Books matching: impact of the wilderness
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- #1
Save:A beautifully written, somber western that’s as much about the human soul as the untamed frontier - perfect for readers who want more depth from their adventure stories.
John Williams' 'Butcher's Crossing' is a novel set in the 1870s following Will Andrews on a buffalo slaughter expedition in Colorado. The narrative details the journey from the dreadful slaughter to being snowed in, exploring themes of man's relationship with nature, the impact of the wilderness on individuals, and the consequences of greed. Williams' writing style is described as spare, detailed, and well-researched, providing a cinematic account of the harsh realities faced by the characters in the unforgiving wilderness.
The coach from Ellsworth to Butcher’s Crossing was a dougherty that had been converted to carry passengers and small freight. Four mules pulled the cart over the ridged, uneven road that descended sli...1960•326 pages - #2
Save:Masterfully written, quietly intense, and deeply thoughtful - Wilderness Tips is classic Atwood: beautifully crafted, a little dark, and perfect for fans of literary short stories that gently disturb and make you think.
'Wilderness Tips' by Margaret Atwood is a collection of short stories that delve into themes of loss, pain, sacrifice, and nostalgia. The stories are set in various time periods, often in nature, portraying a raw and sometimes unsafe environment. Atwood's writing style is described as beautiful, evocative, and thought-provoking, with each story offering psychological insight and dark humor.
The waitresses are basking in the sun like a herd of skinned seals, their pinky-brown bodies shining with oil. They have their bathing suits on because it’s the afternoon. In the early dawn and the du...1991•251 pages - #3
Save:This is a fierce, evocative classic that will make you want to ditch your car, lace up your boots, and rediscover the true wild. Even if Abbey rubs you the wrong way, his love for the desert landscape is unforgettable.
"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...1967•341 pages - #4
Save:A suspenseful, emotionally intense survival story told with a unique child’s voice. If you’re up for a haunting, unconventional read, The Bear will stick with you long after you finish.
'The Bear' by Claire Cameron is a harrowing tale of a family camping trip gone wrong, where a young girl named Anna, aged five, and her two-year-old brother Stick are left to fend for themselves in the wilderness after their parents are attacked and killed by a bear. The story is narrated from Anna's perspective, providing a unique insight into the challenges and fears faced by the children as they struggle to survive in the unforgiving wilderness. The writing style captures Anna's innocence, confusion, and desperation, making the reader empathize with the young protagonists as they navigate through a traumatic ordeal.
The novel delves into the emotional and psychological impact of the children's experience after the trauma they endure in the wilderness. Through Anna's eyes, the reader witnesses the resilience and resourcefulness of the young siblings as they try to make sense of their new reality without their parents. The plot unfolds with tension and suspense, drawing the reader into the children's journey of survival, highlighting the strength and vulnerability of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
I can hear the air going in and out of my brother’s nose. I am awake. He is two years old and almost three and he bugs me lots of times because I am five years old and soon I will be six but it is war...February 2014•273 pages - #5
Save:A haunting, character-driven novel about surviving both the elements and our own flaws, with striking literary style - perfect for fans of moody dystopias and emotionally rich storytelling, but may leave some readers wanting more depth or clarity.
The New Wilderness is a dystopian novel set in a future where cities are dying due to climate change and overpopulation. The story follows a group of people living in a polluted city who are selected to live in the last remaining wilderness area, following strict guidelines to leave no trace. The focus is on the relationships between characters, particularly the mother-daughter duo of Bea and Agnes, as they navigate survival in a harsh environment while dealing with government inefficiencies and personal challenges.
The baby emerged from Bea the color of a bruise. Bea burned the cord somewhere between them and uncoiled it from the girl’s slight neck and, though she knew it was useless, swept her daughter up into...August 2020•409 pages - #6
Save:Beautifully moody, intricately woven, and more interested in people and place than pulse-pounding action - "Blackwater" is a haunting literary mystery best for those who love slow, atmospheric reads.
