I really found this book to be a worthwhile read. I love turtles! I’ve been lucky enough to swim with turtles in the wild as well as see turtles laying their eggs. On my bucket list is to see the little turtles come out from the nest and off into the water. I think turtles are beautiful and fascinating. They look so wise as you look into their eyes. The book shows us some of the good and bad in the turtles plight in the world. Sadly there are many people around the world who like turtles and tortoises for other purposes. Some people believe turtles have medicinal uses, some people enjoy eating them, and some people find various uses for their shells. Some of this may have merit but we have to be careful with these beautiful creatures so that generations after us can learn about them and love them. After the author becomes a temporary caretaker for Fred, a turtle, he learns the importance of slowing down. Overall a very well written book. If you have any interest in turtles and their place on the earth be sure to check this out. Please note there are some disturbing elements so be aware of that.

This book was not what I thought it was going to be but I certainly learned a lot while reading it. A turtle person myself, I was dismayed to learn about the dark underbelly of the turtle trade. I knew there was a general black market for a lot of wildlife but didn't realize how much it extended for turtles.

I felt the author did a great job with Dreaming in Turtle. I already know about many horrible things done to our wildlife in this world, being a wildlife activist myself, but this book gives even more behind the scenes with those horrible people.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I love turtlesand find them fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, I am also fully aware of our history of exploitation of turtles for decoration, medicinal purposes, as an exotic food source or just for exhibition. The author does a wonderful job of chronicling the history of these beautiful creatures and our duty to preserve them and their habitats. from threats, both man-made and natural. We also get to see Laufer becomes a caretaker for Fred, a turtle he is given through the Turtle Conservancy. He ships him via Ship Your Reptiles to his home and is given basic care instructions for Fred. Through his time with Fred, he learns the importance of slowing down and living life in the moment. Overall a very well written book if you have any interest in turtles and their history, be sure to read this one.