If you are looking for a book that will almost literally take you to Madagascar, this is the one you need to pick up. From the very first page I found myself wanting to learn more. I took in each page as if I were standing on the beach somewhere, soaking everything up with my eyes. There were many times when I found myself fascinated by something described, not only because it was new and different, but because the writing was so good that even the simplest of things felt new and amazing. Often I discovered I was brought so deeply into the story that I had to go and relive it for myself and searched the internet for images, video or information on a certain topic.

This is exactly what a non-fiction book encouraging conservation should be like. The author has managed to find a perfect balance between education and discovery and shares that with anyone who devours his words. And devour is exactly what any reader interested about Madagascar will do. The Eighth Continent should come with a warning on the cover: "Do not pick up this book unless you intend to develop a sudden desperation to visit!" The words "I couldn't put it down" don't often come with informational books of this nature, but they fit perfectly with this one. ( )