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David Suzuki: The Autobiography
The first volume of David Suzuki’s autobiography, Metamorphosis, looked back at his life from 1986, when he was 50. In this eagerly awaited second installment, Suzuki, now 70, reflects on his entire life — and on his hopes for the future. The book begins with his life-changing encounters with racism while interned in a Canadian concentration camp during World War II and continues through his troubled teenage years and later successes as a scientist and host of PBS's The Nature of Things. With characteristic candor and passion, he describes his growing consciousness of the natural world and humankind’s precarious place in it; his travels throughout the world and his meetings with international leaders, from Nelson Mandela to the Dalai Lama; and the abiding role of nature and family in his life. David Suzuki is an intimate and inspiring look at one of the most uncompromising people on the planet.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 2005
28 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
David Suzuki
116 books251 followersDavid Suzuki is a Canadian science broadcaster and environmental activist. A long time activist to reverse global climate change, Suzuki co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation in 1990, to work "to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us." The Foundation's priorities are: oceans and sustainable fishing, climate change and clean energy, sustainability, and David Suzuki's Nature Challenge. He also served as a director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association from 1982-1987.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 17, 2019
I met David Suzuki, the environmentalist, at a lecture and meet and greet in Seattle nearly fifteen years ago.
He is an amazing speaker and he has a unique story predating his role as Canada’s most recognizable advocate for the environment. Specifically his Japanese Canadian family was interned in rural BC during WWII and the government sold the family business and after the war relocated them away from the west coast. He was a recognized figure for many decades on the CBC.
3.5 stars. Suzuki’s story is quite interesting and more like 4 stars but there is not the same level of historical context and polish one might see with an acclaimed biographer.
He is an amazing speaker and he has a unique story predating his role as Canada’s most recognizable advocate for the environment. Specifically his Japanese Canadian family was interned in rural BC during WWII and the government sold the family business and after the war relocated them away from the west coast. He was a recognized figure for many decades on the CBC.
3.5 stars. Suzuki’s story is quite interesting and more like 4 stars but there is not the same level of historical context and polish one might see with an acclaimed biographer.
February 19, 2014
I always wondering who David Suzuki is and what he did to put him in the list to compete for the Greatest Canadian. Now, I find the answer from the book.
First of all, he is a humble man. The book tells a lot of his stories. Seems he just in them naturally and he gives all credit to other peoples. He mentioned very lightly about dangers he went through and I'm sure they're much more scary than it sounds in the reality. Standing between angry indigenous people and ruthless soldiers, that's horrible. It is even worse when your family is standing beside you.
In the book, he regretted that he didn't spend enough time with his family. But I think he's a family man in deed. He just has too much things needed to be taken care of. His father is always mentioned in the book, who has the biggest impact to him. His 2nd wife, Tara, is simply all over the book. (Of course, not before his 2nd marriage.) Actually, I feel Tara is even more amazing than Suzuki. She not only has a success career but also help a lot for Suzuki on both personal and public life.
As a minority, he certainly can complain a lot for unfairness but he didn't. His opening mind only treats himself as a human being focusing on environment issues.
After the book, I still cannot tell the biggest event in his life. It's understandable. He's a environmental activist. It's not like a architect who would be easily remembered by some great building. In the contrary, his task is to prevent some big building to be built. I would say his biggest achievement is to create David Suzuki Foundation. He certainly brings many people's awareness for the environment issue. And the effect is enlarged by the foundation.
At the end, I want to add that the book is not like a typical autobiography, which mainly focuses on the author itself. This one touches activities in his life and most description is given to other people in the event. Suzuki is like a string linking all pearls together.
First of all, he is a humble man. The book tells a lot of his stories. Seems he just in them naturally and he gives all credit to other peoples. He mentioned very lightly about dangers he went through and I'm sure they're much more scary than it sounds in the reality. Standing between angry indigenous people and ruthless soldiers, that's horrible. It is even worse when your family is standing beside you.
In the book, he regretted that he didn't spend enough time with his family. But I think he's a family man in deed. He just has too much things needed to be taken care of. His father is always mentioned in the book, who has the biggest impact to him. His 2nd wife, Tara, is simply all over the book. (Of course, not before his 2nd marriage.) Actually, I feel Tara is even more amazing than Suzuki. She not only has a success career but also help a lot for Suzuki on both personal and public life.
