DOUGLAS ADAMS | MARK CARWARDINE
1 Touring the world for nearly lost animals
Douglas Adams takes the readers on a trip with him and Mark Carwardine around the world with an important message, saving of endangered species. In 'Last Chance to See', Adams takes his last chance to see a number of rapidly declining species starting with the aye-aye in Madagascar and proceeding to komodo dragons, mountain gorillas, north white rhinos, kakapos, baiji (blind Yangzte river dolphin, and a variety of critters on Mauritius.
Adams manages to get the basic message across that the world will soon be losing the animals and he does so without getting all preachy about it. Adams' light-hearted writing style absorbs you into his journey with zoologist Mark Carwardine and keeps you interested in the trials the must endure to just get a peak at some of these creatures. This is also a weak spot in the book. Adams almost doesn't emphasis enough just how close to extinction these animals are. I truly enjoy this book but Adams takes it less seriously than he needs to. He could have been a little more preachy but then you may not enjoy it as much. There is a nice inclusion of a list of foundations to which you can donate to but is dated to the publishing date of the book.
Overall, excellent read but the lack of hard emphasis on the topic drops it one star.
2 Engaging narration of endangered species & their protectors
Adams narrates his adventures travelling the globe with an experienced Zoologist, Carwardine, to see first hand the plight of several seriously endangered species. `Seriously'? Well, as he points out in his `rare or medium rare' chapter, one ecologist might panic about there only being hundreds of one species left - but that's the dream of another ecologist working to save a species with only fifteen: `Hundreds is common'.
I suppose there's some level of compassion-fatigue with endangered species - I was not surprised at the content of most of this book, much as I'm a little dismayed that I'm not more dismayed (if you know what I mean).
Adams, as you might have picked up if you've read any of his books, isn't too bad at this writing thingy, and the prose is engaging, amusing and occasionally insightful. Adams is good company, he's not preachy or condescending, doesn't claim to have all the answers, and describes what he sees without forcing it into some brutal agenda.
To be honest, my greatest pleasure in the book was not being informed - I'm sure you could find out this and more detailed information from other sources - it was in being informed by this particular narrator. I particularly enjoyed his presentation of some of the wonderful boffins in the field, particularly the Australian poisons expert - hilarious. Towards the latter part of the book I found some of these portraits more obviously contrived (and somehow the birds failed to interest as much as the earlier beasts).
That being said, there's enough fascinating people, places and fauna throughout - plus Adams' quirky perspectives, friendly company, consistent wit and occasional comic triumphs to recommend the read.
3 Explaining a tragic situation - the Douglas Adams way
Adams used his extraordinary narrative abilities to describe - in language at once humorous and brutally forthright - not only the endangered creatures he was looking for but how they became endangered. You'll feel an urgency to act while there is still time.
4 Douglas' world tour visiting endangered species
LAST CHANCE TO SEE is probably the book Douglas Adams was proudest of.
If possible, I recommend that the reader not only acquire a copy of the book with its photographs, but also an audio recording of Douglas narrating the text. His writing works best when read aloud by him, I think. The origins of the book are discussed in the first essay, "Twig Technology" (see below).
The text (apart from "Mark's Epilogue", see below) is written in first person by Douglas throughout, an autobiography of his travels in Mark's company under the aegis of the BBC. (If anyone out there can get hold of recordings of the original BBC broadcasts - I envy you.)
"Preface" explains the dedication (to the photographer on the first trip) and also who the coauthor is. "Mark did the tough bits. He did all the preparation and organisation and research involved in mounting the trips, and also taught me most of the small amount I now know about zoology, ecology, and conservation work. All I had to do was turn up with a suitcase and try to remember what happened for long enough to write it all down."
"Twig Technology" is the tale of the monkey-descendants' journey to Madagascar, the last monkey-free refuge for lemurs on Earth, when the OBSERVER COLOUR MAGAZINE sent Douglas along as the "extremely ignorant non-zoologist" who would basically translate the experience of looking for aye-ayes - the then-rarest of the lemurs, with Mark, the expert. Douglas' question, "I've just got a couple of novels to write, but, er, what are you doing in 1988?" led to the rest of the journeys in this book, taking advantage of 'the last chance to see' the other endangered species discussed in the book.
Incidentally, the "couple of novels to write" that delayed Douglas' joining Mark for the trip in 1988 should explain the Mauritius scene in DIRK GENTLY'S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY.
"Here Be Chickens" - as well as, of course, Komodo dragons. (The whole incident of the "stuffed" dragon making off with the live chickens was recorded by the BBC, I believe, but the actual live recording isn't included on Douglas' abridged reading of the book, more's the pity. He just includes his version, which is quite entertaining as it is.)
"Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat" is part of a description of an official photo of the president of Zaire (as it was known then), and is offered as a Clue (TM) as to why the wildlife of Zaire is endangered, together with the description of the various government officials going to work on Douglas. "Like most colonies, Zaire had imposed on it a stifling bureaucracy, the sole function of which was to defer decisions upward to its colonial masters. Local officials rarely had the power to do things, only to prevent them from being done until bribed."
The specific species dealt with are the silverback mountain gorillas, who live near the Rwandan border, and northern white rhinos. Some of the good stuff includes the mountain guides ("magnificently smooth characters" with a lot of tales about being ex-commandos, shooting poachers, and so on), German students (referred to as "Latvian" because German jokes are too easy)
"Heartbeats in the Night" - the mating call of the kakapo, the rarest and weirdest of the rather eccentric lot of flightless birds in New Zealand.
"Blind Panic", the duo's trip to China to see the Yangtze river dolphin, isn't included on the abridged audio recording.
"Rare, or Medium Rare?" the grand finale on Mauritius, picking up with more birds and endangered plants. The most famous of Mauritius' birds - the dodo - is also included.
"Mark's Epilogue" - was this really the last chance to see these animals? - isn't included on the abridged audio recording.
"Sifting Through the Embers" is Douglas' version of the tale of the Sibylline books - all the knowledge and wisdom in the world that was destroyed piece by piece, with the surviving bits offered at a higher and higher price to those who turned out to need it.
As well as "Acknowledgements", the book concludes with "One More Chance...", which provides contact information for the various conservation organizations responsible for the species encountered during the authors' travels.
5 A Surprising book from an unusual author
For an author who specialized in writing odd, strange, and bizarre science fiction, this book was a real surprise. A very good one. He brings his bizarre sense of humor into a very dry subject, and makes it more real. Makes it more approachable, easily understandable, even for those who might not be interested in the topic.
Although it's sad, knowing that the Baiji dolphin pictured in the book has now passed away, and that a dam was built on that river, destroying that species' habitat, such as it was. It's like watching a very bad part of history happen in front of your eyes, knowing a friend has passed away. That's how approachable this book makes the topic.
6 Douglas Adams--In the Real World!
This book is pure Douglas Adams--totally hilarious with a bit of political commentary. But, unlike his sci-fi, it is about real stuff. Specifically, about amazing, highly endangered animals, the people around them and places where they live.
The imagery is great: consider the Komodo dragon slowing swallowing a live chicken one had been traveling with in an open boat which one had been intending to eat oneself; or the day-long effort to buy a condom in 1980's Beijing--desperately needed for a purely technical purpose I will leave to your imagination.
This is among the funniest, most poignant, and most culturally interesting books I have ever read.
7 A Wonderful Surprise
Although I'm a huge Douglas Adams fan, I didn't touch his 1990 book "Last Chance To See" for 14 years because it wasn't a "proper" Adams novel. This isn't a fictional, funny book about the exploits of Arthur Dent & friends as they roam throughout the galaxy, or a fictional, funny book about the exploits of detective Dirk Gently. Instead, "Last Chance To See" is a non-fictional travelogue book that Adams co-wrote with zoologist Mark Carwardine, chronicling their year-long trek around the world in search of endangered species. While I appreciated what Adams was trying to do with this book, I just didn't care to read it. Now, 14 years later, I realise what an ignorant fool I'd been. "Last Chance To See" is a wonderful, funny, *important* book, and Adams has written it with the same wit & flair that he used for his best "Hitchhiker's" and "Dirk Gently" books. It is also very powerful and sad at times, in it's depiction of the grave circumstances that many of these endangered animals are in. But Adams never jumps on a soapbox and he doesn't lecture. He simply tells you of his travels and he gives you his very clever insights about these very precious animals and their situations, while mixing in some very good information & quotes about these creatures supplied by Carwardine (who also wrote the book's epilogue). And the travels of these two men is very funny at times, such as their problems at an African airport, Adams' battle with mosquitos, their search for condoms in China (though NOT for the reason you think), and the hilarious, hair-raising episode with a reckless Land Rover driver. And all the while, the reader learns about the plight of such animals as the Komodo dragon, the Kakapo, the blind river dolphins of China, the white rhino, and the silverback gorilla (and excellent photos of each are also included). And although Adams never preaches, he succeeds in making the reader aware---and saddened---of how thoughtless the human race has been in the past in the treatment of these animals. And finally, Adams concludes the book with a very powerful story he heard when he was young about the 12 books of knowledge that puts the whole thing in perspective.Whether you're a Douglas Adams fan, or simply interested in endangered species, this book is an absolutely essential purchase. Sorry, Douglas, that it took me so long to get to it! But I'm very glad that I finally read it. "Last Chance To See" is a funny, touching, thought-provoking book.
8 Excellent mix of fact and humor
Douglas Adams brings the dreadful statistics to life with humor and an approach that makes it easier to understand why people care - and what we can do. Even if you don't care about extinctions, this is a good read.
9 Douglas Adams best book......And it still holds up well
I have not read all 147+ reviews of this book, but I am sure that at least one other person has mentioned that this book was Mr. Adams's favorite of all his books. Anyone who enjoys (even vaguely) The Hitchhiker's Guide series will see why Adams was so proud of this book.
This is much more than a book on ecology. This is not a book on how awful humans are, and if the reader had one shred of social conscious, the reader would immediately do him/herself if for the good of the planet. In writing this book, Mr. Adams knew that there were already forests of trees chopped up for numerous retelling of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring." Mr. Adams, then, needed to produce the book on ecology one would expect from a science fiction comedy writer. And he does.
"Last Chance to See" reads like an adventure story of Douglas the city kid, heading out into the wild to look at animals that are on the brink of extinction, and the efforts and personalities of the few who are trying to prevent that extinction. See Douglas Adams lose his mind while his small helicopter flies within inches of sheer faces. Listen to Douglas Adams explain why he doesn't care for birds in general, but feels a special affinity for birds that can't fly (It all relates back an emu running lose in a zoo. Adams stared the emu in its eye, and realized the strain of not flying made it "barking mad"). Empathize with Adams in 1988 Beijing (when western tourists were still a novelty), trying to explain to clerks who do not quite speak english that he wants to buy condoms (I am not making that up).
If you have ever enjoyed anything by Douglas Adams, you will not be disappointed by this book--But you will once again be heartbroken that such a fun and gifted author died so young.
10 Beautiful, Sad... witty yet regretful
A race to document a dying species... Adams' wit and humor make an enjoyable read out of what could only otherwise be called a depressing topic. Still, through Adams' intelligent yet non-zoological eyes, we are shown areas of the world we will otherwise never see. The portrayal of the Kimono dragons, early in the book, is a shocking representation of what a a majestic reptile has been reduced to, and at the same time a morbid reminder of how wretched humans can be. Yet, due to Adams' skill we are able to feel his wonder and his fascination. We are able to get past the uncomfortable aspects of animal extinction, so that we can look it square in the eye and learn from it.
