NPR's Book of the Day New books ask how we can protect threatened land in the Amazon rainforest and Hawaii
Jul 11, 2025
Two powerful new books tackle the urgent need to protect vulnerable ecosystems in the Amazon and Hawaii. The tragic story of journalist Dom Phillips highlights the dangers faced by those documenting environmental issues, as his widow completes his unfinished manuscript. Meanwhile, Sara Kehaulani Goo shares her family's struggle to maintain ancestral land in Hawaii, exploring the deep connection between land, culture, and identity. Together, they underscore the importance of resilience and understanding in the face of environmental and cultural challenges.
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Dom's Bond with Amazon Indigenous
- Dom Phillips built deep connections with Indigenous people in the Amazon, who embraced him as family.
- His widow Alessandra continues this bond, receiving their protection and commitment in turn.
Completing Dom's Final Chapter
- Jonathan Watts solved the mystery of Dom's unclear notes by visiting places in the Amazon with people Dom knew.
- This pilgrimage allowed him to complete Dom's last chapter authentically, honoring his vision.
Hawaii's Land Crisis Roots
- Hawaii's land crisis is part of a long history of displacement caused by colonial and economic forces.
- The influx of wealthy buyers and tourism exacerbates housing shortages and food import dependency.