As a minority, he certainly can complain a lot for unfairness but he didn't. His opening mind only treats himself as a human being focusing on environment issues.
After the book, I still cannot tell the biggest event in his life. It's understandable. He's a environmental activist. It's not like a architect who would be easily remembered by some great building. In the contrary, his task is to prevent some big building to be built. I would say his biggest achievement is to create David Suzuki Foundation. He certainly brings many people's awareness for the environment issue. And the effect is enlarged by the foundation.
At the end, I want to add that the book is not like a typical autobiography, which mainly focuses on the author itself. This one touches activities in his life and most description is given to other people in the event. Suzuki is like a string linking all pearls together.
January 29, 2012
I have always wanted to read this book to find out how he got to where he was career wise and personally. This book is a bit different probably from other autobiographies as it is more so half a text book half about his life. Now other people probably dislike this but it all goes on what you were expecting. I think that as sharing knowledge and educating people has been such a big part of his entire life that it was just natural for it to be included in his book. I personally liked it as it is just who he is and why not-why not learn a few things a long the way. His life is absolutely fascinating and quite honest in parts which is refreashing. Like all humans he has made some mistakes in life and it is nice to see him reflect on this. He has been travelling all over the world and been lucky to be able to be a part of some amazing cultures. This book is a great insight in how he has got these opportunities to go to certain events and places and why he made certains decisions he did. I recommend this read too anyone who is looking to find out more about David or for people who think they know who David Suzuki is. Plus you might learn a thing or two along the way!
August 29, 2008
David Suzuki is an ugly writer. Phew, that stinks!
His life is interesting, but his insights are not particularly fascinating to me: Breaking News - Indigineous people possess wisdom and are connected to the land! The fight for the rights of indigineous people is connected with the fight for the environment!
I'm about a third of the way through and trying to decide whether I can tolerate another two hundred pages of this ugly prose.
His life is interesting, but his insights are not particularly fascinating to me: Breaking News - Indigineous people possess wisdom and are connected to the land! The fight for the rights of indigineous people is connected with the fight for the environment!
I'm about a third of the way through and trying to decide whether I can tolerate another two hundred pages of this ugly prose.
September 5, 2019
Great Guy. Great book. You should definitely read it.
May 16, 2019
David Suzuki: The Autobiography is an autobiography written by David Suzuki. This memoir chronicles his early life and follows the twists and turns as he slowly and surely becomes a preeminent environmentalist that is internationally known and trusted.
David Takayoshi Suzuki is a Canadian academic, science broadcaster and environmental activist. Suzuki earned a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Chicago in 1961, and was a professor in the genetics department at the University of British Columbia from 1963 until his retirement in 2001.
Since the mid-1970s, Suzuki has been known for his television and radio series, documentaries and books about nature and the environment. He is best known as host of the popular and long-running CBC Television science program The Nature of Things, seen in over 40 countries. He is also well known for criticizing governments for their lack of action to protect the environment.
Suzuki starts by examining his childhood, focusing on the racism he experienced as a youth and the mistreatment of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War. The biography moves, roughly chronologically, through his early careers as a scientist, radio and television host, foundation director, and finally the celebrity-scientist.
Suzuki focused many of the later chapters on is relationship with Australia, his experiences in Brazil and Papua New Guinea, his relationship with the Indigenous of Canada, the founding of the foundation named after him, and his thoughts on climate change, celebrity status, technology, and death.
David Suzuki: The Autobiography is a wonderfully written autobiography. His tone is relaxed and understated which has a slight analytical quality and balances it out with his humble, dry humor, and surprising statements.
The book begins as a chronological narrative of Suzuki's life with photographs of his family and friends. The first five chapters cover the first fifty years of his life and later chapters has a memoir style with personal thoughts and developed around themes.
All in all, David Suzuki: The Autobiography is a wonderful autobiography that gives us a wonderful insight on such an important environmentalist – David Suzuki.
David Takayoshi Suzuki is a Canadian academic, science broadcaster and environmental activist. Suzuki earned a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Chicago in 1961, and was a professor in the genetics department at the University of British Columbia from 1963 until his retirement in 2001.
Since the mid-1970s, Suzuki has been known for his television and radio series, documentaries and books about nature and the environment. He is best known as host of the popular and long-running CBC Television science program The Nature of Things, seen in over 40 countries. He is also well known for criticizing governments for their lack of action to protect the environment.