As much value on a humanitarian, ecological and zoological level as on a literary one. Adams' himself calls it his most prized and significant writing (I'm paraphrasing, read "Salmon of Doubt" to get his words).
I'd give it three thumbs up, but I only have two.
11 entertaining and interesting
This book took me by surprise. If you expect the usual twisted science fiction that Douglas Adams normally is associated with, you will be surprised as well. It is fascinating how someone can make a book on the subject "animals under threat of extermination" that not only is interesting and informative, but also highly entertaining. This book is just as funny as his other books, but in a completely different way.
12 Thought provoking
I read somewhere that Douglas Adams was most proud of this book. I can see why. It has the Douglas Adams wit and humor. Also, it makes one think about how people are destroying the earth and its resources. Of all his books this is the one I like best.
13 First Chance to See
In reading the book, Last Chance to See I have come to understand that not even the most remote places are remote anymore. In this book, author and narrator Douglas Adams travels around the world doing "biographies" about animals. He writes about white rhinos, Rodriguez fruit bats, kakapos, and others that are rarely seen and admired. While reading this book I found that every where humans are often ruining the world and then desperately trying to fix it only to cause more harm to the land and resources in an attempt to save theses animals. Reading this book has made my life different because I now think more about that which has been forgotten and it has made me want to do what I can to help, wherever I can help, now more than ever.
Adams talks about how it's new to him and he doesn't have much an opinion; he just writes what he sees. As the book goes on, he starts to form an opinion and expresses himself. I enjoy the large range of animals that he treks the world to see and take pictures of rare animals. He also describes what he sees and the nature of people in their home town.
On a scale of one to five stars I would rate this book a definite five stars. It has all the things a five star book should have, in my opinion. It has adventure, anticipation, sadness, joy-- all theses things and more in a book is what makes it great. That is why I enjoyed this book. Personally I like animals and a book about endangered animals and all about the things they do and how they live is right up my alley. I think that if there are people out there who want to change the world, then reading this book might even give them good ideas on how to do so. It gives you the look of life that you can't get sitting at home. You won't be able to put it down. I had the hardest time putting it down, especially during the parts when he was describing the trails he had to walk and what he has to go through to get to where he was trying to go.
This book is excellent. And I would highly recommend everyone to read it. Even if people don't care, learning something new will open their eyes to more than they can imagine. I would recommend that those read it that care about animals. I would recommend that those read it who need an adventure.
14 Everyone should read this book
This is the way to write about endangered animals. Adams has a serious story to tell, but he does it with so much caring, gentle wit, and laugh-out-loud humour, that it's a sheer delight to read this book from cover to cover. This may very well be the best book that Adams ever wrote. He ranges from insightful and philosophical musings to hilarious accounts of all the (mis)adventures that he and Mark Carwardine (Carwardine is listed as co-author, but his literary contribution is restricted to a short afterword) had while travelling to find the endangered animals that this book is about.
The book begins with a brief introductory chapter, entitled "Twig Technology." There then follows five chapters, one for each endangered animal that Adams and Carwardine (accompanied by various personnel from the BBC) travelled to see: the Komodo dragon, the northern white rhinoceros, the kakapo, the Baiji dolphin, and the Rodrigues fruitbat. Several other endangered animals are encountered along the way. The book ends with a finishing chapter by Adams, and the afterword by Carwardine.
The hopelessness of fighting against primitive human stupidity and greed in this battle to preserve and protect the remaining remnants of wildlife on Earth is vividly portrayed, but Adams is never ranting or preaching. His elegant and gentle style of writing is preserved throughout, so that you sometimes wish he would explode in a scorching diatribe (there would have been plenty of cause for it, on many occasions). But that was never his way.
Adams' opinions of religion shine through in a few places, further adding to the joy of reading this book. Here is a wonderful quote from the book: "I don't like the idea of missionaries. In fact the whole business fills me with fear and alarm. I don't believe in God, or at least not in the one we've invented for ourselves in England to fulfil our peculiarly English needs, and certainly not in the ones they've invented in America who supply their servants with toupees, television stations and, most importantly, toll-free telephone numbers. I wish that people who did believe in such things would keep them to themselves and not export them to the developing world."
The world needs more books like this one, and the world desperately needs more people like Douglas Adams (and the other hard-working men and women all over the world who are fighting to preserve what little nature is still left on our tortured planet). Adams' premature death was an irreplaceable loss. Now we can only console ourselves with the few precious gems of literature he left behind. This is another one of those so very rare books that should be read by everyone. If people read books like this in stead of the Bible or the Qur'an, then the world would be a better place for all of us to live in.
15 This is you Last Chance!
Last Chance to See
Last Chance to See is a novel by Douglas Adams about endangered animals. Adams writes about his adventures seeking out very rare animals. Adams treks through places that are forbidden by animal rights groups to give us a glimpse of just how rare and endangered these animals are. However serious this issue may be Adams writes with humor and compassion. This book is a lot of fun and inspires you to learn more about these animals.
While following the African White Rhino, Adams dispels myths surrounding the endangered animal that could save his life. For example, Rhino's are often killed because there is a myth that their horns are an aphrodisiac. The White Rhino has two horns so poachers get more form just one animal. This myth has killed thousands of Rhinos. Dispelling myths just might help save these animals.
In New Zealand there is a rare native bird called a Kakapo. A Kakapo is a good natured fat parrot like bird who is basically defenseless against predators that humans have brought to New Zealand. What are the predators that have been brought by humans? You'd be surprised that cats kill more Kakapo's than anything else. In a special part of New Zealand there are Kakapo trackers who kill cats to protect the birds. This allows the Kakapo's to live the way they used to when humans did not live in New Zealand. Humans need to be aware of the things we introduce to different environments because it may be killing precious creatures.
Adams writes in a good natured, informative way to let us know how we should be aware of how we are affecting the earth. If you are interested in a great adventure book or a really informative environmental book you should pick up a copy of Last Chance to See. To entice you further, the book comes with great pictures of these rare animals. This book is sure to make you laugh and more importantly make you care. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to be a friend to the earth.
16 Science In Service of The Enviornment
Initially I did not want to read this book. It was an effort for me to start. As someone who has an interest in nature and environmental preservation but a laymen's orientation, it was an effort. Observing, admiring, being fascinated by exotic and unique creatures in a reserve or zoo is very different from reading about them, even with color photography.
What Adams and Carwardine have done is fabricate a humorous odyssey of sorts founded in knowledge with a purpose, interspersed and laced with moments of poignancy. At first glance, The Last Chance To See portrays an air of the flippant and artificial. The author's are adept speaking with a "Jay Lenoistic" voice where useful. This serves the purpose of `drawing you in', as it were, where you might not otherwise mentally care to go. Once "there" however you find yourself somewhere between curious and captivated by the admixture of political, environmental and travel log topics.
It also becomes quickly clear that had the authors and their party not been in search of the Komodo Dragon, as well a host of other rare and exotic creatures, they would not have ever been in many of the places vividly and humorously described. The beginning of the book is essentially a travel log with the relative inaccessibility of Madagascar detailed with attendant difficulties described. Slow as a start, though, this detailing serves to "humanize" a story (environmental odyssey) by placing it in terms familiar to all. The Komodo Dragon is introduced as a man-eater who as a scavenger prefers dead meat. As a live person, this was somewhat reassuring to hear-I guess. Though blatantly intended as "environmental shock therapy", it imparted to me vital information about a species of exotic nature, which is important for me as a citizen of the planet with all its other varied members to know. Along with the appropriate respect (through distance) an appreciation can hopefully be realized as well.
Though concerned about the author's ribbing- well intentioned or not- which seems to be largely aimed at 3rd world countries, the text also bears out the extreme passion and devotion of a growing number of environmentalists on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves and who being residents like us of this same speck in the Universe deserve all of the advocacy possible.
17 this is my review
This book was incredibly funnuy and informative. The authors bizarre sense of humor and spunk added much to reading this book. The way that the authors explain the kinds of things they are seeing and doing in complete detail really keeps the reader interested. This book shows that people really do care about wildlife. Most of the animals they encounter on their journey I have never even heard of before. My favorite part is about the kamodo dragon. I love how he anthropomorphizes these animals. The most interesting animal was the Kakapo. Not only does it have an odd name, but the features of this bird are incredible. Who knew that there are so many plants and animals becoming extinct every year? I definitely give mad props to these people that care and are trying to make a difference in the animal world.
18 Endangered animals meets British humor
Do you like humorous books? How about one's with travel, nature, and exotic, endangered animals? This book covers all of those subjects and more. The author and narrator of this book is Douglas Adams who travels along to many countries with Mark Carwardine. They go to places such as Komodo island (to search for the Komodo Dragon of course), Zaire Africa, Madagascar, and those are just naming a few. They go there to track down endangered animals, and they keep it interesting with their intelligence and humor.
Adams is a brilliant writer never leaving out anything. For example, when he can't think of anything else to say he writes that he can`t think of anything else to say, even printed in his book. When they were flying to China to look for the baiji dolphin Adams bought several different aftershave's just for the heck of it. That's where a lot of the humor comes in.
I can think of laughing at so many points in this book. Adams sarcastic and witty comments toward everything make you smile and puts you in a good mood. Such as when he talks back to a man in a blue polyester suit, in Tanzania at the "airport." Another person that I found to be quite humorous was Dr. Struan Sutherland a man who had devoted his whole entire life to the study of venom. Adam's and his crew went to go ask him what to do if they got bit by a Komodo dragon or a snake. His response was simply, "Don't get bitten." There was more, but I don't want to give it away.
This book is very adventurous, and a bit suspenseful at times with all the dangerous animals. They risked being hurt several times, which is definitely more interesting to read. So if you are interested in anything I've said Last Chance to See is a must read for you.
19 British humor, makes fun safari!
Douglas Adams' Last Chance to See is a book that takes the reader on his journey visiting endangered species. This could be the most boring topic to read about, but the way British writer Adams' writes is so funny the reader cannot help but laugh their way through the book. Above all about this book, the reader comes away with so much knowledge about these animals.
When it came to endangered species I was one of those people that would know the least about the topic, but because of Last Chance To See, I am familiar with all kinds of animals now. The book begins with Adams going to Madagascar going to see the aye-aye which is a lemur near extinction. Come to find out the aye-aye is a nocturnal lemur and is very strange looking. The book goes on to talk about komodo dragons, keas, kakapo, north island robins, echo parakeets and so many more animals. My favorite to read about was the Qi-Qi baiji dolphin. The information about the animal was absolutely fascinating.
Humorous comments about situations Adams finds himself in are written so cleverly. One of my favorites comments Adams makes is in reference to scrunching up Norway taking out all the moose's and filling it with birds would be a waist because it was already a place, New Zealand. Little comments and events that happen cause me to be even more interested in the book and enjoy reading more of it.
Adams non-fiction Last Chance To See is just a really well done book on endangered species. Adams makes a strong point in the book that if no one cares, and lets these animals become extinct, we can never bring them back. The world will never have these fascinating creatures if we don't put and end to the animals that are becoming extinct by the thousands every year. If anyone is interested in learning more on the subject and having some good laughs I would tell them to stick out the first chapter and once you get into the book you will really enjoy reading Last Chance To See.
