A review by Dr. Maggie Rizzi

There is so much to recommend about the new audio version of Jane Goodall’s book, My Life With the Chimpanzees, in so many different dimensions. It is a cogent explanation, essentially irrefutable, as to why we must address the perils of climate change.  It is a roadmap for children and adults alike to the art of living the life of their dreams.  It is a superlative inspiration for girls. It is a quiet, deliberate clarion call for all of us to do, from our particular vantage point, what we can to make the world a better place.  In both the expressed philosophy, and the soundscape that lovingly enfolds the story, it is an example of how the old and new combine constantly to move us on a path of evolution.

In droves, people of all ages have embraced the audiobook format.  In our multitasking world, they enable us to ‘read’ while doing almost anything else. Digital technology has enabled this revolution, but there are ancient components as well.  Long before other forms of art and culture, people were telling each other stories.  We read to young children.  And there is a part inside people of any age that likes being read to.  In a bold stroke, the creators of this rendition of the book, Dr. Goodall, Ruth Mendelson, and Steve Thomas, have also revived the wonders of radio theatre; the magic that enthralled people from the invention of the wireless to the introduction of television.  Although TV eclipsed the audio theatre experience entirely for a few decades, the capacity we have to be enthralled through our hearing experience never really went away.  The beauty of that medium is revived wonderfully in this audio book.  I suspect this enhancement of the audiobook format, including a variety of carefully chosen authentic sound effects and music, will become much more widespread.  Many people will probably be thinking, ‘why hasn’t there been more of this before now?’

Jane Goodall’s description of her early years, and the path she took to the life she was determined to lead, is a complete inspiration.  In some ways simple, and as such deeply profound, the combination of quiet determination, embracing all opportunities, making opportunities, never giving up, constant curiosity and patience exemplified by Dr. Goodall throughout her life, is a path that is open to everyone.  And though the book is aimed primarily to children, the world’s hope, it is never too late for people of any age to adopt this way of thinking and change their life and improve the world.  This is great mentoring for anyone restless and seeking a career change.  While applicable to everyone, the role modeling for girls is particularly rich.

But that is not the only role modeling here.  In a gentle and very clear way Dr. Goodall shows how with one small step at a time, one’s accumulated work can indeed change the world.  From the knowledge she has brought the scientific community and the public about chimpanzees especially, but other creatures as well, to the protection of small parts of the earth for biodiversity, to the programs initiated by Roots and Shoots in multiple countries, to the goodwill sown in communities worldwide, this is a record of enormous change. Imagine if each of us did just one twentieth as much, how much better our planet would be?

Having said all that, the book remains a great adventure story of exploration, danger and discovery that can be enjoyed simply as that alone.  Lions and leopards, buffalos, crocodiles, and rhinos abound, in addition to the complex communities of chimps.

All great pieces of art require two things: a terrific idea and flawless execution.  The rich soundscape that enwraps Dr. Goodall’s powerful words and mellifluous voice is the result of both imaginative and highly proficient sound craft on the part of both Ms. Mendelson and Mr. Thomas. Technology has come a long way since sound effects people tapped shoes on a table to recreate footsteps, opened and closed the studio doors for entrances and so on.  But that doesn’t mean it is any easier now.  The collection, matching, and editing of sounds is so good that we just completely take it for granted. Our only job is to sit back, relax and take in the great story, sensuous experience, and inspiration on offer in this amazing work.

 

Marguerite C. Rizzi, EdD, is a musician, educator, and writer based in Rhode Island.  She is engaged in telling the stories of unknown heroes through the documentary medium and writing screen plays aimed at making the world a better place.  She brings live improvisational music to the community as a performer and concert producer. Her credits include several Grammy listed albums, academic articles and the documentary film, “American Hero.”