Shadows in the Sun by Wade Davis (BOOK REVIEW) 4/5

Assigned to me as a college textbook for an Anthropology class, I did not initially realize how much I would enjoy this novel. “Shadows in the Sun” is the insightful life-long knowledge of not only the Anthropologist writing it, but the many other Anthropologists and stories he has come across in his life. A wealth of knowledge about all sorts of topics ranging from Eco-Political movements to hallucinogenic properties, I found the most interesting parts of this novel to be those personal experiences. Treks and hikes that Mr. Davis personally joined, expeditions along frosty tundra, outings deep into forests to speak to tribes. Real people with real experiences.

I did rate the novel down a bit for dragging on in its information, particularly towards the end. But the best thing about reading “Shadows in the Sun” is the message it holds. The changes in our world, and what we are doing (or not doing) to save it. The loss of cultures, the loss of whole ecosystems. It drives home how much change is coming, how whole traditions have begun to fade. It is a book that causes you to take count of your own actions in the world. It has caused me to think about travel not just to tourist capitals, but to lesser known parts of the world. Sometimes, the most beautiful places are off the beaten track. I have a great respect for this book, and am extremely glad it was assigned to me, as I may not have read it otherwise.