secondly, for language that is easily accessible to children. It's a pity the book was not edited and produced more carefully. ... Read more

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In this account of the development of human genetics written for non-scientists, the authors describe the story behind the scientific breakthrough and introduce the reader to the scientists who pioneered the work, examining its potential applications. They describe a world teeming with its own complexities, mysteries and surprises, and provide the reader with a clearer understanding of a controversial area of scientific research which has been greeted as heralding a promise of a better world, or vilified for leading to a nightmare age of genetic manipulation. ... Read more

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Woodenly Conventional
When I first read this book, I thought it was a reasonableoverview of the ethical problems facing us in the world of biotechnology. However, on second thought (always a good idea to think twice!), the book represents EXACTLY what we expect to hear with regard to the topic. Little to no original material is presented, and there is no effort made to evaluate or even examine alternative points of view in the realm of ethics.Unsurprisingly, the tired and overused metaphor of the slippery slope - long the faithful friend of ethical doomsayers everywhere - rears its ugly head again here. The authors also take the attitude that they are explaining "common knowledge" just for the sake of getting it on paper, and seem immune to the idea that someone might do something so horribly vile as to - gasp! - support cloning.

The conclusions are painfully predictable: genetically modified foods might be dangerous to wild stocks, there is a moral gulf between somatic and germ-line gene therapy, cloning of humans is utterly immoral. Fewer knee-jerk emotional reactions and more critical thought on these topics - especially cloning - would be deeply appreciated by everyone. Many people are sick of hearing only one side of the issue presented as if the case is already closed. And the "Genethic Principle" paragraphs beginning each section make the book sound like a textbook, reinforcing the reader's conception that he is being instructed in something everyone already knows.

IMHO, the "dangers" of these biotechnologies are significant and should be appreciated, but have been vastly inflated by sensationalist media, public paranoia, and a few ill-advised experiments. Cloning especially is the victim of sensationalization (if indeed that is a word), and the maxim "Never clone humans!" is widely taken as basically gospel. In fact, there is little scientific evidence that cloning would present much of the famed danger, and it certainly isn't the threat to individuality people like to claim it is (what about environmental differences? what about identical twins?) And no, cloning couldn't be used to make a slavishly obedient army of mini-Hitlers bent on world domination, either.Try Gregory Pence's "Who's Afraid of Human Cloning?" or any Richard Dawkins article on the subject.... ... Read more

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Using many examples, this text describes applications of molecular research in genetics, cancer, disease and immunology, genetic engineering, and biomedicine. It also lists the limitations of molecular biological research, particularly in some studies that link genes to human behaviour. ... Read more

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Whether it`s simple maintenance or complete restoration- don`t start work without Clymer- the leader in service manuals Save yourself time and frustration with procedures and techniques used by the professionals Comprehensive manuals contain exploded views- drawings- specifications and charts to illustrate each job Feature shortcut repairs and high-performance modifications Photo`s are for reference only. Please read item title carefully. ... Read more

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A useful but sobering bit of reading
Abe-san's review elsewhere on this page focuses on the treatment of the Ainu in Hokkaido -- Japan's indigenous people -- and indeed, this is one of the issues that Suzuki and Oiwa's work takes up; but it IS only one of the issues. Suzuki, for those of you who don't know, is a Japanese Canadian who, like many others, was forcibly relocated with his family as a child during the Second World War. The Canadian government, in a move they since have apologized and made token reparations for, confiscated the property of all persons of Japanese ancestry on the west coast and sent them into the interior of the province to camps, similar to Manzanar in California. Suzuki, driven to excel by these experiences, to prove himself as a Canadian, grew up to become a political activist and passionate environmentalist (and TV celebrity, university professor, etc). Oiwa, the co-author, believed himself ethnically Japanese until discovering that his father was a Korean -- a revelation, since Koreans are not treated as equals by some Japanese, and there are enduring tensions from the days when Japan occupied Korea. Together, the two writers travelled to Japan to probe into many current political problems, with considerable concern for the environment and aboriginal issues, but also dealing with political problems in Okinawa, the tendancy in some circles in Japan to deny guilt for war atrocities, the treatment of the burakumin, Japan's "untouchable class," and issues that spring up from the Japanese concern for treating "outsiders" differently from "insiders" (Japanese who grew up in South America are interviewed, for example, about being treated like outsiders in their own country). Everything they write is supported by excellent interviews. The emphasis of the book is NOT on criticising the Japanese right or such, however, but rather speaking with people in Japan who are fighting to change things -- including Katsuichi Honda, a controversial author who has written a substantial book on the Nanking Massacre (and who actually visited China for purposes of research). Suzuki's main concern in his work has been the environment, so much attention is given to farmers experimenting with alternative, back-to-nature methods of farming - more than interested me, but environmentalists might feel otherwise. I'd recommend this book for anyone concerned about Japan.

