A fascinating exploration into the world of turtles across the globe; Laufer charts the lore, love, and peril to a beloved species.
Dreaming in Turtle is a compelling story of a stalwart animal prized from prehistory through to today-an animal threatened by human greed, pragmatism, and rationalization. It stars turtles and shady and heroic human characters both, in settings ranging from luxury redoubts to degraded habitats, during a time when the confluence of easy global trade, limited supply, and inexhaustible demand has accelerated the stress on species. The growth of the middle class in high-population regions like China, where the turtle is particularly valued, feeds this perfect storm into which the turtle finds itself lashed. This is a tale not just of endangered turtles but also one of overall human failings, frailties, and vulnerabilities- all punctuated by optimistic hope for change fueled by dedicated turtle champions.
"An engrossing, well-researched celebration and study of turtles and tortoises. [A] love letter to the species that will appeal to those fascinated by turtles and who care about the conservation of endangered animals."
Library Journal
"Enlightening...Laufer's passion for his subject translates into an unexpectedly thought-provoking cri de coeur."
Publishers Weekly
"Laufer, who calls turtles 'the canaries in the coalmine called Earth where we all live,' views the process of saving them as being 'of existential importance to us all, and his book is a clear call for action...his love of [turtles] and the lore he includes makes this a highly readable book."
