Discussion on Monkeys Are Made of Chocolate starts here

[Laureen]

Our discussion of Monkeys Are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica starts here

[Chris]

Anybody started this yet?

[Laureen]

I have started, but stopped to read a pre-release book I had to review for a publisher. Hope to start back this weekend!

[Elizabeth]

Unfortunately its the only book so far that I couldn't get through my public library so I ordered from a bookstore. Its waiting for me. I need to ride my bike over there to get it. Its early here so just going to check what time the bookstore opens. Looking forward to reading it.

[Elizabeth]

Finally. I just picked it up. Great photographs!

[Laureen]

I just finished. I agree great photos- makes me want to buy a plane ticket there right away. Unfortunately, that's not in my budget this year.

I found some stories repeating and some sounding a little bit like a sales pitch for Hacienda Baru, but there were others that were fascinating. I was especially fascinated hearing about the sloths and the ants. The ant "chapter" was really amazing to me. I will be interested to see what sections you find interesting, Elizabeth.

[Chris]

Really enjoyed it, despite the over-the-top "you-are-all-bad-people, you-should-be-naturists-like-me-or-you'll-destroy-our-whole-planet" vibes.

Despite the 'holier-than-though' attitude, I think reading something like this does change your perspective. Or, in my case, reminding me that I already hold that perspective about nature - but just completely fail to apply it for a lot of the time.

[Chris]

And I agree, Laureen, I enjoyed the ant chapter the most. I think it sums up the whole idea from the author that we might be really clevel animals, but we havent got a clue when it comes to the bigger picture.

I kinda like the idea that we, as a race, are failing really badly and all of the other animals know it. Maybe that's just me being weird though :)

[Phylwil]

Despite being described as a "natural story-teller," I don't think Jack Ewing is a particularly good writer. His subject matter more than makes up for it, with fascinating observations and philosophical points to make about the natural world and human use of it. He wisely borrows from other writers to make points regarding conservation, but uses his own straight forward style for his eyewitness accounts. I surely want to visit Hacienda Baru!