LOST SOMETHING?

No. reviewers 38K+
Rating 4.5 - 4.8
90%+ rated 4 or 5 stars

A Life On Our Planet is both a memoir and a call to action, written by one of the world’s most respected naturalists, Sir David Attenborough. The book reflects on Attenborough’s extraordinary career and his eyewitness account of the dramatic changes he has witnessed in the natural world over his lifetime. Drawing on his vast knowledge and experiences, he outlines the alarming impact of human activity on biodiversity and ecosystems, urging readers to recognise the urgency of climate change and environmental destruction.

Through the book, Attenborough provides a stark, yet hopeful, message about the potential for recovery if collective action is taken. The book emphasises the importance of conservation and sustainability, using Attenborough’s personal reflections to drive home the need for change.

What reviewers loved

Compelling and Urgent Message: Readers were moved by the urgency of Attenborough’s message about the planet’s decline. Many described the book as an eye-opening call to action, urging individuals and governments alike to take responsibility for the environmental crises.

Personal Reflections from a Trusted Voice: Attenborough’s long and celebrated career in wildlife documentary-making gave his reflections added weight and credibility. Reviewers appreciated the personal nature of the book, as it combines his rich experiences with his reflections on the devastating environmental changes he has witnessed.

Accessible Writing: Despite tackling complex environmental issues, Attenborough’s writing is clear, engaging, and accessible to a wide audience. Many readers found the book approachable, even for those who might not be well-versed in environmental science.

Stunning Imagery and Storytelling: Attenborough’s storytelling abilities shone through, with readers appreciating his vivid depictions of the natural world. The book is full of powerful anecdotes from his documentaries, which capture the beauty and fragility of life on Earth.

Hopeful and Inspirational: While the book details many dire environmental challenges, it also conveys hope for the future. Many reviewers appreciated the optimism Attenborough injects, emphasising that positive change is still possible if collective action is taken.

Powerful Visuals: The book’s design and accompanying photographs were praised for enhancing the message. Readers enjoyed how the images brought the narrative to life and made the environmental issues discussed feel more tangible.

Thorough Examination of Global Impact: Reviewers appreciated how Attenborough highlighted the global nature of environmental degradation, addressing issues like deforestation, pollution, and climate change in a manner that made the problems feel universally relevant.
 
Overly Bleak at Times: A few readers felt that the book was too grim, especially for those already concerned about the environment. While they understood the urgency, some felt that the tone could be overwhelming.

Lack of Detailed Solutions: Some reviewers noted that while Attenborough highlights the problems, the book did not provide enough actionable solutions or in-depth suggestions for how individuals could contribute to reversing environmental damage. A few wished for more practical advice on how to make a difference.

Limited New Information for Environmental Enthusiasts: While many found the book compelling, some readers felt that much of the information presented was familiar, especially to those who are already engaged with environmental issues. They felt that the book didn’t offer much new insight for those who have been following climate change discussions for years.