20 Journey Of A Lifetime
This book was an absolute delight to read. It will make you laugh but also makes you think and feel very sad that such beautiful creatures are no longer here on earth and others are becoming extinct. The authors (Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine) go on a journey to see the world's rarest and most endangered animals. Along the journey they tell of their adventures with the animals as well as dedicated people trying to save them. The main species featured in the book are the komodo dragon, northern white rhino, mountain gorilla, kakapo (ground dwelling parrot), baiji dolphin (Yangtze-River dolphin) and Rodriguez fruit bat. Each of these animals have a heart breaking story and people racing to save the species. I would recommend this book to nature lovers of any age. There were many parts of the book I enjoyed during my journey around the world with Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine. I learned things that I never knew, not only about the animals but also about the places they visited. I stayed interested throughout the entire book and that is a task for me. It seemed as though they had many obstacles to conquer in the beginning of their travels. I would have to say my favorite part of the book was when they were looking for and found the mountain gorilla. The excitement they were feeling passes right through you. I really enjoyed the part when the gorilla watches the author as he takes a piece of pink writing paper out of his bag and starts to take notes. After a short while the gorilla touches the paper then the top of the pen. The gorilla did not want to take the pen or paper, he just wanted to see what it was. That would be so cool to experience and scary at the same time. The funniest part in the book was when they went to China, to the Yangtze River to look for the baiji dolphin. They decided they wanted to see what the river actually sounded like under the water and to record it, but they forgot to get water proof microphones, so what they did was go to buy condoms to cover the microphone with. They didn't speak chinese, and the Chinese women didn't really speak much english, so they had to figure out a way to tell them that they needed condoms. It was hilarious! Then there is the breath taking journey to find the kakapo. This was one of the more intense searches for a species. The guys along with the help of a kakapo tracker by the name of Arab and his dog Boss, went through a lot but did finally find the kakapo. Of course I cannot forget the feeling of fear I got from them as they approach the Island of Komodo in search of the komodo dragon. Knowing that just the saliva of a komodo dragon can kill man is enough to fear. Still you can sense the joy these men feel when they locate one of these animals. These are just samples of the exciting stories you will read in the book. Each of the animals have their own special part in the book. The author tells in detail about the animals and the journeys they themselves take to find the species so they know for sure that they still exist and try to make sure they continue on in life. I feel that if more people paid attention to what is happening to our animals maybe they would try a little harder to keep them from going extinct. For instance, the most famous extinct animal of all is a large dove with the weight of a well fed turkey, the dodo. This animal was clubbed to death just for the sport of it. It's meat was tough and bitter so there really has never been any reason for humans to kill it. Then there is the story of the extinct giant tortoises. These are all very interesting, but sad stories. As you read through the book there are many animals mentioned and the status of their species. I am sure if more people read this book, these and many more animals would be cared for before they too become extinct. After reading the book, it seems as though things are going in the right direction for those animals, as at the end of the book the author tells of a coupke letters they received. One was good news and one not so good news, but so long as we keep getting the good news the efforts being made to keep these animals from becoming extinct is well worth the time and money it takes. You will have to read the book to find out what an awesome journey Douglas adams and Mark Carwardine can take you on and how you will feel as though you are there with them. This is a great book so take the time to read it, you will not be sorry!
21 LCTS Review
Last Chance to See, by Douglas Adams, is a very entertaining book. Adams, the author of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series, delivers another hit in the non-fiction stories of his adventures searching for endangered animals. While this book is not his normal style of sci-fi comedy it is still a very good read. When a person thinks of such endangered animals as the Aye-Aye, Mountain Gorilla, White Rhino, Kakapo, Yangtze-River dolphin, and the Rodriguez fruit bat they don't usually think that a whole book about them could be interesting.
But the book doesn't just talk about the animals, it tells of the difficulties involved in traveling through foreign countries and the language barriers produced. It is these experiences that provide humor to a dull subject. An example of this humor is when, in China, Adams and his comrades wish to waterproof a microphone so that they may record the YangtzeRiver dolphin in its natural habitat. Let it be known that to waterproof a microphone all you need to do is put a condom over mic and secure it tightly. The fun really begins when the group of guys try to explain that they wish to buy condoms to Chinese women who do not speak English. This would be where the art of gesturing comes into play.
Humor, although a very good element tohave in a book about endangered animals cannot be the only one. Writing and style of interpretation is the most important because with humor alone all you have is a comic book. A great point in the book where Adams shows his inventive writing ability is his first impression of seeing a silverback gorilla. The descriptions and adjectives he uses allow the reader to feel as if they are right there next to him seeing everything for themselves. Adams ability to capture such awesome moments onto paper is the true reason this book is so fascinating.
The book is good but it isn't perfect. The gaps between seeing the animals and trying to communicate with the locals the book can drag a little. Although this can cause a loss in momentum these dull moments are few and short. But just
because they are boring they do serve a purpose, and sometimes set up the humor that comes later.
In all this book is very good and interesting and should be read not only for its creative writing and humor but because of the message it brings to the
forefront.
22 You'll Laugh Your Best Laughter Despite the Tears
I was howling and in tears with the laughter while reading this book -- the scene in the chinese grocery looking for a "microphone cover" still makes me giggle -- and I first read those lines years ago! I'd hoped that Douglas Adams would have the time and ability to do a follow-up book -- but sadly the universe had other plans for him and intervened.
I've given away and recommended this book many times. Not just for the laughter, but also for opening more eyes to the sad truth of mankind's role in the extinction of animal species and to how much more empty our planet will be as each species becomes extinct. Where will we be when the komodo dragon, northern white rhinoceros, mountain gorilla, kakapo, baiji dolphin, and the rodrigues fruit bat and all of their cousins are extinguished from existence?
This is a book for those with soul and who like to share it. Thank you Douglas Adams, wherever you are now, for sharing your slice of humanity with us all.
23 I Don't See A Problem
Last Chance To See, written by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine, is a book about survival. Adams takes the reader on a wonderful exploration of isolated locations in the world and some not so isolated. Locations like the Yangtze River in China or go island hopping along the Indonesian archipelago, where myths come alive. Places where some of God's magnificent and strangest creatures live. I'm not sure "live" is appropriate; let's say where they may possibly teeter on the brink of survival. Creatures like the mystical Komodo dragon and the fragile Kakapo. This could be possibly the last chance to see some of these magnificent creatures.
On a scale from 1 to 5, I give this book a rating of 4. Some may find this book to be a little monotonous. However, I found it rather enjoyable and educational. The excursions that Adams shares with his traveling companions, the reader, are intriguing; as well as, learning about the people that are involved in the preservation projects and the geography lessons are quite enlightening. Adams attempts to keep the reader's interest by mixing in his personal traveling fiascos and humor. He lingers sometimes too long on these predicaments, in which I believe distracts from the book.
So What? Who cares that these animals may become extinct? We all should care if nobody else, I care. Carwardine sums it up well "there is one reason for caring...the world would be a poorer, darker, lonelier place without them" (Pg. 213). If we allow these creatures to become extinct we may never know if they held the keys to cures of some of our deadliest diseases. But, for no other reason they deserve to live. I believe along with Carwardine that the steps we take to ensure that these creatures continue to exist will also guarantee are own survival.
Last Chance To See gives the reader some insight on how some people may look at nature. It brings awareness to the fact that we cannot risk throwing off the balance of our fragile ecology by killing off species due to our own ignorance, or even worse, by doing nothing to stop such atrocities. Unfortunately, issues like these if not brought to the forefront are easily ignored or believed not to exist. Adams enlightens the reader of these issues; regrettably most will continue to deny there is a problem. All the knowledge in the world, if not applied, becomes worthless or worse yet, powerless. Adams challenges us to look at the effects that civilization has on our world and have the fortitude to do something about it. If everyone does a little it will add up to a lot.
I can't say my life has drastically changed since reading the book although it has affected the way I look at my own misconceptions about nature. It has enlightened me on how severe it is for these species and others that are on the edge of annihilation. I am now conscious of what products I choose to endorse.
I believe everyone should read this book, if just for the splendid journeys Adams takes the reader on. In the process you might learn a thing or two. If you are animal lover this book will make laugh you, cry, angry and leave you with a glimmer of hope. If you know nothing about rare species of animals it will give a thrilling education. For those who are made to read it by an instructor, don't worry: you will enjoy the journeys. Oh, and one more thing, keep a map of the world close by for reference, you might get lost!
24 The Vogons aren't going to destroy this one...
Some years ago Douglas Adams wrote The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a story about the world being unexpectedly demolished by hideous creatures from another planet, Vogons. It was meant as a joke... Now, animal by animal, tree by tree, the world is being demolished around us; not by Vogons. Adams decided it was time to think about the absurdities of life on Earth, and what we are doing to it. He teamed up with zoologist and photographer Mark Carwardine, and together they set off around the world in search of some of the rarest and most endangered animals on Earth. As Adams stated so eloquently: "My role, and one for which I was entirely qualified, was to be an extremely ignorant non-zoologist to whom everything that happened would come as a complete surprise."
"This isn't at all what I expected," to borrow the opening line of Last Chance to See. The potential for a highly serious novel, preaching at the reader to `save the earth', is quelled by Douglas Adams' enormous skill for satire. In his lifetime, Adams had a long history of support for the wildlife cause, although he was better known for his unorthodox humour. In this novel Adams succeeds in finding comedy in the most unlikely situations: While preparing to enter a snake-infested island in search of komodo dragons, while unexpectedly coming face-to-face with a two-metre high Silverback Gorilla, and while attempting to mime the word `condom' to puzzled Chinese shopkeepers.
Last Chance to See is witty and well-crafted. Adams shows, rather than tells, the native attitudes and challenges for these animals. The trip to Zaire to see one of the 22 remaining northern white rhinos is introduced with the shocking image of leopard skin, made into a "rather natty" pill-box hat adorning the country's president in an airport photo. Amusing and disconcerting descriptions of bureaucratic extortion efforts and ask-questions-later poaching patrols follow.
The vivid and powerful descriptions of scenery add to the poignancy of the writing since many of the species disappearing are losing habitat. Adams writes of Fiordland, New Zealand, "The land is folded and twisted and broken on such a scale that it makes your brain quiver and sing in your skull just trying to comprehend what you're looking at." The quest of this journey is the kakapo, a fat, flightless bird with strange mating habits that involve acoustically controlled booming. In this case, their search was limited by the government's reluctance to allow anyone access to the few remaining and protected birds.
In addition, Adams and Carwardine also pursued a glimpse of a baiji river dolphin in China, and many endangered birds, along with Rodrigues fruit bats in Mauritius. The writing deftly recreates some of the rather eccentric characters they encountered along the way, some of whom are included in the colour-photo inserts. As a travel book, Last Chance to See provides a glimpse at the primitive nature of travel into the `third world.' Rather than promote the places mentioned, Adams introduces a reason for escaping the commercial tourism arena very early in the novel. Kuta Beach in Bali is described as "lined with gift shops and hamburger bars and populated with crowds of drunken, shouting [Australian] tourists, kamikaze motorcyclists, counterfeit watch sellers and small dogs"(pg.15).
This novel is hardly a piece of promotional literature for Bali or even Africa and China. Each place's degradation is presented as a product of mass tourism, namely endangering the already endangered animal species. Adams does point out, in his ironical style, that funding in such countries is only obtained through the lure of the `tourist dollar'. Bureaucratic governments see environmental protection as a waste unless tourism dollars can be earned in exchange for `bumping up' the local wildlife population. China is largely exempted from these bureaucratic measures - 2001 reports state that only 5 Baiji dolphins remain in the Yangzte River - another Adams irony come to fruition perhaps?
In contrast to this, Mauritius, Komodo (Indonesia) and New Zealand are seen as the last bastion of untouched beauty. "The only roads that approach the Fiordland National Park [New Zealand] peter out quickly in the foothills, and most tourists only ever explore the fringe scenery...very, very few experienced campers try to get anywhere near the heart of it" (pg.100). Yet, it is these places that are presented as having the most prolific amount of endangered species (an irony in itself?). Komodo, Mauritius and Fjiordland are all presented as remote and difficult to reach by commercial methods, and yet endangered species still continue on their journey to extinction.
