In July, the P’lovers Book Club met to discuss “anything by David Suzuki” and three books were ultimately  discussed….The Big Picture; David Suzuki’s Green Guide; and David Suzuki – The Autobiography.

David Suzuki is somewhat of an inspirational hero in terms of bringing issues of the environment to the general public and so it was illuminating to sample some of his books. David Suzuki’s Green Guide ($19.95) provides useful and doable tips for greener choices – whether at home or traveling and whether about reducing waster or becoming an activist. One member of the P’lovers Book club said that this book could be the only book she would need to make sensible and doable changes for the planet.

The Big Picture ($24.95) is, as the title suggests,a book about looking beyond what is right in front of us and seeing the complete interconnectedness of everything. The Big Picture also examines the real forces in society that inhibit change. The book is recommended for seeing the connections between the environment and the economy.

David Suzuki – The Autobiography (22.95) is about Suzuki’s life, starting with the WWII deportation of his family to British Columbia because his family was Japanese in origin. Suzuki honestly and with candor describes his rise as a scientist and his lack of attention to his first marriage. We hear about his initial struggles with a radio show about science and also about the ultimate great success of his television show. The book ends with Suzuki’s hopes for the future.  Overall, the book is both informative and thoughtful.