A Wild Idea: Earth Optimism Book of the Month

We’re kicking off the Earth Optimism Book of the Month series! Each month we will read a book that inspires a feeling of hope for our planet and welcome you to join us. Think of it as a virtual book club – at the beginning of each month, we’ll share a new title and why we chose it. Over the following weeks, we will post check-ins on social media (starting January 12th for this month's book) to see who is reading along and hopefully spark some thoughtful conversations. We will intentionally choose books released at least a few months but maybe even many years ago as we want you to be able to access the titles by visiting your library, finding a used copy, or borrowing it from a friend. If you’re a hardened bibliophile and prefer to purchase new to add to your personal library, be sure to support your local bookstore!

January’s book pick is A Wild Idea by Jonathan Franklin. It tells the story of Doug Tompkins, the founder of The North Face and Espirit, and his journey from a business tycoon to a forward-thinking conservationist. What better way to kick off the new year than with a reminder that transformation is possible? Throughout the book, we will learn about his passion for South American landscapes and rewilding diminished habitats along with his beloved wife, Kris Tompkins, former CEO of the planet-conscious Patagonia brand and a passionate conservationist herself. 

Although we might not have the start-up capital for a massive conservation undertaking like Doug, what can we borrow from his story and the personal changes he made to become a positive force for our planet? We look forward to hearing your ideas and how this story inspires you! 

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. 

Want to suggest a future book pick? We'd love to hear it! Email us at [email protected]. 

Cat Kutz | READ MORE

Cat Kutz is the former communications director for Earth Optimism.