Daughter Earth

A new book on orangutans was just released, so obviously I bought it right away. I am only a few pages in but I really connected with these feelings the author was having:

“One of the things I struggled with while writing this book was the sense of how little power we have personally. The more I learned about orangutans, the worse I felt, until it seemed that there was little I could do myself. I am just one person. This problem is too big for me alone. The powerlessness and hopelessness was a real obstacle.”

I struggle with this often.  In fact, it seems every time I have a few too many glasses a wine I start crying to whatever poor soul is next to me about how fabulous orangutans are and how I don’t know how to help them and that it all feels so hopeless.  I am glad to know that someone shares these feelings, not only because it makes me feel slightly less crazy.  But also, because it gives me hope that others do care and that maybe we can make a difference.

 The Intimate Ape: Orangutans and the Secret Life of a Vanishing Species by Shawn Thompson