Suzuki starts by examining his childhood, focusing on the racism he experienced as a youth and the mistreatment of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War. The biography moves, roughly chronologically, through his early careers as a scientist, radio and television host, foundation director, and finally the celebrity-scientist.
Suzuki focused many of the later chapters on is relationship with Australia, his experiences in Brazil and Papua New Guinea, his relationship with the Indigenous of Canada, the founding of the foundation named after him, and his thoughts on climate change, celebrity status, technology, and death.
David Suzuki: The Autobiography is a wonderfully written autobiography. His tone is relaxed and understated which has a slight analytical quality and balances it out with his humble, dry humor, and surprising statements.
The book begins as a chronological narrative of Suzuki's life with photographs of his family and friends. The first five chapters cover the first fifty years of his life and later chapters has a memoir style with personal thoughts and developed around themes.
All in all, David Suzuki: The Autobiography is a wonderful autobiography that gives us a wonderful insight on such an important environmentalist – David Suzuki.
January 16, 2018
this book was interesting, but i most enjoyed the first 1/4 if it when learning about suzuki's own upbringing and the origins of his values and passions - which he then passed on to (at least the second round of) his children. his parents, like many other first or second generation asian canadians, drove home the importance of education for their children; not for status, but to escape the extreme poverty they had been plagued with. BC is not usually associated with extreme racism in the way the province is described, but his personal experiences and stories from his father paint a different picture. though things have improved at least for many japanese canadians, i know we still have a long way to go.
it was cool to hear about his early career beginnings - from academia to the cbc. i liked hearing about the stein valley festivals - how gordon lightfoot was such a humble contributor, and though she added immense value, how buffy st. marie was such a diva.
i found some of the later stories in brazil, png and australua to drag on, but i suppose there was lots for him to learn and fight against to maintain the integrity of the indigenous people and their land. I'm sure that describing the experiences in words didn't do it justice. i really liked the part where they went to haida gwaii (where ive wanted to visit for so long). an elder there spoke of how white people go to church, but the valley and the trees and ocean and rocks and animals are his sacred space, where he finds peace. a space he hopes to pass onto his children - which is one of the many reasons why we must all fight to maintain sustainability. i too share this version of spirituality, and hope to one day see and show my children these beautiful spaces which are so at risk of destruction. little sustainable practices may not feel like much, but over time and collectively, i believe we can achieve some preservation.
it was cool to hear about his early career beginnings - from academia to the cbc. i liked hearing about the stein valley festivals - how gordon lightfoot was such a humble contributor, and though she added immense value, how buffy st. marie was such a diva.
i found some of the later stories in brazil, png and australua to drag on, but i suppose there was lots for him to learn and fight against to maintain the integrity of the indigenous people and their land. I'm sure that describing the experiences in words didn't do it justice. i really liked the part where they went to haida gwaii (where ive wanted to visit for so long). an elder there spoke of how white people go to church, but the valley and the trees and ocean and rocks and animals are his sacred space, where he finds peace. a space he hopes to pass onto his children - which is one of the many reasons why we must all fight to maintain sustainability. i too share this version of spirituality, and hope to one day see and show my children these beautiful spaces which are so at risk of destruction. little sustainable practices may not feel like much, but over time and collectively, i believe we can achieve some preservation.
October 3, 2018
This book was well-written: his voice was clear and strong. I'd heard the name many times but didn't know much about the man himself. It's almost odd how much we consider him to be a "great environmental scientist" when really he's just been the spokesperson for much of it. I wish he'd gone into GMOs a bit more because I got the sense he's against them, but not really why.
The beginning of the book talks about what it was like to be Japanese-Canadian during the Second World War, a part of Canada's history that we seem to try to forget. He has had some amazing opportunities in his later life, and I think he's done a good job at jumping on them. I just think that perhaps he's given a bit too much credit, although it also sounded like he thinks so too. He certainly remained quite humble throughout the book, but not too humble.
The one thing that made me cringe was the way he referred to the various Aboriginal Peoples he's met - there was something on it that felt wrong (besides him calling them "Indians"). That's one reason why I give this book three stars.