Last Chance to See brilliantly brings the environmental situation to the readers, evoking gasps, laughter and tears. Although it was written over a decade ago, this work doesn't feel outdated. It is unfortunate that Adams' relatively recent death preceded another series of journeys. Mark Carwardine's final chapter evokes a sense of unfinished business. Although his writing tries to bring optimism to a desperate situation, the reader is left with a feeling of hopelessness. The enormity of the `endangered' list, and the small number of people dedicated to the `cause' are desperately unbalanced.
Adams presents some brilliantly humorous insights into the absurdity of human nature. It is this that brings the reader to a rapid conclusion. This is the last chance to see. The inevitability of extinction for the animals visited on Adams and Cawardine's journey is felt with sadness - yet it is accepted as a given. Adams' somewhat Darwinian approach to `the wild' is rapidly picked up by the reader until, by the final chapter, Cawardine's attempt at optimism is almost dismissed.
25 In Search of The Weak
11/01/2003
In Search of The Weak
This is a review of a novel called The Last Chance to See, which is written by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine. This is an American duo who are highly obsessed with conservation of wildlife. They were part of a team that was sent by Observer Color Magazine to look for some of the world's most endangered animals Adams is a writer and Carwardine is a zoologist. I like this book because it is so captivating that, as I read it, I feel as though I am a member of this animal-searching team.
Adams displays a high level of intelligence throughout in his writing and this is one reason I would recommend that everyone reads this book. Besides teaching us about wildlife conservation, he tells us about how people outside America do live. Now I am for example, more informed about the poor infrastructure in China and how Chinese behave on the roads while driving or riding their bicycles. The book has indeed refreshed my mind and I feel like I have been out for a safari around the continents.
In a recent survey by a popular magazine, it was observed that many Americans did not only fail to identify correctly many countries on the world map, but that they also had difficulties locating some American states! If they read The Last Chance to see, their passion to go out and have a "chance to see" will be ignited. This will help them to learn more about the endangered animals and acquire general knowledge about the rest of the world.
There are others who ask, "What does the dying of animals in some remote countries of the world have to do with me? "Such people do not appreciate that the tenants of planet earth are closely interrelated and, like one advert by MSN says, "the flapping of the wings of a tiny butterfly in one place can cause a storm in a distant location" . It is a fact that the world is increasingly becoming a global village and we can only ignore what is happening elsewhere to our own peril!
Yet others argue that extinction is nature's way of maintaining balance. True, nature has to take its course but we have the ability to control much of what nature would like to do. For example if we live in a place that is prone to earthquakes, we avoid putting up high rise buildings. Likewise if we notice that a kind of fish is threatened with extinction due to water pollution, we should not wait until the species is wiped out. We should try to identify the problem so that we can find out how to save the animals. This is essentially what Adams and company are doing.
These gentlemen are very daring. They accept to go to remote places where they have never been to. A case in point is the tour that they take to parts of New Zealand where the terrain is so rough that very few expeditions have ever been made. We can learn from this pair because many times we have great ideas, which exist, only in our minds. The two gentlemen show us a good example of how we can plan and execute a difficult project.
I also like this book because of Adams's meekness. He praises and gives credit to his colleagues very often. He for example credits photographer Alain for all the good photos. He does the same to Richard and Carl, both of whom he says that their "first obsession" was birds. Richard and Carl were bird specialists. We have all met people who are guilty of professional pride-the kind who keep shouting about what they have achieved. I call them the "I" people. Last Chance would certainly help such people to see and appreciate the achievements of other people.
Of course there're some who do not appreciate what this team has done. They say that the areas covered were very minimal and that the tours were too brief to merit any credit. It would be wrong to allow such a weak argument to make us ignore the work done by this team. While what they have achieved may be only a fraction of what needs to be done, it's also true that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Furthermore, the effects of what the group is doing will be multiplied many times because the knowledge from this book will be passed from generation to generation.
On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, this book scoops a 4. I won't give a 5 because on a few occasions, Adams goes too far when criticizing the behavior of the local people. I'm giving this rating because the book is simple and hence appealing to a wide population. So what? Let everyone go out and learn by having the "last chance to see"
26 I Wanna See
Reading Last Chance To See, has opened my eyes. There are so many places that I need to travel to now. There are so many endangered species that I need to see now. This book has changed me in some ways. I really never thought about extinct or endangered animals until I read this book. Now I wanna see these animals and help in some way. This book talks about the animals from all areas of the world. So many different countries.
I would definitely recommend this book to lots of people that I know. I would recommend this book to people like me. People that don't really have a sense of what is out they're in the world. This book just gives you a little taste of that. Just enough to get you interested and concerned. Last Chance To See says enough in the title. It is really last chance to see what Adams and Carwardine are talking about in this book.
Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine give great tales of their adventures. They go through many mishaps just to get to some of their planned destinations. I think that is what is so great about this book. There is comedy. The adventurers are real. They do whatever it takes to just see this one animal, or in some case's a plant. That tells the reader just to go for it, no matter what it takes.
I would rate this book a very high four. I give it that rating because this book is very easy to read. This book teaches you something new in almost every page. This book has humor and it makes you laugh. I gave it a high four because it's not the best book I have ever read, but it's a pretty good one. It's a book that kept me interested.
I usually don't like to read books. I am more of a magazine reader. This is a book that I would definitely recommend to magazine readers like me. It's more of an adventure then just a lot of facts. I first thought that, that is what the book was gonna be about. When you read about endangerment, its facts. This was actual real life stories.
I wanna see what Adams and Carwardine saw. I feel like I have to do something like that. This book tells you that if you wanna see it then go for it. Do whatever it takes to see something that really interests you. Put a little adventure in your life.
27 They Said I Needed a Title
I actually preferred the book "Last Chance to See" by Douglass Adams over "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn. Not because one book was crap and the other wasn't, but because of personal taste. I enjoyed "Last Chance..." because not only did it have its moments of comedy, but it also had its serious side. I delved into the descriptions of animals that are on the verge of annhilation. From the Komodo Dragon to the Aye-Aye, it gave a very good look at a lot of species that I didn't even know existed. "Ishmael", as good as it was, was a very diffcult read, even for me. And I have read a lot of books that were usually above my age group's actual reading level. I want to be honest: I don't care to read a book just because someone says that I have to read it for a class. Although I love to read, a lot of books that are assigned by teachers, for the most part, don't catch my attention. I'm a person who, if not being caught by the book in the first two pages, will put it down. For example, I love the "Lord of the Rings" series. But when I tried to read "The Fellowship of the Ring", I became so bored that I started falling asleep. It was either put the book away, or risk spending the next five years of my life trying to read a book two pages at a time.
Do not mistake what I am saying as an excuse. It's just an example of how interested I can get in a book. "Ishmael" didn't do it for me. It was an interesting book. I'll give it that. But I didn't want to continue reading it. It became frustrating with all of the in-your-face philisophical ideals that the gorilla abd the man were debating. "You're not 'Goliath'." "What does it mean to have identity?" Yes, these issues are things people face, but they spend too much of their short, little lives worrying about who and what they are. It doesn't take a huge amount of time to figure this out. All it takes is some time, not a lot of time, to just sit down, and focus on what, and on who you are. It may be a difficult question to answer, and the answer may be a long time in coming, but at least you can quickly begin getting ideas as to the answer.
Also, the characters in the book, unlike the author of "Last Chance..." spent their time living in the past. They were living in all the hurt, and anxiety, and remorse, and hatred that they had brought with them into adulthood. The man was still pissed because he was the only surviving member of his family from the Holocaust. Okay, it happened to a lot of people. No need to harbor a grudge against his Creator because he had become a survivor, and there was certainly no sense in being pissed just because nobody wanted to teach him when he was a kid. He hated his past, but couldn't do anything to change it... and his obsession with being hurt kept him from looking to the future. At least Douglas Adams was trying to save the future of beings that rightfully deserve to live.
"Last Chance to See" was good in that it presented issues about animals that are endangered in a manner that us not offensive or in your face. Believe me, I like good offensive humor or rhetoric, but still, there needs to be some tact. And I feel that this book ("Last Chance...") had some. Not a lot, but some. However, I would not recommend the reading of this book to any friends because I have a lot of friends who do not like to read. Secondly, the ones that do like reading prefer books that are works of fiction, not a collection of essays written by a guy who compulsively buys bottles of aftershave from the duty free cart on his flight to China.
28 Last Chance to Read
You know, I normally wouldn't read a book titled, "Last Chance to See". It wouldn't stick out to me or jump out when I walk by browsing, say at a library or something. If I did happen to pick it up by some miracle, and browse the summary and quotes of praise by various media types on the back, I still wouldn't take it home, in all honesty. Perhaps I'm close minded, mean, or just don't really care about the environment (The whole book is about saving animals and how importandt it is to do), but stuff like this has never gotten me excited.
Well, guess what, I go to school. And so you can guess that I read it. The story goes like this. A writer(Douglas Adams, the author) and his animal freak friend (Mark Carwardine)travel the world to view and report on various endangered species. As the book comes to a rather sad and moving cnclusion that what we are doing to out planet and it's inhuman inhabitants is, if not anything else, sad. And out of the whole book, through Douglas' various adventures and realizing the dire and extreme situation that some animals are in, that was the whole point of the book and the most influential to me: that what is happening is just sad. He doesn't scold the readers into this conclusion either, if that's what you're thinking, but just paints a realistic picture of the state of things that most people, himself included, don't usually think about.
So, am I glad that I read this book? Yes. There are a couple small parts that I lost interest, as in any book, but it's very interesting and entertaining as a whole. Douglas Adams has an exaggerated and deadpan sense of humor that makes situations that could be dry very funny and exciting. He talks about these animals that you've never heard of before and makes you want to know more about them. And although I'm not anywhere near sending money to save an endangered monkey or declining to buy a fur coat (that is if I wore fur coats), I would say that the book might have budged something a little in my brain to at least think, yeah, it is sad.
Should you read it? I don't know; should you? Just kidding. I would say if you are set on your views of this planet and don't really care whart happens to it, then this will give you the other side of that argument in a genuine and honest way. You don't have to be afraid of being called uncaring, or worry about pages and pages of facts and numbers on the death rate of a rare bug in Swahili (Well, maybe a little but it's not that bad). And if you love animals and are big on animal's rights, well then to read it would be a no brainer.
The writing is good and for the most part keeps you entertained. There are parts of the book that will make you laugh out loud. I don't think it's on the level of a life altering experience, but it's good. If I had to rate the book from one to five, I'd give it a four. To give it a five would be unrealistic, but to give it a three would make some of you decide not to read it at all, and, that would probably be just sad.
29 Who Cares
Last Chance to See is a book about a group of scientists/journalists that travel to far away places looking for almost exticnt animals. The book was very entertaining, yet it made some very good points. It encourages you to look around yourself and to think about what you do before you do it and how your actions can affect the world.
When I first started to read this book I thought to myself, "Who Cares?" Why should I care about some strange bird that is almost extinct, or a white rhino. Why on gods green earth should I care. This is the conclution that I have come to, I have to care because it is common courtesy. Is it right that an animal should be killed only for the benifit of myself?
No, never, if I was an animal I would want the same common respect that a human deserves. Who would devote their entire life to these creatures? Anyone with a passion for life. After reading this book I understand where people come up with this feeling of protection.
