What an absolutely wonderfully insightful, serious yet inspiring book this was! And to think that I came across it on a whim! A Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey was a book that I selected on the library website on a whim since I knew who Jane Goodall was but didn't know much more about her beyond the fact that she was a famous anthropologist.

I was not prepared for the brilliant insights into this woman's life and thoroughly enjoyed reading about her understanding of life, science, spirituality, religion, humanity, animal behaviour and nature and environmental stewardship. I found my own thoughts in some of her ramblings and a deep appreciation for the gift that she has given the world.

I also truly felt the hope that she was trying to share when she discussed her reasons for hope being:

"(1) the human brain; (2) the resilience of nature; (3) the energy and enthusiasm that is found or can be kindled among young people worldwide; and (4) the indomitable human spirit."

In her writing, it is evident that she is quite a sophisticated, intelligent, enlightened woman and her insights are simply beautiful. Her thoughts on the "civilized" world after being immersed in Gombe for so long really struck a chord with me as I felt completely the same way after experiencing time camping or being in a remote area.

The only reason why I did not give this book 5 stars was because the book changed its pace around the mid to last section of it and slowed down a bit and became wordy in an unnecessary way.