Excellent antropological view of native cultures in Japan
This is a book about the Japan that even Japanese urbanities unfortunately donot know.I recommend it for anybody seriously interested in the anthropology of thedifferent native people of Japan and their heritage.It is easy to read and first hand report. I felt touched by the interviews.However, to have a whole picture, Isuggest to read it after you know thestereotypes of Japan that are written in most of introductory books in themarket, or better, after you live there for some time. I have read otherbooks about indigenous people of other lands, and many timesI finish withsadness, for the loss of their treasures and way of life. Preface of thisbook mentioned something that I felt very valuable. It saidthat Mr.Suzuki purported to show that such native people may provide a clueto thefuture, to our survival.I appreciate your message very much, Mr. Suzuki. ... Read more

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The orca, also known as the killer whale, is one of the most intriguing and mysterious animals in the world. This lavishly illustrated portrait of this almost mythical sea mammal offers visions of the orca throughout the ages and across cultures, describing its hunting techniques and refined sonar and communication abilities. Full-color photographs capture whales breaching, playing, hunting, and caring for their young. The book also discusses the ethics of captivity and the environmental threats to whale populations. A foreword by internationally acclaimed scientist and environmentalist David Suzuki is included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

good photos; good info; great package
A few months ago National Geographic had an article on orcas that basically persuaded me that this was an animal I wanted to learn a lot more about. I shopped around on Amazon, and decided that this would be the best book for starters. Now that I've read it, I think I was probably right: and if your situation is similar, I recommend it.

Now the text is not for kids. I shared it with a young orca enthusiast, and we couldn't even get through the picture captions. But for adults without degrees in biology, this is probably the most informative and descriptive text available. For a good sample, look at the description of seal hunting technique on pages 73 and 75.

(Another one to check out is "Cetacean Societies." The text is a step heavier, the subject broader; yet it just might be what the curious scientifically-literate adult ordered. This book may actually be a bit simple if you've read many science books. For instance, check out the history of evolution on p. 22. Compare that to another pop-sci book, Carl Zimmer's "Fish with Fingers.")

The pictures are great for everyone. I was a little wary after reading about the "haunting" photo on the cover, which I judge as actually very ordinary. But inside the book it gets better.

On page 25, there's a great view of the mouth and teeth of an orca, as close as you'd probably ever like to get; on 59, a picture of a birth taking place; on 60, a picture of a mother petting her calf; on 87, a picture of a calf nursing; on 92, a picture of a whale playing with kelp. Those are great shots, IMO; illustrating the life of an orca, rather than merely arial acrobatics (pictures of which are included plentifully).

Some people will care a lot about the quality of the photos, which are varied: the surface photos are uniformly excellent, but underwater, I guess you take what you can get, especially in the wild.

(David Suzuki's foreward argues against having orcas captive in small pools; that evidently upset a previous reviewer. Well, it's just an opinion, and a reasonable one at least.)

over-all an excellent book
I was very dissapointed by David Suzuki andhis biased view-points about killer whales andsociety.However the rest of the book, makes upfor a sour start

It's mad!
I reckon it's the best i've ever seen, MAD ... Read more

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From bats and slugs to spiders and snakes, Des Kennedy tackles some of the creatures that most people find easy to hate. Flora and fauna that have historically been given a bum rap are examined in these fascinating anecdotes about life on a small island where all living things depend on each other. Whitecap is proud to reissue this updated humorous classic as part of its 25th Anniversary celebration in 2002. ... Read more

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Looking at the Body Do you know…

• a baby has a lot more bones than an adult?
• you’re shorter at bedtime than in the morning?
• it takes about 23 seconds for blood to circulate through your entire body?
• the smallest bone in your body is inside your ear?