Close Calls and Foolhardy Romances: The Maturation of an Environmentalist

Bruce Calhoun's book chronicles the genisis of an environmental movement in a unique manner by allowing the reader a chance to look at his personal life along side his professional. Few books allow a glimpse into both worlds. Close Calls and Foolhardy Romances : The Maturation of an Environmentalist is a great read for anyone interested in rainforests and what can be done to preserve them. Mr. Calhoun relies on his personal experience to explain the perils rainforests are in. He has spent years working with large environmental groups in various countries and bringing that information and action plans to the educators in the United States. Read what he has to say, you'll be glad you did.

Close Calls and Foolhardy Romances: The Maturation of an Environmentalist -- a somewhat complex title for a somewhat complex story. Although this book is, basically, an autobiography (and an interesting one at that), it also contains an important message. The world's rainforests are still in trouble, despite the fact that they are no longer the most "fashionable" cause of either the public or the media. I thoroughly enjoyed both the story of Bruce Calhoun's life and the hard scientific data which he slips, painlessly, into the reading. The author is not the least bit afraid to share his own past foolishness (one outstanding example: his first experience at getting drunk and his first attempt to drive a dogsled occured simultaneously). Neither is he reluctant to call attention to both the many good things his organization (Save the Rainforest, Inc.)has accomplished, and the large amount of work that remains to be done. I recommend this book as both a fine example of natural history writing and a very entertaining reminiscence.