If you're interested learning about in his life, by all means read the book. He's an interesting life, I just don't know if there are any "take aways" besides "some people are in the right place at the right time with the right upbringing to make the right choices". It wasn't quite worth the time, so I don't particularly recommend it.
The beginning of the book talks about what it was like to be Japanese-Canadian during the Second World War, a part of Canada's history that we seem to try to forget. He has had some amazing opportunities in his later life, and I think he's done a good job at jumping on them. I just think that perhaps he's given a bit too much credit, although it also sounded like he thinks so too. He certainly remained quite humble throughout the book, but not too humble.
The one thing that made me cringe was the way he referred to the various Aboriginal Peoples he's met - there was something on it that felt wrong (besides him calling them "Indians"). That's one reason why I give this book three stars.
If you're interested learning about in his life, by all means read the book. He's an interesting life, I just don't know if there are any "take aways" besides "some people are in the right place at the right time with the right upbringing to make the right choices". It wasn't quite worth the time, so I don't particularly recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
4.5 stars
David Suzuki's memoir not only details his early life and research, but also delves into many important and interesting causes he has taken over the years; from forest management to the Kyoto protocol, this book is a must read for Canadians interested in environmental causes. Though Suzuki himself can come off as a polarizing character; his last chapter just goes to illustrate how a humble person he really is.
I bought this book when it came out...I still have the 36$ price tag on it! This was back before Amazon book discounts, and I wanted to have it signed when he came on his speaking tour. He was invited to speak at Mount Allison University in 2006 during the summer, when there are in fact not many students around. I was there though! And whoever booked his tour at MTA definitely underestimated how popular he would be, as the lecture hall was packed to the brim, and they had to video in his speech in other halls. Suzuki definitely is one of a kind, and from his humble beginnings at a Japanese internment camp to superstar environmentalist, his message for the last 30 years is clear and important; we're all going to become booked frogs soon because environmental damage is steadily progressing.
David Suzuki's memoir not only details his early life and research, but also delves into many important and interesting causes he has taken over the years; from forest management to the Kyoto protocol, this book is a must read for Canadians interested in environmental causes. Though Suzuki himself can come off as a polarizing character; his last chapter just goes to illustrate how a humble person he really is.
I bought this book when it came out...I still have the 36$ price tag on it! This was back before Amazon book discounts, and I wanted to have it signed when he came on his speaking tour. He was invited to speak at Mount Allison University in 2006 during the summer, when there are in fact not many students around. I was there though! And whoever booked his tour at MTA definitely underestimated how popular he would be, as the lecture hall was packed to the brim, and they had to video in his speech in other halls. Suzuki definitely is one of a kind, and from his humble beginnings at a Japanese internment camp to superstar environmentalist, his message for the last 30 years is clear and important; we're all going to become booked frogs soon because environmental damage is steadily progressing.
June 3, 2012
This was a really great book! David Suzuki is such an inspiration and reading about his life taught me a lot about the environment and made me think about how I approach trying to do work around climate change. The last few chapter (minus the one on celebrity - where he just goes on and on about how he doesn't care if he's a celebrity, but yet tells us about all the celebrities he has met) were really the highlight.
I do have to say that Suzuki could have used a better editor. His prose are really choppy. I also prefer autobiographies that present a persons life as a story - from beginning to end. Most people don't remember life like this, which is why I guess that Suzuki doesn't write about his life like that. Finally, I would have liked to learn more about his personal life, although he does make it quite clear that he gave up a lot of his personal life in order to really excel at his professional endeavors.
I do have to say that Suzuki could have used a better editor. His prose are really choppy. I also prefer autobiographies that present a persons life as a story - from beginning to end. Most people don't remember life like this, which is why I guess that Suzuki doesn't write about his life like that. Finally, I would have liked to learn more about his personal life, although he does make it quite clear that he gave up a lot of his personal life in order to really excel at his professional endeavors.
September 9, 2011
This autobiography reads so well, just like you are sitting visiting and David Suzuki is telling you his stories. He tells of his story from young childhood including his family's immigration to Canada, his education and career with fun and moving moments of his family life and the many human and environmental issues he has tackled.
Quote: "If we were to reduce the planet to the size of a basket-ball, the atmosphere would be thinner than a layer of plastic we use to wrap sandwiches. And that is what we pour our effluents into every time we drive a car and every time our factories send pollutants through their smokestacks." This really gave me the visual I needed to imagine just how small and fragile our atmosphere is.
