Books matching: nature and solitude
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- #1
Save:'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.
Early November. It’s nine o’clock. The titmice are banging against the window. Sometimes they fly dizzily off after the impact, other times they fall and lie struggling in the new snow until they can ... - #2
Save:Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden and Civil Disobedience' is a collection of writings that delve into themes of nature, self-reliance, contemplation, and individual responsibility. The book follows Thoreau's experiment in simple living at Walden Pond, where he reflects on the wonders of nature, the ways of man, and the human condition. Through his observations of the changing seasons and wildlife, Thoreau invites readers to contemplate their own place in the world and the universe. In 'Civil Disobedience', Thoreau presents a classic protest against government interference with individual liberty, advocating for passive resistance and influencing non-violent resistance movements worldwide.
1823 The Thoreau family returns to Concord, where Henry’s father takes over the family pencil-making business. Henry enters the Concord Center School. Continued financial strain forces his mother to t... 'Narrow Road to the Interior: And Other Writings' by Matsuo Basho is a combination of 17th-century travelogue and poetry collection, chronicling the poet's journeys through villages and temples in the northern interior of Japan. Basho's prose descriptions of his travels are interspersed with haiku written along the way, offering a poet's eye view of highlights and insights of his experiences on the road. contains four travelogues, each containing interspersed haiku, providing a deeper purpose beyond mere travel writing as Basho observes and reflects on the natural world around him.
The moon and sun are eternal travelers. Even the years wander on. A lifetime adrift in a boat or in old age leading a tired horse into the years, every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home...- #4
Save:"Holy the Firm" by Annie Dillard is a short yet powerful book that delves into the exploration of what is holy, what is good, and what is certain. The author's writing style is described as a prose poem, seeking to reckon with the place people have in the world, touching on themes of nature, God, suffering, and one's own beliefs. The book is moving and profound, written in an earthy way that is both intense and thoughtful about God, tragedy, and fierce landscapes. Dillard's exploration of the extremes of beauty and pain, as well as the coexistence of both in life, is a central theme that resonates throughout the book.
Every day is a god, each day is a god, and holiness holds forth in time. I worship each god, I praise each day splintered down, splintered down and wrapped in time like a husk, a husk of many colors s... - #5
Save:Unbound by Cara McKenna is a compelling and immersive read that delves into the complex and realistic depiction of two deeply sympathetic characters, Merry and Rob. Merry, who undergoes a dramatic weight loss, embarks on a journey across Scotland to rediscover herself, where she encounters Rob, a recovering alcoholic with submissive desires and fetishes. The story follows their evolving relationship, challenges, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. McKenna's writing style is lauded for its unique take on romance and erotica, weaving together themes of healing, intimacy, and personal growth with depth and authenticity.
Hey gals! Anybody free for pre-vacay drinks tomorrow? I figure it’s pretty likely I’ll get taken captive as a sex slave by some rippling, kilted Highlander next week, never to return. Promise you’ll k... - #6
Save:"The Word for Woman is Wilderness" follows the journey of a 19-year-old narrator named Erin Miller as she embarks on a land and sea journey from England to Alaska. Through Erin's adventures, the novel explores themes of gender, wilderness exploration, and philosophical meditations intertwined with human history. The writing style of the book is described as ambitious, blending science writing, philosophical musings, and elements of American nature writing, all anchored in questions of gender and feminism.
The space probe Voyager 1 left the planet in 1977. Any month, day, minute, second now it will enter interstellar space and become the furthest-reaching man-made object, and the first to leave the heli... - #7
Save:"Wandering" by Hermann Hesse is a collection of prose, poetry, and watercolor sketches that captures the essence of the true wandering spirit. Hesse's writing style in this book is contemplative and meditative, reflecting on themes of wanderlust, love, nature, and the search for meaning. The book explores the idea of wandering as a way of life, where the journey itself is more important than the destination. Hesse's deep connection with nature and his observations during his time hiking through the Alps are reflected in the prose, creating a sense of clarity and simplicity in his storytelling.
Hesse's exploration of the concept of Home as a place within oneself rather than a physical location is a prevalent theme in the book. The author delves into the complexities of human emotions, the longing for belonging, and the acceptance of impermanence. Through poignant passages and reflections on life's transient nature, Hesse invites readers to embrace the idea of wandering not just physically, but also spiritually and emotionally, in search of inner peace and fulfillment.
- #8
Save:The Story of Edgar Sawtelle follows the life of a mute teenager, Edgar Sawtelle, and his family business of breeding and training a special type of intelligent dogs. The book delves into themes of love, family, and tragedy, drawing parallels to Shakespeare's Hamlet. The narrative is rich and detailed, with a focus on the strong bond between Edgar and his dogs, particularly Almondine, who plays a crucial role in his life from childhood to adolescence. The story unfolds in the remote woods of Wisconsin, where dark family secrets and a tragic event set off a chain of events leading to an unexpected ending.
The author, David Wroblewski, weaves a complex tale that combines elements of classical tragedy with modern storytelling. The book intricately explores the relationships between the characters, both human and canine, and delves into deep emotional themes while incorporating mystical and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as lyrical and detailed, with a symphonic quality that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions from highs to lows, making it a captivating and haunting read.
IN THE YEAR 1919, EDGAR’S GRANDFATHER, WHO WAS BORN WITH an extra share of whimsy, bought their land and all the buildings on it from a man he’d never met, a man named Schultz, who in his turn had wal... - #9
Save:In "Solitude: A Return to the Self" by Anthony Storr, the author challenges the conventional belief that success in personal relationships is the sole key to happiness. Through skillful biographical sketches of creative geniuses like Beethoven, Henry James, and Beatrix Potter, Storr argues that the capacity to be alone is a sign of maturity and can lead to great satisfaction in life. He explores the value of solitude, whether chosen or enforced, and emphasizes its importance even for those who are not inherently creative. Storr's writing style delves into various aspects of solitude, from the hunger of the imagination to the search for coherence in one's life, all while providing a wealth of references to historical figures and creative individuals.
The book delves into the complexities of human nature and the significance of solitude in fostering creativity and personal growth. Storr's thoughtful meditation on the nature of solitude highlights the importance of the impersonal part of the human condition, emphasizing its value for both creativity and healthy living. Through a series of excursions into different aspects of solitude, Storr presents examples of individuals who have thrived in solitude, suggesting that moments of being alone can benefit everyone, regardless of their creative inclinations. He expands the reader's understanding of human flourishing by advocating for a balance between human companionship and introspective solitude.
The current emphasis upon intimate interpersonal relationships as the touchstone of health and happiness is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Earlier generations would not have rated human relationsh... 'Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout' by Philip Connors is a memoir that follows the author's experiences as a fire lookout in the Gila National Forest. Connors shares insights into the changing role of fire lookouts, the history of forest conservation, and the impact of wildfires on the American wilderness. Through his poetic and reflective writing style, Connors intertwines personal anecdotes, historical facts, and philosophical musings, creating a narrative that immerses readers into the solitude and beauty of the wilderness.
Into the Black Range * thwarted by snow & saved by snow * a view from on high * unsettled by solitude, troubled by wind * some walks with the dog & bears we have seen * cutting wood the old-fashioned ...