You can feel the authors passion throughout the book. Anyone who takes a two day journey so that by some lucky chance they might get a glimpse of some people forsaken creature, has dedication. Any book that can make you feel what the author feels, or make you think is a book worth reading. I would recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor and a passion for thinking outside the box. The book was well written and kept me engaged
30 On The Edge
After reading Last Chance To See I have a little better appreciation for the people who devote their lives to the preservation of an animal, or animals, that is on the verge of disappearing from the face of the earth. These people put a lot of hard work and effort into something that they believe in with their whole heart. I respect them for that.
In this collection of short essays from different locations all over the globe we see stange and unusual creatures that most of us have probably never heard of. I find it fascinating how the author describes the animals in ways that we who have maybe not seen these particular creatures can easily get a picture of what features and characteristics these animals possess. In addition to the animals, there are many interesting people that we meet along the way as well.
I would eagerly recommend this book to anyone because even if you don't agree with the ideas, at least you are made aware of what is going on in the world around you. As inhabitants of this planet it is good for us to know what effect we have on our environment and what we need to do for that effect to be a positive one.
On a scale of one to five stars I would give this book a four. It doesn't get a five because in some places the author goes off and takes us somewhere else that takes away from the story. Other than that the book is very interesting and descriptive. The stories are from all over the world and yet I feel as though I am right there along side a huge silverback gorilla or a reeking komodo dragon.
All in all this book was a great experience for me and I am glad to have read it and found out more of what is going on in the world around me. These animals are living on the edge of extinction, and they don't even know it. I leave you with one final thought: Now that we know these facts, what are we going to do?
31 Far and Away
Douglas Adams received a call, one day, requesting that he travel to the far away island of Madagascar. He was called on the pretense of writing a story on an endangered lemur called the Aye-aye, but it turned out to be much more for him. This trip ended up being the first of many ventures to far off places in search of various endangered animals. All of these things he wrote down in a book entitled Last Chance to See co-written with zoologist Mark Carwardine. The book takes you to many different places, from Madagascar (as aforementioned) to Codfish Island, off of New Zealand. You will also be introduced to many different people, from the crazy driving ornithologist Richard Lewis to the long-bearded Kakapo tracker Arab.
Adams does a fine job of combining the historical facts with humor to keep your attention. He also gives you a good look at how hard some of these people are working to keep these animals alive, and some with very little support or none at all. Adams stated sveral times that he is not an animal expert but he was willing to use what little knowledge he had and wanted to learn more.
So now that we are aware of these things what do we do now? Perhaps we should think twice befor dumping out trash wherever we like, or killing whatever we like. On the other hand we shouldn't get too concerned. That may cause more problems. Once the balance of an ecosystem is disturbed it can be vary difficult to fix the damage. In many cases it makes the situation worse than it was in the first place. We should try not to disturb mare then we already have. This book has opened my eyes a little bit more to the people who are trying to do these very things.
Though I didn't agree with some of the things he stated, such as his views on evolution, I did enjoy the book. I found some of the facts interesting and parts of it quite humorous. Three because it held my attention most of the time and make me laugh in parts. but some of it I found a little dull and it wasn't a subject that I normally read about. I would recommend this book to thise who are fascinated by far off places and are interested by animals, but I would also recommend it to those who maybe don't think of those things very often, (which ptetty much includes eveyone). This book will make you aware of some things that maybe you haven't thought of in a while or never thought of. Are we really aware of what's happening far and away?
32 WHO CARES, I CARE
Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine is an engaging and stunning long voyage of adventure through the world's wildlife kingdom. This book is a sequence of expeditions Adams and Carwardine went on to look for some of the world's very unusual and most endangered animals. These authors don't think twice to present the alarming evidence and relate the details of their serious pursuit in a lively description. Whether chasing the endangered Kakapo over rough lands, the white rhinos of Zaire or searching for condoms in China, they keep their sense of wittiness.
Reading this book has made me realize and understand that every animal and plant is an essential part of its natural environment. In the last paragraph of Mark's epilogue he writes: "There is one last reason for caring, and I believe that no other is necessary. It is certainly the reason why so many people have devoted their lives to protecting the likes of rhinos, parakeets, kakapos, and dolphins. And it is simply this: the world would be a poorer, darker, lonelier place without them." I agree with Mark, animals are beautiful creatures and should be valued because without them the world would be dull and dry.
This is an outstanding selection for readers who take pleasure in voyages and escapades. I would definitely recommend this book to people who associate with the Green Party, environmentalists, and adventurers. I would not suggest this book to my fellow peers because most of them are not in college; much less do they vote so they most likely wouldn't understand why I am telling them to read this book. Their attitudes would be like "who cares" about endangered animals and plants.
This book kept me intrigued and took me to places I've never been before. I rate this book a 5. Like I said before, if you are not into endangered or extinct species, adventure, or find yourself relating to my peers, then you are probably not going to enjoy this book. But, if you take pleasure in saving animals then I would urge you to pick up a copy of Last Chance to See.
33 "So What?"
"So what?" That is the question I would often ask myself when I would hear people try to preach about the fact that we as humans are doing so much harm to the world. I would get completely frustrated because I didn't feel that it was our fault animals were going extinct. I just simply thought humans were more intelligent and therefore deserved everything we were creating for ourselves, no matter what we destroyed in the process.
Last Chance to See started out a litle dry and I wondered if I was going to be able to take yet another author telling me how horrible humans are. But, actually, this book was completely different. The authors never take it to the extreme in their efforts to solve extinction. THere is no preaching in this book. The facts are simply laid out and it is left completely up to the reader to do with these facts what they choose.
Whether you believe humans are to blame for extinction of valuable animals or not, you would enjoy this book. I can say that after reading it I definitely think twice about simple daily activities, because I never realized just how severe animal extiction is. I still don't believe that humans are to blame for the extinction of animals. I will say that we sometimes act in what may apppear to be selfish ways, but I think we truly have good intentions.
Read Last Chance TO see. It has the ability to make you question your opinion without ever once having to preach to you. It is full of interestiong facts while at the same time the authors manage to throw in a little humor and make you laugh while you learn. It may make you stop asking the question, "So what?"
34 Dragons, Gorillas, And Kakapo?! Oh My!
Last Chance To See is an adventure everyone should be a part of. The stories never take the same path. As other documentary essays just inform you of the animal you are reading about, Last Chance To See informs and asks you to help in the conservation process. I find myself thinking about animals a lot more now that I have read the book. Definitely consider reading Last Chance To See.
Now that I have read the book my ears tend to hear endangered and perk up a bit. Everyone has a different way of looking at animals that are endangered. Now, after reading the book, I don't see them as endangered at all. That word is no more to me. I only see animals as "there or not."
I believe we, as humans, are to take care of the animals in this world. Douglas Adams, author of Last Chance To See, makes you see how ridiculous our efforts are to help the endangered animals. More often then not, we as humans ruin the animal's natural habitat. Tourists come in to a fake environment, planned out for the animal getting fed on a very strict schedule, never having to move more than a couple feet. The poor animals become lazy. Not because of themselves but because we make them lazy. The book has definitely changed my take on animals.
This book can be for everyone though. You don't have to be on one side of the fence or the other in regard to endangered animals. You just have to like animals. Who doesn't like animals? I suggest this book to those that are adamant about conservation, like to hear about cool animals or just like a different kind of documentary.
These essays are written very well by Adams. He brings you through the trip and all the problems they encounter. However, these are not normal essays. You aren't subject to endless lists of information. You are actually brought along with their group as they encounter White Rhinos, Silverback Gorillas and the Baiji Dolphin. Adams even adds humor to the story and that makes a big impact when you are hearing about animals you didn't even know existed.
In my eyes this book gets four stars. You may ask why after all the praises I gave it, it didn't get five, well, I don't think I have ever encountered a book worthy of five stars. Last Chance To See is definitely a good book. You will enjoy the humor, adventure and definitely the "colorful" natives as I have. I enjoyed the read from beginning to end.
35 Learning is fun!
I'm a huge Douglas Adams fan, but I avoided this book for so long because I thought it would be scientific/tree-hugging droll. After a friend recommended it highly, I picked it up and found how wrong I was! It tells a very interesting recap of DA's adventures around the globe searching for species of animals that are going extinct, and the typical Douglas Adams humor shines through the entire thing.
I'm glad they included the picture section in the middle to give context to the travels and animals.
36 What he really meant
Douglas Adams' favourite work is also his finest. His passion for the living world and frustration with, but ultimate love for, humanity - ideas which featured ever more prominently in his fiction - are to the fore here, dressed in his characteristic wit and style. We have lost not just our best fantasist, but a fine journalist.
37 Humor helps sell serious science!
While perusing used book stores in Cairo, Egypt in a desperate search for humor by Douglas Adams I found this jewel.
I snapped it up without reading the dust jacket.
Initially, I was a little disappointed, as I was spoiled by his raucous humor in the Hitchhiker Guide series. Bit-by-bit, or, as they say in Arabic, waheda wahed, I found myself engrossed by his insight into just exactly why we should care that Earth is about to lose so many species of creatures.
That method, devoid of preaching and absent of reams of sky-is-falling statistical data is exactly why Last Chance To See is a must read for all of us.
Buy this book. Read it. Then, if you dare, pass it on to your best friend!
38 Not the animals.
Douglas Adams set out to look for endangered animals, but it was the people he meet on his way that turned out to be more interesting. Take Dr Struan Sutherland, the venom expert. His expertise "is that of getting other people to handle the dangerous animals." and his hobbies are "gardening--with gloves; fishing--with boots; traveling--with care." And when asked if there's any venomous creature he's particularly fond of. "There was," he said, "but she left me."
39 Last Chance to See
The book Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine take you on a journey. Within this journey you come to learn the life of many animals that are about to become extint. Some of these animals you have never even heard of before such as the kakapo, who is a very friendly bird with unsual mating habits. Or the dangerous Kamodo Dragon with its deadly saliva. In all the author makes you feel compassion and understanding for these animals. You learn about their eating habits, mating habits, and natural habitat that they once lived in. You learn that many of these animals are becoming extinct because of mans actions. In all this is a good book that involves humor and education.
40 Once It?s Gone, It?s Gone.
"Last Chance to See" by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwadine is a great book that teaches its readers about the worldwide problem that there is about endangered species, and how in the last couple of decades it has been rising because of the humans fault. This book contains a little of everything. It contains comedy, tragedy, and a lot of information.
The information that it carries is all about the animals that he and Carwadine go to visit in the wild. They go to visit animals such as the Mountain Gorilla and White Rhinoceros from Zaire, Africa, the Yangtze River dolphin, from China, and the Komodo Dragon, from Komodo. All through out each story, Douglas tells us interesting facts about the animal that they are visiting, and the habitat in which the animal lives.
For example, did you know that there are more poisonous snakes per square meter on Komodo than on any equivalent area on earth? Well, if you didn't, now you do.
All though out their journey, Adams and Carwadine have something funny to do. On every story in the book, there is something funny that either of them, or both, do. For example, when they were near the Yangtze river, they wanted to see how the noise pollution in the river was like, but they forgot to get water proof microphones, so what they did is that they went and bought condoms to cover the microphone with. They didn't speak Chinese, and the Chinese didn't speak English, so they had to figure out a way to tell them that they needed condoms. If you want to find out what they did, read the book, otherwise I'd be spoiling it for you, but to me, this scene was hilarious.
This is also a tragic book, since in it they go and visit animals that are on the verge of extinction because of our fault. For example, in New Zealand, the Kakapo, a very fat parrot that forgot how to fly, were almost completely wiped of because explorers that went to explore those island brought their pet cats and stoats and lost them, they started eating these poor flightless birds. Now there are a few of them left and they only live in two islands in which every moving thing was killed to ensure their survival.
There is a lot of information that could be acquired from reading this book, but don't take my word for it, go and read it yourself.