Quote: "If we were to reduce the planet to the size of a basket-ball, the atmosphere would be thinner than a layer of plastic we use to wrap sandwiches. And that is what we pour our effluents into every time we drive a car and every time our factories send pollutants through their smokestacks." This really gave me the visual I needed to imagine just how small and fragile our atmosphere is.
January 2, 2012
I found this to be a very interesting book. David Suzuki is in his 70's now and has had a very interesting and varied life. His childhood was interrupted by WW2 and the horrendous experience of being forced into an internment camp. But he managed to get to college and graduate school and begin on the career he had chosen. But life has a way of taking you to where you are supposed to be and he more and more became involved in environmental issues all over the world. This often interfered with family life, and he regrets that to this day. A complete and detailed story of a very unusual and interesting life.
October 26, 2013
If you think your life is hard then you should read what David Suzuki and his family went through!
Eye opening, dramatic,shocking and surreal the struggles of people just trying to survive and fit in. Reminds the reader of their own life's events. Sometimes no matter what you meant to do or set out to accomplish life happens along the way and throws you curve balls you navigate like sailing a ship on rough seas as best you can. Truly a inspirational read.
Eye opening, dramatic,shocking and surreal the struggles of people just trying to survive and fit in. Reminds the reader of their own life's events. Sometimes no matter what you meant to do or set out to accomplish life happens along the way and throws you curve balls you navigate like sailing a ship on rough seas as best you can. Truly a inspirational read.
December 31, 2018
Interesting book which made me quite sad to see how far we haven’t come with big business, government and the environment. Obviously Dr Suzuki has done a great deal to assist many but he appeared rather egotistical or maybe that was just my take on it. A difficult childhood may have caused this however it drove him to do what he did so guess it is irrelevant in the end. Worth reading to see what we are doing to our planet and ourselves.
March 13, 2015
I have been following David Suzuki's career since the 1992 Earth Summit. Via my training organization, Eureka Academy, I have been providing Leadership and Sustainable Development Training across the globe for about 20 years. David's works along with Rachel Carlson, Al Gore, David Attenborough... to name but a few have been the milestones of my passion towards working for a Sustainable Planet.
January 16, 2008
I learned a lot about this great Japanese-Canadian envionmentalist that I had no idea about before, especially his relationship with the First Nation and his work in South America. I found it a little rambling: could have been more tightly edited.
April 30, 2011
Here's a man who's had an amazing life and done so much, yet regrets he hasnt spent time with his children. No - he's done something better, and more important, than that. He's helping to make sure they have a world to inherit. And at least one of his kids has inherited his passion.
May 16, 2011
Although he did many great things, the book was not great. The way it was written made his exciting life seem like a textbook. Maybe I should just stay away from autobiographies. Others may like it but it was definitely not for me.
September 30, 2013
Got quite slow in the middle but finished well. Particularly enjoyed his "thoughts on growing old". A fascinating character, who has lived his life in keeping with his ideals. History will treat him well.
March 28, 2016
10/10. I feel like I have known David Suzuki my whole life! I read this and heard his voice the whole time. and it coincided with his 80th birthday so to hear the stories on The Nature of Things as well as this book was cool.
July 12, 2017
Anywhere David talks about his own life and experiences was interesting, but anywhere he warns about everything from climate change to solution to war is frustrating to read, because as he states, he doesn't give solutions. This made the book very anxiety-ridden to me.
March 21, 2009
David Suzuki is an important voice long preceding what is not called the green movement. His life is fascinating. I'm looking forward to his new book "The Big Picture."
March 22, 2009
I liked this book, I also enjoyed his presentation of life when he spoke in Bellingham.
May 6, 2011
Honest and interesting.....
July 29, 2011
It's amazing what celebrity allows an individual to accomplish.
April 19, 2012
Not much to add on to what has probably already been said about the man and the book. Simply, a fascinating life account of an utterly fascinating man.
June 27, 2015
Amazing what this man does!
Want to read
August 2, 2013epub version
July 8, 2014
Full of interesting information about Suzuki. Not the most inspired writing but palatable and easy to get through
January 31, 2015
I really enjoyed this book.His insight into human nature is amazing. His humility and humanity truly inspiring.Well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews