In his eyes, I see our shadows

2. Bonobo Handshake by Vanessa Woods

This is a fascinating look into the lives of an ignored ape species that is just as closely related to humans as are chimpanzees. But where chimps are patriarchal, can be war-like and cannibalistic, and use sex as a weapon or punishment, bonobos are matriarchal, are peaceful and gentle, and use sex to reassure the frightened or to cement friendships. Woods also discusses the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (bonobos' only home in the wild) and makes striking comparisons of behavior between the apes and ourselves. While the title of this post is a statement made literally by the author, I also saw our figurative selves in the bonobos' eyes -- a side of ourselves that we need to express more often.

This book is at once hilarious and heartbreaking. It is a must-read.