Books matching: connection to nature
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Road Home is a generational saga that follows the Northridge family of Nebraska over three generations, exploring themes of stoic loss, intermittent happiness, and a profound connection to the natural world. The book delves into the lives of various family members, including the tough old patriarch John Northridge, his son Paul, granddaughter Dalva, and great-grandson Nelse, each narrating their experiences and relationships through journals. Set against the backdrop of the Great Plains, the characters navigate their complex family dynamics, personal struggles, and deep-rooted love for nature, horses, dogs, and birds. The writing style, characterized by raw beauty and devastating honesty, provides a vivid sense of place and a compelling exploration of themes such as cultural tensions, art, poetry, and the purpose of existence.
It is easy to forget that in the main we die only seven times more slowly than our dogs. The simplicity of this law of proportion came to me early in life, growing up as I did so remotely that dogs we...
(Also, see 36 recommendations for the series Dalva ) - #2
Save:'The Red Garden' by Alice Hoffman is a collection of interconnected short stories set in the fictional town of Blackwell, Massachusetts, spanning several hundred years. The stories revolve around the town's founding in the 18th century and continue until the late 20th century. Characters are deeply connected to the town yet also experience a sense of disconnection, all while being influenced by the magical elements of their surroundings such as bears, eels, and the mysterious red garden. The book weaves together tales of love, loss, and family ties, creating a mystical and enchanting portrait of Blackwell and its inhabitants.
THE TOWN OF BLACKWELL, MASSACHUSETTS, changed its name in 1786. It had been called Bearsville when it was founded in 1750, but it quickly became apparent that a name such as that did little to encoura... 'Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country' by Pam Houston is a memoir that delves into the author's life, her struggles, and her deep connection to nature. Houston shares her journey from a difficult childhood to finding solace in her 120-acre ranch in the Colorado mountains. The book beautifully weaves together personal experiences, reflections on the environment, and the challenges of running a ranch, all while emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural world amidst climate breakdown.
'The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays' by Wendell Berry is a collection of powerful essays that span over two decades, offering insights into Berry's thoughts on various topics such as agriculture, economy, community, and sustainability. The book serves as an introduction to Berry's writings, showcasing his eloquent and prophetic style of writing that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with the earth, the community, and themselves. Through his essays, Berry advocates for a return to local economies, sustainable agriculture, and a more ethical treatment of the environment, urging readers to reconsider their roles in the modern world.
- #5
Save:'Specimen Days' by Michael Cunningham is a novel that consists of three intertwining stories set in the past, present, and future, all revolving around the themes of identity and longing. The book is a meditation on humanity, with Walt Whitman's presence haunting the pages and reminding readers of the interconnectedness of all people. The stories are anchored around recurring characters and objects, such as a beautiful glowing bowl and references to Colorado, while exploring different relationships and time periods, all set in New York City.
The book delves into different genres within its three novellas, from historical fiction to science fiction, all linked by the recurring characters and the influence of Walt Whitman's poetry. Despite some opinions criticizing the execution, the book is praised for its unique structure, thought-provoking themes, and the way Cunningham weaves together the stories and characters across time periods.
Walt said that the dead turned into grass, but there was no grass where they’d buried Simon. He was with the other Irish on the far side of the river, where it was only dirt and gravel and names on st... - #6
Save:"The Old Ways" by Robert Macfarlane is a travel book that goes beyond mere descriptions of journeys, delving into humanity's impact on the natural world, literary reflections, and explorations of art, time, and change. Macfarlane beautifully weaves together experiences and information from his walks in various countries, presenting a narrative that entwines seemingly disparate themes into a cohesive and compelling story. The book takes readers on a journey through ancient paths and routes in the UK, Spain, the Himalayas, and the West Bank, offering vivid descriptions of nature, historical insights, and reflections on the roads people walk or sail through nature.
All things are engaged in writing their history…Not a foot steps into the snow, or along the ground, but prints in characters more or less lasting, a map of its march. The ground is all memoranda and ... - #7
Save:Mary Oliver's 'New and Selected Poems' is a collection of poetry that beautifully captures the essence of nature, offering readers a deeper connection with the world around them. Through vivid imagery and poignant verses, Oliver explores the beauty and significance found in everyday moments and the natural world. Her writing style, characterized by its simplicity and depth, invites readers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the wonders of nature that often go unnoticed.
- #8
Save:'The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-Than-Human World' by David Abram delves into the intricate relationship between human cognition and the natural environment, drawing from various sources such as philosophy, shamanism, and the author's personal experiences. Abram explores the impact of language, particularly phonetically written language, on how we perceive and abstract the world around us. discusses the evolution of written language and its effects on human perception, emphasizing the importance of reuniting with the natural world and rekindling a sense of wonder and enchantment.
Abram combines science and mysticism to propose a paradigm shift in how we relate to and experience the world, highlighting the reciprocity of perception and the conceptual barriers between the senses. The narrative weaves together stories from indigenous cultures, critiquing the separation of time and space as abstract concepts and advocating for a return to a place-centric way of life. challenges the reader to reconsider their relationship with nature, perception, and the environment, offering a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of all beings.
IT IS NATURAL THAT WE TURN TO THE TRADITION OF PHENOMENOLOGY in order to understand the strange difference between the experienced world, or worlds, of indigenous, vernacular cultures and the world of... - #9
Save:'The Seed Keeper' by Diane Wilson follows the multi-generational journey of a Dakota family, focusing on characters like Rosalie Iron Wing, Gaby Makespeace, Marie Blackbird, and Darlene Kills Deer. The story delves into historical events such as the Dakota war and the impact of Native children being sent to residential schools, but primarily explores how these hardships shaped the characters and subsequent generations. It showcases the resiliency and community spirit of indigenous communities, while weaving in indigenous wisdom about life, spirit, and our relationship with Mother Earth, especially through the theme of seed keeping. The narrative is deeply emotional and beautifully written, evoking tears and heartbreak while shedding light on the struggles faced by the Dakota people.
The writing style of 'The Seed Keeper' is poignant and respectful, illustrating the generational hardships faced by Dakota Native Americans with great care. The author skillfully portrays the characters' deep struggles and traumas, taking the reader on a journey through history, family trauma, and love. intricately explores themes of heritage, identity, and the importance of honoring the land and nature, making it a powerful and moving read that sheds light on the enduring impact of historical events on indigenous communities.
- #10
Save:The Forest of Wool and Steel by Natsu Miyashita is a beautifully written novel that follows the journey of Tomura, a young apprentice piano tuner, as he discovers his passion for tuning pianos. Through poetic descriptions of the Japanese countryside and the intricate process of piano tuning, the book explores themes of self-discovery, dedication, and the beauty found in music. Tomura's interactions with his mentors, Mr. Itadori and Mr. Yanagi, as well as the piano playing twins, Yuni and Kazune, shape his growth as a tuner and as a person. The novel delves into the importance of craftsmanship, the nuances of music, and the subtle yet profound impact of human connections.
The Forest of Wool and Steel intricately weaves together themes of self-doubt, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in a lyrical and contemplative narrative. Through Tomura's journey of learning the art of piano tuning, the book explores the complexities of talent versus hard work, the pursuit of perfection, and the significance of finding beauty in everyday moments. With a focus on character development and subtle interpersonal relationships, the novel offers a glimpse into Japanese culture and traditions while highlighting the transformative power of music and craftsmanship.
What if I hadn’t lingered in the classroom after school that day? What if the teacher hadn’t chosen me to help? I’ll never know. The second term of the year. Midterm exams were in full swing with afte...