'Blackwater' by Kerstin Ekman is a complex and deeply atmospheric novel set in an isolated village in Sweden. The story revolves around a double murder that occurred in the late 1960s, intertwining the lives of three characters affected by the event - a young woman who discovers the bodies, a doctor dealing with personal struggles, and a teenage boy escaping from his family. The narrative delves into themes of solitude, loneliness, environmental destruction, and the tension between nostalgia and reality, all against the backdrop of the lush yet harsh Swedish wilderness. Ekman's writing style is described as beautiful, with vivid descriptions of the setting and characters that evoke a sense of place and isolation.
1993•450 pages - #7
Save:A delightfully funny, quintessentially English exploration memoir, best enjoyed as a classic romp through a vanished world - just be ready for some vintage attitudes and the bumbling charm of true amateurs.
'A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush' by Eric Newby is a humorous and entertaining travel adventure that follows the journey of the author and his friend, Hugh Carless, as they embark on a mission to climb Mir Samir in Afghanistan. The book captures the essence of British amateur travelers from a bygone era, showcasing their can-do determination, casual planning, and self-deprecating humor. Despite being grossly underprepared, Newby and Carless set off with only a few days of climbing practice in Wales and a lighthearted attitude, leading to a series of misadventures and challenges in the rugged terrain of the Hindu Kush region.
Newby's writing style in 'A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush' is characterized by wry, self-deprecating humor that offers insight into the eccentric characters encountered during the journey and vivid descriptions of the Afghan wilderness. The book provides a mix of naivety, modesty, and self-assurance bordering on arrogance, typical of the British explorers of that era. Despite the comical tone, Newby also delves into the cultural context of the places visited, offering an amusing yet informative narrative of their escapades in Northeast Afghanistan in the mid-1950s.
With all the lights on and the door shut to protect us from the hellish draught that blew up the backstairs, the fitting-room was like an oven with mirrors. There were four of us jammed in it: Hyde-Cl...January 1958•252 pages - #8
Save:A gorgeously written slice of folk horror perfect for readers ready to lose themselves in the dark woods of colonial New England. Haunting, slow, and deeply evocative - best for those who appreciate mood and language as much as story.
Revenants by Daniel Mills is a haunting tale set in colonial America, focusing on a small village enveloped in fog and mysteries. The narrative delves into the lives of characters dealing with guilt, passion, and the supernatural, all against the backdrop of a menacing world where past actions shape their present and future.
The writing style of Revenants is described as atmospheric and immersive, filled with rich descriptions of landscapes, eerie supernatural events, and deep characterizations that bring the Puritan world to life. The novel weaves together elements of metaphysical doom, mysterious disappearances, and a sense of impending dread that keeps readers engaged till the very end.
Sunset. Late September. Autumn is at its peak. In the north woods, red oaks creak and sway and cast jagged shadows. A breeze comes from the west, rank with the odors of mud and wood-rot. It ripples th...February 2011•292 pages - #9
Save:A creepy, entertaining eco-thriller with killer wasps and apocalyptic chills - great for monster fans, but might not satisfy those wanting deep character arcs.
Invasive Species by Joseph Wallace is a mixed bag that can be read as a fun page turner with a little suspension of disbelief by the reader. The story unfolds when a newly evolved insect predator begins to spread its deadly presence across the world linked by an all-seeing, all-feeling hive mind. The wasp-like predator uses humans and other mammals as nurturing hosts for their unborn, ultimately leading to madness and death of the host. Each predator is linked to the hive mind so that each sees and feels all, leading to their calculated efforts to seek vengeance against those who harm or threaten their existence. The need for sustained suspension of disbelief and the obligatory lecture on the consequences of man's destruction of nature are prevalent themes in the book.
In Invasive Species, readers are subjected to corrupt governmental officials trying to hide the truth from the people, a bit heavy-handed politics, and the struggle of mankind against an unusual and deadly wasp. The story is a mix of horror and science fiction, with a good dose of suspense and thrill, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy creature features and apocalyptic scenarios.
December 2013•496 pages A slow-burning, poetic meditation on solitude, wild places, and what it means to keep watch - best savored by those who appreciate both the grandeur and the small, quiet moments of nature. Not for thrill-seekers, but a thoughtful treat for reflective souls and lovers of wilderness writing.
'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...April 2011•269 pages