41 A book of humor and knowledge.
Last chance to see is a really interesting book that keeps you entertained through out its reading.
Douglas Adams takes you on a great adventure around the world sharing his stories about searching for these endangered animals.
He takes you to places like Kamodo island the home of the man eating kamodo dragon.
Adams also comes face to face with a wild silver back gorilla and was so close the gorilla curiously reached out and touched his writing pencil. Not only is this book about endangered animals that can only be found in certain places of the planet, but Adams tells you about the funny chaotic stuff they had to go through in order to find these animals.
I could picture someone like Chevy Chase starring in a movie about this book.
42 A Different World To be Explored
Reading "Last Chance to see", I asked myself, whether, it was our last chance to see these animals. I love reading books but I never had the opportunity to read a book like this one. Reading the first pages didn't really catch my attention, as a matter of fact I wasn't particular interested in it but I kept on reading, until I found myself not letting go of the book. The way the author describes the animals is very engaging for example, when he describes the aye-aye he writes, "The aye-aye is a nocturnal lemur. It is a very strange looking animal that seems to have been assembled from bits of other animals. It looks like a large cat with a bat's ears, a beavers teeth, a tail like a large ostrich feather, a middle finger like a long dead twig, and enormous eyes that seem to peer past you into a totally different world which exist just over your left shoulder". Not only is the book funny but it also makes you think if maybe humans are to blame for the extinction of these animals. I give this book "Two thumps up".
43 A Good Book For Everyone
Last Chance to See was a really a great book! Two zoologists, Adam Douglas and Mark Carwardine take you on an adventure around the world to various places while they study endangered species. Although written in 1985-1989 Adam Douglas does an excellent job with letting the reader fill as if they are taking the journey with him. He uses humor and great metaphors while he is informing readers of what is out there. Adam and Mark's message in the book is strong, it really is our last chance to see some of these exotic yet endangered species. They open your eyes and for some make you think about what is really going on, the rest is really up to you if you want to find any way to help. The thing I liked the most about the book was the descriptions, the colorful pictures were great but, without them the book still would have been good. I would highly recommend that everyone should read this book.
44 It Just Might be the "Last Chance To See"
First off I would just like to say that I truly enjoyed reading this book. Every aspect of this book was great. I loved the setting, the characters, the information, and the format.
The setting of "Last Chance to See" was in many different places in Africa. This kept me interested thoughout the duration of this book. This book also had a lot of interesting information on endanged animals. I enjoyed reading about the Komodo dragon, the white rhino and the silverback mountain gorilla. I also enjoyed this book because it was very informative and funny. Douglas Adams used a lot of comedy to get his point across.
This book made me realize that there are a lot of species that are going extinct or are in danger of becoming extinct. I know that animals are partly to blame for these species becoming extinct, but I can't help but think that us humans have played a bigger role in the dissapearence of these species.
I really recommend that you read this book. Im the type of person that only enjoys action and horror books and I really enjoyed this book. If I can read this book the whole way through then I'm sure that anyone can!
45 It Just Might be the "Last Chance To See"
First off I would just like to say that I truly enjoyed reading this book. Every aspect of this book was great. I loved the setting, the characters, the information, and the format.
The setting of "Last Chance to See" was in many different places in Africa. This kept me interested thoughout the duration of this book. This book also had a lot of interesting information on endanged animals. I enjoyed reading about the Komodo dragon, the white rhino and the silverback mountain gorilla. I also enjoyed this book because it was very informative and funny. Douglas Adams used a lot of comedy to get his point across.
This book made me realize that there are a lot of species that are going extinct or are in danger of becoming extinct. I know that animals are partly to blame for these species becoming extinct, but I can't help but think that us humans have played a bigger role in the dissapearence of these species.
I really recommend that you read this book. Im the type of person that only enjoys action and horror books and I really enjoyed this book. If I can read this book the whole way through then I'm sure that anyone can!
46 Last Chance To See
Last Chance To See was a very interesting book to read. At first I was really struggling to get involved because I didn't know alot about endangered species and animals but as I continued reading the book I found myself more interested. Douglas Adams was a funny guy who kept the book somewhat interesting. This book helped me understand more about engangered species and animals that I didnt even know existed like for example the Komodo Dragon. Their saliva alone can kill a man which was very suprising to me. I had never heard of such a creature living in this world today. You can also learn about how they live and eat which is really important to recognize considering that there is small percentage of some of the animlas left. It also helps by giving you pictures to relate to while reading the story. I would definatly recommend this book to people that were interested in wildlife because it gives great descriptions and detail. I would also recommend this to people that aren't really educated about animals because you can learn how important they are and it could possibly change your mind on how you view them, like it did mine.
47 Sorry, But This Book Should Be Extinct
Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine are guys who guide you through unfamiliar territories of endangered animals in the wild. To name a few they search for the White Rhino, Komodo Dragon, and Silverback Mountain Gorilla, both guys gave me a humorous vibe but I just wasn't felling their story it was to bland and boring,boring,Boring!It was nice getting to know about the kakapo a bird that was crazy for sex I would had never known such a bird species existed. Other than that I did not care for the mood of the story it was written sarcastically with no excitement. No point to the book just because we common people will never see an animal in the wild doesnt mean we dont care about nature
48 Sorry, But This Book Should Be Extinct
Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine are guys who guide you through unfamiliar territories of endangered animals in the wild. To name a few they search for the White Rhino, Komodo Dragon, and Silverback Mountain Gorilla, both guys gave me a humorous vibe but I just wasn't felling their story it was to bland and boring,boring,Boring!It was nice getting to know about the kakapo a bird that was crazy for sex I would had never known such a bird species existed. Other than that I did not care for the mood of the story it was written sarcastically with no excitement. No point to the book just because we common people will never see an animal in the wild doesnt mean we dont care about nature
49 The Endless Search
Too many endangered animals not enough time, more like too much to read and not enough time, thanks Scott. This book was informing but that's about it. I don't usually like to read about two men traveling the globe together looking for animals but never seeming to find them. After reading this book I am informed now of what is happening to the Komodo Dragons, the Kakapos, the White Rhinos from Zaire, and the Yangtze River Dolphins but I still feel the same. Adams, one of the men traveling, has a "unique" sense of humor that he throws at you every once in a while to keep you reading. I did not hate it but I won't read it again. If you have a lot of time on your hands and don't care what you read then this is the book for you.
50 FORGOTTEN ENDANGERED SPIECES
To tell you the truth at the begining I really didn't like reading this book, but as I started reading it more I got more interested.
At the begining of the first pages is really boring but as you get almost to the end of the story you start enjoing it. This book talks about how a lot of unkown endangered animals are at risk of being lost from the future. And if you really like reading about endangered spieces I recomend you to read this book because it gives you details on how humans have caused this to happend.
51 FORGOTTEN ENDANGERED SPIECES
To tell you the truth at the begining I really didn't like reading this book, but as I started reading it more I got more interested.
At the begining of the first pages is really boring but as you get almost to the end of the story you start enjoing it. This book talks about how a lot of unkown endangered animals are at risk of being lost from the future. And if you really like reading about endangered spieces I recomend you to read this book because it gives you details on how humans have caused this to happend.
52 Last Chance To See
Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine created an inspirational team of adventure seekers. Their approach towards finding and examining endangered animals from around the world and Their visual approach to the need to understand and their concerns have brought me to the realization of the needed changes that must be done in order for the exsistance of these animals to continue. The pictures and eventful dramas throughout their journeys was entertaining and heart warming. If you are a lover of the enviroment, animals and life, then this book is a must to read.
53 Endangered Animals; Last Chance To See.
This is a book that gives great detail and examples of endangered animals. It gives the reader an opportunity to see endangered animals and a glimpse into the world of zoology.
Adam Douglas guides you through the problems that threaten the animals that he sees on his journey. Adam goes to many bizarre places in search for these endangered animals. While on his journey he also learns the way of how diiferent cultures live compare to ours.
This is a good that has a lot of humor and a loving concern for animals going extinct. It tells you that there are steps that are being made to help these animals. There is good detail on animal behavior that finds you there with these animals. Towards the end of the book you find yourself wanting to help save these animals.
This is a good book for those who enjoy traveling and love animals.
54 Let the monkey's do it!
First I will start of saying a few nice things because I want to be fair to the writer. The adventure that the writer went through was amazing! He was very humorous at times and another good thing is that he was well spoken and vivid in his expression. At times this was tedious, which I will explain more in depth later in this review. At this point in our history, especially, our consumption based lifestyles obviously have ancillary consequences to our global circle of life.
I feel that the causes expressed in the book are valid and deserve human thought and interest, however, the lectured manner that the author speaks in order to solicit our understanding is thinly veiled and peppered with his obvious slant and bias.
When the author expresses alternative view points to his own it appears to be done simply for the fact that he's trying to express a sense of awareness and understanding of other points of view. These token tips of the hat, do not embrace alternative points of view with any sincere examination.
In conclusion, as much as I love the subject of endangered species, this book was not the greatest for reading....it should have been turned into a 30 minute educational video. While the message was good, the depth of explanation was unnecessary and at times the colorful imagery seem to lose it's initial message.
55 Going! Going, Gone?
Last Chance To See, another wonderful display of Douglas Adams's depiction of dry humor and dark truth. Adams, zoologist Mark Carwardine, and a BBC reporter, travel to the outposts of the world searching for signs of life that are rare, exotic and endangered beings.
I would have liked more photographs of animals and the environments Douglas describes. His superior descriptions and wordpainting placed me at his shoulder, but I love photos.
I highly recommend this book to any soul interested in the survival of the world. After reading Last Chance to See, I became aware of the sad fact of how many florna and fauna we lose due to our negligence of our place. Very enlightening, Thanks Sutherland for the assignment.
C.O.S. Giants
56 A Great Description of Endangered Animals
Last Chance to see is a great book. I don't like to read much and this book seemed kind of boring to me but once I got further into the book it was very good. Douglas Adams describes with great detail the exotic locations in which he is at that he makes me feel like I'm right there with him. I liked the way he writes how difficult it is of a journey to get from place to place just to see rare animals. Throughout the book he gives great information about certain animals that I didn't know about. The exotic and endangered animals in this book are described in such a way by Adams that I feel like doing something about them. I would recomend this book to anyone who is unaware of how close we are to killing out important animals.
57 A Great Description of Endangered Animals
Last Chance to see is a great book. I don't like to read much and this book seemed kind of boring to me but once I got further into the book it was very good. Douglas Adams describes with great detail the exotic locations in which he is at that he makes me feel like I'm right there with him. I liked the way he writes how difficult it is of a journey to get from place to place just to see rare animals. Throughout the book he gives great information about certain animals that I didn't know about. The exotic and endangered animals in this book are described in such a way by Adams that I feel like doing something about them. I would recomend this book to anyone who is unaware of how close we are to killing out important animals.
58 Life mimics fiction
Absolutely fabulous. Adams way with words will make you care about plants and animals that you probably have never heard about. It's also refreshing to know that even someone as well known as Douglas Adams can still have the same rotten luck as the rest of us. Every twist and turn in his journey helps the reader to understand the mind of the author (did he base Arthur Dent after himself?) and holds your attention, even if you don't care about conservation. I recommend this book highly. My wife (who is not an Adams fan, nor a conservationist) has also enjoyed the book immensely.
