Books matching: nature writing
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- #1
'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a blend of indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, focusing on the interconnectedness between nature, culture, and humanity. Through a series of essays or stories, Kimmerer shares her personal journey as a Potawatomi person and a biology professor, exploring themes of reciprocity, gratitude, and sustainability. Her writing style is described as poetic, reflective, and meditative, offering a unique perspective on environmentalism and indigenous philosophy.
Hurtling downward, she saw only dark water below. But in that emptiness there were many eyes gazing up at the sudden shaft of light. They saw there a small object, a mere dust mote in the beam. As it ... - #2
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard is a collection of meditations on nature, spirituality, and the human experience. The book takes readers on a journey through the author's observations and reflections on the beauty and brutality of the natural world around Tinker Creek in Virginia. Dillard's writing style is described as poetic, introspective, and deeply insightful, as she delves into themes of wonder, awe, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The book is a blend of personal narrative, philosophical musings, and detailed observations of the flora and fauna in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dillard's prose is praised for its vivid imagery, lyrical quality, and ability to evoke a sense of reverence for the mysteries of the universe. Through her contemplations on nature, she invites readers to see the world through her eyes and find meaning in the intricate tapestry of life on Earth.
I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest. I’d half-awaken. He’d stick his skull under my nose and pur... - #3
'The Living Mountain' by Nan Shepherd is a short, poetic, and philosophical reflection on the author's deep connection with the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. Shepherd beautifully expresses her spiritual experience of being alone in nature, capturing the essence of the mountains through weather, life, people, and body. The book delves into Shepherd's observations of the natural world, including the geography, weather changes, plants, and animals of the Cairngorms, all while reflecting on the meaning of existence and the interconnectedness of humans with nature.
Summer on the high plateau can be delectable as honey; it can also be a roaring scourge. To those who love the place, both are good, since both are part of its essential nature. And it is to know its ... In "Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses" by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author beautifully intertwines science and personal reflection to explore the elegantly simple lives of mosses. Kimmerer leads readers through a series of linked personal essays, sharing her experiences as a scientist, mother, and Native American to shed light on the biology and cultural significance of mosses. Through her lyrical prose and unique storytelling, Kimmerer delves into the interconnectedness of mosses with the natural world, inviting readers to learn from these fascinating organisms and indigenous ways of knowing.
- #5
'The Sea Around Us' by Rachel Carson delves into the mysteries and wonders of the oceans, providing a deep insight into the marine world that surrounds us. Through vivid and informative writing, the author explores various marine topics, from biology to oceanography, capturing the beauty and complexity of the sea. Carson's writing style, often described as poetic and engaging, takes readers on a scientific journey while also highlighting the importance of environmental conservation.
THE SEA HAS ALWAYS challenged the minds and imagination of men and even today it remains the last great frontier of Earth. It is a realm so vast and so difficult of access that with all our efforts we... - #6
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald is a memoir that intertwines the author's journey through grief after the loss of her father with her experience of training a goshawk named Mabel. The book also delves into the life of author T.H. White and his struggles with training a goshawk, providing a parallel narrative to Macdonald's own story. Through eloquent prose and vivid descriptions, Macdonald navigates the complexities of falconry, personal loss, and self-discovery, creating a compelling narrative that blends elements of memoir, biography, and nature writing.
FORTY-FIVE MINUTES north-east of Cambridge is a landscape I’ve come to love very much indeed. It’s where wet fen gives way to parched sand. It’s a land of twisted pine trees, burned-out cars, shotgun-... - #7
'Arctic Dreams' by Barry Lopez is a captivating exploration of the Arctic region, blending nature writing with philosophical reflections and historical accounts. Lopez delves into the unique landscape of the Arctic, discussing its wildlife, indigenous people, and the impact of human exploration and exploitation on the environment. The book is structured thematically, with chapters focusing on species like polar bears and narwhals, as well as historical narratives of Arctic exploration. Lopez's writing style is described as evocative, sensitive, and detailed, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the Arctic's beauty and challenges.
One summer evening I was camped in the western Brooks Range of Alaska with a friend. From the ridge where we had pitched our tent we looked out over tens of square miles of rolling tundra along the so... The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham is a beautifully written memoir that delves into the author's love of nature, his experiences growing up in South Carolina, and his journey as an ornithologist and bird watcher. Lanham's prose is described as poetic, providing rich descriptions of his life, family, and cultural background. The book touches on themes of identity, passion for nature, family history, and the impact of racism on his life experiences.
The book also explores Lanham's struggles and successes as an African American in the USA, highlighting the challenges faced by black individuals in pursuing their passions, such as bird watching, in a society marked by racial discrimination. Lanham's writing style is praised for its warmth, honesty, and relatability, drawing readers into his world and evoking empathy for his experiences.
- #9
'Underland: A Deep Time Journey' by Robert Macfarlane is a lyrical exploration of the depths of the Earth through deep time. The book delves into the hidden world beneath our feet, uncovering the relationship between humans and the underland. Macfarlane takes readers on a journey through caves, mines, and underground spaces, revealing the impact of civilization on the natural world, exploring themes of climate change, politics, and resistance to destructive cultural practices. His writing style is described as evocative, poetic, and informative, painting vivid pictures of the underground landscapes he encounters.
Late-summer heatwave, heavy air. Bees browsing drowsy over meadow grass. Gold of standing corn, green of fresh hay-rows, black of rooks on stubble fields. Somewhere down on lower ground an unseen fire... - #10
"Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey is a memoir recounting the author's time spent as a park ranger in the Utah desert, particularly at Arches National Park. Abbey's writing style shifts between beautiful and evocative descriptions of nature to angry polemics against road building, motor vehicles, and what he perceives as the destruction of the wilderness. The book combines essays on the raw beauty of Arches National Park with socio-cultural critiques, showcasing Abbey's passion for the desert landscape and his disdain for the impact of human interference on the environment.
Abbey's narrative in "Desert Solitaire" captures the heat, mystery, and rewards of experiencing the desert firsthand. Through vivid imagery and poignant anecdotes, the author conveys the stark beauty and unforgiving harshness of the southwestern American desert. His writing style is described as compelling, wry, and imbued with a weathered, dry sensibility that reflects his deep connection to the wilderness he explores in the book.
There are lonely hours. How can I deny it? There are times when solitaire becomes solitary, an entirely different game, a prison term, and the inside of the skull as confining and unbearable as the in...