I am kicking off 2024 with a rather hefty reading list. My shelf is full of new and unread books and my Amazon list may require another income to fund. So let's dive right in with my 2024 reading list!
The Lion’s Historian by Sandra Swart: Prof Swart of Stellenbosch University has woven a fascinating historical account in which the perspectives of animals are finally given due consideration. She asserts that history cannot be accurately and wholly understood from a human-centred approach and that animals have played a major role in shaping history. From the police dogs of the apartheid era, hunting wildlife as a colonial sport, identifying with insects and baboons, to the extinction of the quagga, Swart retells history in a way that is insightful, enlightening, and vital to rethinking how we perceive animals, animal cultures and our relationships with them. I cannot recommend this book enough for historians, social scientists, and natural scientists, but even more so for South Africans at large to see another side of our collective history and the intertwined nature of humans, animals, and politics. In Swart’s own words, this book provides a vital shift “in this time of apocalyptic biodiversity loss, (so) we can begin to see the other living creatures around us and understand the depth and length of our shared past.”
The Hidden Universe by Alexandre Antonelli: Antonelli provides a fascinating account of all the beautiful intricacies of biodiversity on our planet. This is by no means a book for scientists, but for anyone intrigued by the natural world and wanting to dive into the adventures of a scientist privileged enough to explore this world in depth. Antonelli's writing is engaging and deeply beautiful and readers can't help but fall in love with all aspects of the natural world - minute and grand.
Black Lion: Alive in the Wilderness by Sicelo Mbatha: Mbatha's writing explores a deep and intimate connection with the wilderness of South Africa's KwaZulu Natal region. Through his book, readers can expect to be taken on a personal journey of self-discovery and insight into the ways in which nature can heal and transform one's life. Despite witnessing a horrific crocodile attack as a child, Mbatha was nevertheless drawn to living a life closely connected to nature. Now as a trails guide, he shares his passion for the natural world with guests looking for the ultimate natural experience - one that immerses you in the wild and leaves you deeply transformed, emotionally and spiritually.
TACARE Local Voices Local Choices by The Jane Goodall Institute: Goodall is renowned as one of the world's leading authorities on chimpanzee conservation, but her work extends into extraordinary efforts to safeguard the livelihoods and wellbeing of communities living in and near the forests of Tanzania. Her community-based conservation efforts ensure that a truly grassroots approach to conservation is used to conserve species, habitats, and the vital natural resources that communities rely on. This holistic approach, known as TACARE, is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when the needs of people are taken into equal consideration with conservation of species and habitats.
Walking with Gorillas by Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka: This stunning autobiography tells an inspiring story of Uganda's first wildlife vet and her journey through childhood to achieving her dream of working with wild animals. Viewing gorillas in the wild has been a lifelong dream of mine, so reading Kalema-Zikusoka's book shortly after my own trip to Rwanda made me fall even more in love with the forests of central Africa and the conservation work undertaken by tireless conservationists such as herself. Despite the challenges and obstacles she had to tackle along the way, her book offers incredible insight into her personal journey and the outstanding achievements she has made in devising a conservation strategy that promotes the wellbeing and safety of people and gorillas, together.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: This beautifully written book by botanist Kimmerer weaves together the many ways in which scientific endeavours of the natural world can be enriched and heightened by the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge systems. Her writing demonstrates the deep connections First Nations hold with nature and offers important lessons about true sustainability and leading lives that consciously embrace the more-than-human world. By framing the natural world as life-giving gifts, she inspires a duty of care and love for life forms so often often looked, alongside a necessary consideration of how we can give back to the earth.