59 nice book
Last Chance to See was an ok book. It had intresting facts on there that i didn't know before. Some parts were boring and seemed to drag on. It had some subtle jokes in it which were pretty funny. So overall it was a good book with nice facts
60 A Wild Adventure
The book is bery unique. I like the book because the narrator is a great writer. He makes the book more interesting with many of the embarrassing experieces. The book itself is animated with great descriptions of the many endanger animals they got to see. The many places that Adams, and the missionaries travel. The amazing adventures they when trough when meeting new people. The pictures and the places Adams describe when visiting gives a clear vivid picture. In the book, Adams take us the readers to a second world that none of us have ever been, but would be egger to go out and experience in our own.
After I read the book I though in my mind of the many endanger animals and become concern. I would recommend the book to people who is very much interested on wild animals and like to travel. As for me it was interesting and fun reading the book. You'll like it!
61 A Wild Adventure
The book was bery unique. I like the book because the narrator is a great writer. He makes the book more interesting with many of the embarrassing adventures they experiece. The book itself is animated with great descriptions of the many endanger animals they go to see. The many places that Adams and the missionaries travel, and the amazing adventures they when trough.
After I read the book I though in my mind of the many endanger animals and become concern. I would recommend the book to people who is very much interested on wild animals and like to travel.
62 Salvation
I recommend this book to everyone to educate themselves on the extinction of animals across the globe, such as the aye-aye which is a nocturnal lemur from the large island of Madagascar, which is off the South Eastern part of the continent of Africa.
Also there are many other native spices along with the aye-aye on this island, these native spices exist no where else in the world.
I was amazed by the education I received from this book on endanger spices of today. Also I learned and agree on there methods and techniques on how to prevent the endanger spices from extinction. For example the Kakapo is on a road to a slow recovery in southern Stewart Island. They also have located a new female in the region. They relocated them with great risk to Codfish Island, but its hopes and high tech methods such as conservatives and special patrols that actually live on the island. All though there have been threats by hunters in the past hunted for sport, and have not realized the value of these animals to this day.
Since the beginning of time man has mastered the technique of hunting. All though it was a way of life until the genesis of agriculture began, man continues to abuse hunting leaving in its waste extinction by the handfuls. It seems through our selfishness many of us do not care about the extinction of fowl, mammals, reptiles, etc., etc.
I feel that the wildlife foundations through out the world do not receive the proper respect, creditability, and funds it deserves in order to preserve the earth's elements, and spices. I also believe there should be laws protecting and aiding those spices that are on extinction as well as those that are near extinction.
63 Salvation
I recommend this book to everyone to educate themselves on the extinction of animals across the globe, such as the aye-aye which is a nocturnal lemur from the large island of Madagascar, which is off the South Eastern part of the continent of Africa.
Also there are many other native spices along with the aye-aye on this island, these native spices exist no where else in the world.
I was amazed by the education I received from this book on endanger spices of today. Also I learned and agree on there methods and techniques on how to prevent the endanger spices from extinction. For example, the Kakapo, is on a road to a slow recovery in southern Stewart Island. They also have located a new Kakapo female bird in the region. They relocated them with great risk to Codfish Island, but its hopes and high tech methods such as conservatives and special patrols, that actually live on the island. All though there have been threats by hunters in the past, who hunted for sport, and have not realized the value of these animals to this day.
Since the beginning of time, man has mastered the technique of hunting. All though, it was a way of life until the genesis of agriculture began, man continues to abuse hunting, leaving in its waste extinction by the handfuls. It seems through our selfishness many of us do not care about the extinction of fowl, mammals, reptiles, etc., etc.
I feel that the wildlife foundations through out the world do not receive the proper respect, creditability, and funds it deserves in order to preserve the earth's elements and spices. I also believe there should be laws protecting and aiding those spices that are on extinction, as well as those that are near extinction. We must remember, every creation and element has it's purpose in the cycle of life on this planet. I agree there are foundations based on the preservation of life on this planet. We must work together to prevent future disasters, if we do not start taking actions now to perserve our earth, it will be to late to perserve it later. For earth is our mother because it nourish us day by day. I feel that we must respect that.
64 We can only do so much.
Last chance to see was another book that reminds us of the obvious. We all know that are fast growing population is overcrowding the earth but, nobody wants to stop having sex. Unless we find a way to control the population all species are going to be introuble including ourselves. I think the human race has bigger issues that need to be adressed. We should do somthing about but not to extrem matters.
65 Gaining Knowledge and Adventure
Although reading isn't my thing, this book was a good book and I would read it again. It portrays both adventure and knowledge of animals that people probably never even think twice about. It made me see animals in a different way, especially the endangered ones. It was a good book because it was also entertaining at some points and it gave information and cool pictures on endangered animals such as the giant Komodo dragon, blind river dolphins, white rhinos and the rare of birds. It kept me interested throughout the book because every chapter was a new adventure. If you like animals you would especially like this book and if you don't, it could change your mind.
66 Gaining Knowledge and Adventure
Although reading isn't my thing, this book was a good book and I would read it again. It portrays both adventure and knowledge of animals that people probably never even think twice about. It made me see animals in a different way, especially the endangered ones. It was a good book because it was also entertaining at some points and it gave information and cool pictures on endangered animals such as the giant Komodo dragon, blind river dolphins, white rhinos and the rare of birds. It kept me interested throughout the book because every chapter was a new adventure. If you like animals you would especially like this book and if you don't, it could change your mind.
67 An interesting adventure
Last Chance To See gives the average person an opportunity to not only see endangered animals, but allows a glimpse in to the world of zoology and animal conservation from the perspective of an outsider. Throughout the book Adams quite amusingly relates the predicaments he finds the endangered animals in into analogies about computer programming, discotheques, and British motorcycles. Using the analogies Adams guides you through the many problems that threaten the animals he finds on his journey.
Adams journey to see endangered animals has him zigzagging around the globe. He travels to China to see dolphin, Africa to see rhino, New Zealand to see a bird that cannot fly, and a couple of islands scattered around the world to see a host of other animals. While Adams journey is to find endangered animals he also takes you along for the little adventures that come with traveling to countries with cultures that differ from his own.
While in China Adams finds that the language and culture barrier make it nearly impossible to fined condoms. Which are used to waterproof a microphone, so his crew can hear the dolphins underwater. During the condom shopping Adams attracts a large crowd of very curious Chinese people and finds he feeling like an animal on display in the zoo.
Last Chance To See is a good book that mixes humor and a concern for the animals that are rapidly dieing out, and the steps that people are taking to preserve them. Adams perspective as a non-zoologist is very helpful, because he explains animal behavior and some of the theories about conservation in laymen's terms. After reading this book I felt more connected to and concerned for animals that are endangered. I would recommend this book to any one who likes animals or likes to travel.
68 class
The book was funny but only after the jokes were broken down in class. On the serious side of the book it tells all about animals in danger of dieing off. Every trip that Adams and Carwardine took some thing interesting happened to make to trip even more memoralble. Over all the book is easy but yet hard to read depending on the reader.
69 Last Chance to See
The book Last Chance to See was a pretty good book. I really don't like reading but it was an ok book. I would not read it again because i hate to read. But if u are looking for a good book about endangerd aniamls then this is the one for you.
70 Last Chance to See
A man with a great sense of humor and author of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams take his readers to a trip to different places of the World to use the last chance to see a variety of animals on the brink of extinction, such as the Komodo Dragon, the White Rhinos of Zaire, New Zealand kakapos, and Yangtze river dolphins. Adams, amateur wildlife lover, is wise enough to know the purpose of his journey: to shine some of the glare from his celebrity as a "science-fiction comedy novelist" on the issue of global extinction. In this remarkable book he invites readers to explore a world of extraordinary exotic and endangered species captured here in words and pictures.
The book is very enjoyable and I strongly recommend it. This is ultimately a book of hope, inspiring us to consider the impact we have on the environment in which we live and urging us to take an interest in more than ourselves.
71 Dazed and Confused
Last Chance to See was a book about a group of people going around the world and taking pictures of endangered or nearly extinct animals. I thought this book was an okay read. I did not love it, but I read it anyway. It was fascinating to find out about all the endangered animals out there in the world. Some of the animals mentioned in this book I never even heard of before. I enjoyed the pictures also because I was then able to put a face to a name with the animals mentioned in the book. I did not like some of the parts of the book, because they traveled so much that I often was confused while reading it. The strange spelling of the words in the book, and the humor sometimes through me off. In the end I feel this book was written for a good cause to let people know about all the animals out theree that are near extinction.
72 Last Chance to Read this Book
Last Chance to See didn't exactly get me hooked. I had to read this book for class and this thin, paperback, eight chaptered book took me endless months to finish. Overall, i'm glad i read this book, otherwise i would never know what a komodo dragon was or a fruit bat. but it's also sad that these fascinating animals that exist are almost extinct. So read the book it might be the last chanct to read this book, before it becomes extinct off the shelves.
73 Last Chance to See Animals
Okay so this is not reallly one of the best books that I've read, but there was more to it than just a couple of men telling a big, fat story. First of all the thing I loved most about this book was that these men had the chance to travel the world and discover all of the great animals that we don't see every day. The fact that they had a great opportunity to go out and study creatures that are becoming instinct or that they are already instinct. But as they would describe the characteristics of the animal and talk about the animal's ways of living I thought that would be great to learn. I also think that talking about animals that I never knew exist was the most interesting thing about the book. I don't know why I was so bored when they would talk about hiding shaving cream under the bed while they were in China. I thought that it was boring to talk every little stupid thing that they did, but I guess that's what happens when you are telling a long story. Things I don't really understand is that there was not much of action that goes on in this book and I am the type of person who likes action so the book was hard for me to adjust to since I expect a whole lot to go on in one book.
74 Last Time I Will Read this Book
As an animal lover and enthusiast I was tricked into believing I would like this book. Two men searching the globe for animals that may someday not be here any more seems like it could be exciting, but it was anything but that. There was no point to this book. The only thing it did, besides bore you, was maybe inform you about some animals who are endangered. But you can just look at a list for that, there is no need to read a whole book. So just because you like animals, trust me it doesn't mean you will like reading about these men trying to find them.
75 Give up the Fight?
At what point do we give up the fight? Since I was a child, mankind has been battling itself in order to protect nature. My parents bought me magazines also when I was little about endangered species and it made me sad. Yet, it didn't have anything to do with me, those animals were just pictures. Most people would agree with me and that is why I believe Douglas Adam's took a vacation and went to visit these creatures. People enjoy something they can connect with and that is what makes Last Chance to See such an interesting piece of literature. Adam's takes what most would consider a "picture," and transforms it into a unique animal that has a personality as well a three dimensional characteristics.
To be honest, I found the novel to be somewhat of a bore at times, mostly due to the distractions around me. However, his use of descriptions and the ability of his story telling keeps the reader glued to the pages. If someone had some time to sit down and read this novel, I would say that there is no better use of ones time. The scenes and pictures in the book bring a sense of reality rather than fiction and I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn something new every day.
76 Is This A Book You Would Want To Read?
If you are interested in seeing different animals from different parts of the world, you may want to read this book. If you are like me and don't really care much to learn about animals you probably don't want to read this book. I am not saying the author was a bad author at all, the book was well written. The problem is he wrote about something that I am not interested in reading. Adams did a good job describing scenes and explaining some of his experiences while searching for these animals. If you are interested in animals in general or animal on the verge of being extinct then this is a well written book for you to read.
77 Too much is not a good thing
"Too much of any one thing is not always a good thing." My mother told me this one time when I was a little girl raiding our cookie jar. It never did quite sink in until I read The Last Chance to See. What started off as a hopefully action novel turned quickly into a 218 pages of go sleep reading material. It is my opinion that books should offer some sort of persuasive type material throughout it as well a "balance of action."
When I first started to read through this novel, I was very impressed with the Adam's use of detail and still to this moment appreciate it. However, the type of action was anything but unimpressive. I have to admit that there was a hint of sarcastic humor in this novel but none that seemed to jump out at you. I am not implying that I utterly cannot stand this book because there were several good things. The descriptions of some of these rare animals come across very powerfully. Yet, I feel that this author could have done a much better job in tying all the descriptions of this book together with a little more humor and some action. So in short I would not recommend this book to anyone who prefers a little more enthusiastic undertone thrown into the mix.
78 A Hilarious Educational Story
I am not a reader, but Douglas Adams caught my attention with the humor and sarcasm that he expressed in the book. Douglas Adams and Marc Carwardine traveled around the world to experience species of animals that are very close to extinction. The journey opens one's eyes by seeing the different cultures and customs of countries. The vivid description of the magnificent animals and the places they live in are wonderful. Adams makes one aware of the ecological problems that this world has. I have developed an interest in learning about the wild life and their habitats because of this book. It is a great book even if half of my English class hates it.
79 Bad Choice to Read
After my first time reading a Douglas Adam and Mark Carwardine book for my English class has made a bad impression on them. Douglas and Mark have boring ways of telling stories when it comes to traveling and exploring animals. Another thing is that the book doesn't contain any action. I highly wouldn't recommend that this book be used for any school purposes.
80 All Right animals
In the book last chance to see i think the book was ok. Some parts in the book i liked and some i disliked. I liked when they were in China and looking for some comdoms,but the Chinese people didn't understand what they were talking about. I thought that part was funny and made the book more interesting. I felt the book had it's bad parts too because while reading this book it talks about too many animal,and got me confused on what animal was on what Island. Over all the book was ok and it did give you facts on how many animal are still alive. It also give you information where to find some of the animals they were looking for. I would recommend this book to people who like all animals that are in the forest.
81 It's a Book you have to read!
Last Chance to See is a great book that I coundn't put down. In this novel, Adams writes about how he tracks down endangered species in different locations around the world. Although this is my first time reading a novel by Douglas Adams, he really made a great impression on this first time reader! I'm not a person that likes animals alot, but as I read further along in the book, I enjoyed learning about the different animals, places and cultures he describes with great detail. I enjoyed this book more because he found a way to make the book amusing, but also very serious at times. Douglas Adams is a great author, and this book is one that should be read by everyone.
82 What an exciting Journey!
Douglas Adams tells us about his extraordinary journey to view near extinct animals around the world in "Last Chance To See." Adams speaks of his encounters with many animals including the Kakapo, White Rhino, and Silverback Mountain Gorilla. What makes this book so interesting is that this is a true story of a man's conquest around the world to see these animals. While he tells us his story, he keeps it very true and honest while informing the reader at the same time. Not only did the book teach me many things that I didn't know, it also made me laugh out loud many of times. "Last Chance To See" is easy to read and written for people of all ages. If you get a chance, take time to sit down and enjoy this excellent book.
83 Through the Eyes of an Explorer
Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine take on an extraordinary adventure, along with Chris, a producer from the BBC radio station. They are on their way to find animals that are merely becoming extinct. They go out looking for the Komodo Dragon of Indonesia, the kakapo of New Zealand, blind dolphin of China, white rhinos of Zaire, and the rare birds of Mauritius Island. They take the reader on an ongoing adventure.
With the laughs that Adams provides the interest continues to see what smart thing he will say next. Adams takes a twist on writing this non-fictional book because he is a fictional writer. He does a good job on providing detailed information and a broad understanding of what goes on with animal life. Overall the book is interesting because it talks about issues that are hardly taken into consideration. This book is perfectly fitted for environmentalist and animal lovers.
84 THE STUPIDITY OF PEOPLE
THE LAST CHANCE TO SEE IS A VERY UNIQUE, AND BIZARRE BOOK. YOU CAN TELL THE PEOPLE WHO WROTE THIS BOOK ARE ENVIRONMENTALISTS. THEY GO TO THE EXTREMES TO GET THEIR POINTS ACROSS THROUGHOUT THE BOOK. IF YOU READ THE BOOK YOU WILL REALIZE THAT THE ANIMALS IN THE BOOK DON'T DESERVE NONE OF WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM. GOOD EXAMPLES OF THIS IS THE LEMUR WHO IS KILLED IF SEEN BY ANYONE BECAUSE ITS BELIEVED TO BRING BAD LUCK IF SEEN NOW WHAT MORON SHOULD BELIEVE THAT I MEAN DAMN HOW COULD AN ANIMAL THAT LOOKS LIKE A RAT ON CRACK BRING YOU BAD LUCK. THE OTHER EXAMPLE IS THE WHITE RHINO WHO IS KILLED FOR ITS HORNS BECAUSE ITS BELIEVED THAT THEIR HORNS WILL IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE DAMN ITS NOT THEIR FAULT YOUR HORRIBLE IN BED THEIR STILL VIAGRA OUT THEIR. NOW I'M NOT AN ENVIRONMENTALISTS, BUT THOSE ARE STUPID REASONS TO KILL ANIMALS, AND I DON'T LIKE THE BOOK, BUT I DON'T HATE IT. AFTER READING IT THOUGH YOU REALIZE THE ANIMALS DON'T DESERVE IT. I DON'T EVEN LIKE READING EITHER. ALSO IF THIS SITE DIDN'T FORCE CENSORSHIP I WOULD HAVE WRITTEN MY REAL REVIEW, AND THIS CENSORED ONE, BUT IF YOUR A SMART PERSON OR KNOW ME YOU CAN GUESS WHAT I WOULD HAVE WRITTEN.
85 Is it Worth Your wild to read it !
Last Chance To See by Adams, Douglas and Mark Carwardine was a book that can intrest you. It's all depeanding on what type of book you like to enjoy. At first I thought it was interesting and it caught my attention because of how he described the different places and the animals which one probably has never seen before. An example of an animal which one probably has never seen before would be the Yellow Penguin and the White Rhino. These are animals that we probably heard about but really didn't pay attention to it. In this book your able to experience things that you've never heard of before. Last Chance To See was made for one to learn about different cultures and their custums.
To me this book wasn't all that interesting but it did catch my attention but one thing is for sure I would never read this book again as long as I live. The only way I would read it is if i'm forced to. If your the type of person that look's for books with action, mystery, laughter then this is not your book. Now if you enjoy to learn new things about animals, cultures, or custums or different places around the world then i would recommend this book.
86 Is it Worth Your wild to read it !!!
Last Chance To See by Adams, Douglas and Mark Carwardine was a book that can intrest you. It's all depeanding on what type of book you like to enjoy. At first I thought it was interesting and it caught my attention because of how he described the different places and the animals which one probably has never seen before. An example of an animal which one probably has never seen before would be the Yellow Penguin and the White Rhino. These are animals that we probably heard about but really didn't pay attention to it. In this book your able to experience things that you've never heard of before. Last Chance To See was made for one to learn about different cultures and their custums.
To me this book wasn't all that interesting but it did catch my attention but one thing is for sure I would never read this book again as long as I live. The only way I would read it is if i'm forced to. If your the type of person that look's for books with action, mystery, laughter then this is not your book. Now if you enjoy to learn new things about animals, cultures, or custums or different places around the world then i would recommend this book.
87 What a wonderful mind Mr. Adams possesses
Again Douglas Adams amazes. We were all so fortunate that this gentleman had the gift of writing his thoughts. How else would we have ever been able to enter such a wonderful mind. In this book he writes about animals that are in danger and may not be with us too much longer. The sad thing is that he is the one who is no longer with us. Myself, I would trade one of the animals he wrote about to have him back. He is missed but his work is celebrated.
Aloha Douglas...
88 Last chance to read...
A travel book written by that master of modern British understatement, Mr. Have-PowerBook-Will-Travel Douglas Adams. I, along with a large number of people, idolize Adams' sendup of everything science-fictional in the Hitchhiker's Guide books, but have been disappointed by the gradual falling off of quality in those books as well as the poor showing of the Dirk Gently novels. Have no fear when you approach this book, though, because Adams is in his best form here. If anything, this book is much too short.
Adams approaches travelling somewhere in between Tim Cahill and Redmond O'Hanlon. Last Chance to See... is a collection of essays on endangered species that Adams and photographer/travel-arranger Carwardine attempt to see. From the chicken- and goat-loving komodo dragons, to the reclusive kakapo bird in New Zealand, Adams has just the right amount of natural history plopped in along with his delicious brand of irony for this book to be educational as well as fun.
Not to get into the environmentalist spiel, but this is also a good book for your favorite logger or logger-minded friend. Maybe if Adams covers the spotted owl next, we can laugh at that bit of sadness as well.
89 You'll be glad you got it.
I was very surprised when, after the first 10 pages, I realized I had been laughing about twice as much as when reading the Hitchhikers Guide books. This is a nonfiction work based on his experiences (and those of his partners) searching for some of the rarest creatures on the earth. I couldn't put it down. A great, often educational, always entertaining book to read.
90 Bittersweet
We lost Mr. Adams not long ago, so it was painful for me to read this. But I must say, the man knew his stuff. He approached his subject from a layman's point of view--the best approach one could choose, because most of us seem to have lost touch with the aliens that inhabit our own world. Aliens who have for much too long been ignored and endangered by all of us.
Suddenly we find ourselves contemplating the blind baiji dolphins of China--as though we ourselves had seen such fragile, wonderful beasts. We find ourselves searching the night for heavy-weight parrots in New Zealand who have forgotten how to fly and what's worse, how to mate. We are at last made aware of the lovely island of Maruritus where dodos died and where many other birds are in danger as well.
It is disheartening. But it is enlightening.
And, actually, Douglas makes us laugh--especially at human beings, who, he reminds us, are animals, too.
How are they doing, all these creatures, 12 years after this slender book was written?
Give this book to the animal lover in your life. It is a Hitchhiker's Guide to hope.
91 Don't miss this one!
I loved reading this book. It is a must-read for all who care about the environment, love travel-reading and think Douglas Adams is one of the funniest writers ever!
92 Solid, Serious Fun
This book touches on a very serious topic, basically, the extinction of several species of animals that adams is fortunate enough to get to see. As his title suggests, this might well be the last chance he (or anyone else) has to see some of these amazing creatures. However Adams does not loose his sense of humor and with the keen eye of a true observer of anything interesting, he manages to make the reader laugh out loud many times with some of his descriptions of places, people and even animals. His description of the echo-locating Chinese cyclists brought tears to my eyes.
This book is great, get it.
93 Last Chance to See
Last Chance to See Ballantine, 1990, 222 pp., $...
Douglas Adams ISBN 0-345-37198-4
Last Chance to See, by Douglas Adams, is a powerful and insightful look at the alarming number of endangered animals and the attempts being made to preserve them. Written by Douglas Adams, the hit writer of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series, Last Chance To See is a non-fiction book that appeals to the entire range of senses. Adams manages to intertwine humor into a glum topic, which sets this book apart from others, such as Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
In the book Adams travels around the world with a zoologist, Mark Carwardine, and relays the humorous and sad details of everything he sees. In one part he receives a letter from a government official in the Zairian airport. The letter, which is supposedly written to the citizens of the country asking them to help the visitors, is not even written in the most common language. Adams does a great job with his imagery and draws the reader into the beautiful areas that he sees these magnificent animals in.
Even though chapters of this book were written between 1985 and 1989, Adams is able to tie them together beautifully to create a story that never stops. Most people should enjoy this book because it has many faces. It is a comedy yet it still speaks about the animals and their habitat. The book is accompanied with interesting color photographs of the animals Adams treks around the world to see. I really enjoyed this book. As fan of the comedy series I believe that it follows in it foot steps. So whether you are
