Books matching: nature vs humanity
100 result(s)
"American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West" by Nate Blakeslee tells the story of the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park, focusing on the life and death of a celebrated alpha female wolf named O Six. The narrative presents a detailed overview of the conflict between wolf lovers and wolf haters in the region, exploring the social structure of wolves, the political landscape surrounding wolf hunting, and the impact of reintroducing wolves into the ecosystem. Blakeslee skillfully weaves together individual wolf stories, pack dynamics, scientific information, and the political controversies surrounding wolf conservation, providing a balanced portrayal of the various perspectives involved.
The wolves drove an elk down the side of a steep, snow-covered butte under a sky close and gray. There were three wolves. The one in the lead was almost pure white. She was followed closely by her sis...'Serena' by Ron Rash is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s, portraying the story of Serena and her husband George Pemberton as they strive to become wealthy timber barons in North Carolina and beyond. The book explores Serena's ruthless and manipulative nature, as well as her relentless pursuit of power and wealth. The plot delves into the dark and violent world of the logging industry during the Depression era, showcasing the harsh realities of life in the Appalachia mountains. The narrative also touches upon themes of greed, murder, and the struggle for dominance in a male-dominated profession.
WHEN PEMBERTON RETURNED TO THE NORTH Carolina mountains after three months in Boston settling his father’s estate, among those waiting on the train platform was a young woman pregnant with Pemberton’s...Devolution by Max Brooks is a gripping horror thriller set in the wilderness of Washington state, where a small, utopian eco community faces a terrifying ordeal after being cut off from civilization by a volcanic eruption. The story, narrated through a diary and interviews, follows the community's battle for survival against hungry Sasquatch, exploring themes of humanity's relationship with nature and the primal instinct for survival.
The book delves into the consequences of a natural disaster on a group of middle-class individuals living in an advanced yet isolated community, highlighting their struggles, fears, and the gruesome encounters with the Sasquatch. Through a mix of diary entries and interviews, the narrative builds tension and suspense, keeping readers on edge as they witness the community's fight for survival amidst chaos and terror.
BIGFOOT DESTROYS TOWN. That was the title of an article I received not long after the Mount Rainier eruption. I thought it was spam, the inevitable result of so much online research. At the time I was...- #4
Save:"Fantastic Mr. Fox" by Roald Dahl is an adventurous and humorous tale about a clever fox who outwits three greedy and mean farmers named Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. The fox, Mr. Fox, steals food from the farmers to feed his family, leading to a series of events where the farmers try to catch him, but Mr. Fox always manages to evade them. The story is filled with suspense, wit, and vivid descriptions of both the farmers and the fox family's cunning tactics. The illustrations by Quentin Blake complement the narrative, making it a delightful read for both children and adults.
The book showcases Dahl's storytelling prowess, blending elements of humor, suspense, and moral lessons seamlessly throughout the narrative. Readers are taken on a journey where they witness the resilience and cleverness of Mr. Fox as he navigates the challenges posed by the farmers while protecting his family. The story's fast-paced nature, quirky characters, and engaging plot make it an entertaining read that captures the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
As darkness fell, Bunce and Bean switched on the powerful headlamps of the two tractors and shone them on to the hole. ‘Now,’ said Bean, ‘we’ll take it in turn to keep watch. One watches while two sle... - #5
Save:"The Magic Finger" by Roald Dahl is a children's book that follows a young girl who possesses a magical ability in one of her fingers. When she becomes angered by the neighboring Gregg family's love for hunting, she uses her magic finger to teach them a lesson. The Greggs, after being transformed into bird-like creatures, experience firsthand the consequences of their actions, leading to a moral lesson about empathy and understanding different perspectives. The story is described as imaginative, comical, and with a subtle teaching of morals, making it an engaging read for children.
The book features a unique twist on animal cruelty protection, as the young protagonist's magical retaliation against the hunters highlights the impact of their actions on the hunted. Through humor and a touch of fantasy, the narrative conveys a message about the power of empathy and the importance of considering others' viewpoints. Overall, "The Magic Finger" is praised for its descriptive storytelling, imaginative plot, and ability to entertain while delivering a meaningful lesson to young readers.
Mr Gregg did not like it one bit. ‘Be off!’ he cried, and he shot at them many more times, but it was no good. He simply could not hit them. All the way home those four ducks flew around in the sky ab... - #6
Save:'The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks' by Susan Casey is a memoir cum natural and cultural history of the Farallon Islands, a spooky and wild place just 27km from the Golden Gate Bridge, where a large population of Great White sharks reside. The author, Susan Casey, takes the readers on a thrilling journey through the history, geography, science, and nature of the islands, providing unique insights into the secret hiding place of the Farallones and the researchers who study the sharks. The writing style is described as enthralling, captivating, and well-detailed, offering a thorough examination of the thrilling research into the lives of the White Sharks of the offshore West Coast.
- #7
Save:"A Whale for the Killing" by Farley Mowat is a powerful narrative that sheds light on the appalling behavior of humans towards animals. The story revolves around a small community in Nova Scotia that uses a trapped female fin whale and its calf for sport, leading to their agonizing deaths. delves into how people can revert to instinctive behavior and disregard the feelings of other creatures, drawing parallels to William Golding's "Lord of the Flies." Farley Mowat's writing style captivates readers by portraying the destructive impact of human actions on nature and the struggle for survival in the face of cruelty.
. Harried by a furi- ous nor'easter, eddies of sand-sharp snow beat against the town of Port Aux Basques; an unlovely cluster of wooden buildings sprawled across a bed of cold rock and colder muskeg... - #8
Save:'And the Ocean Was Our Sky' by Patrick Ness is a reimagining of the classic 'Moby Dick' told from the perspective of whales. The story follows a hunting pod of whales led by Basheba as they track down their devil known as Toby Wick, an evil entity that has caused chaos within the whale community. The book explores themes of obsession, madness, good vs. evil, and the true cost of fear and rumors passed down through generations. The narrative is unique in its portrayal of the whales' culture and their interactions with the human world, all while questioning traditional notions of morality.
The writing style in 'And the Ocean Was Our Sky' is described as beautiful and creative, with illustrations by Rovina Cai adding depth to the story. The book is a quick and easy read, yet thought-provoking, as it challenges readers to consider the complexities of good and evil, destiny, and the consequences of one's actions. While some readers found it to be a departure from Ness's other works, they appreciated the inventive concept and the way it made them reflect long after finishing the book.
- #9
Save:'The Return of the Native' by Thomas Hardy is a novel set on the bleak expanse of Egdon Heath, focusing on the characters' tangled relationships, misunderstandings, and desires for escape. The story follows Eustacia Vye, a complex and resentful character longing for a life beyond the heath, and Clym Yeobright, the returning native who becomes entangled in a web of love and despair. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, infidelity, and fate versus free will against the backdrop of the atmospheric setting of Egdon Heath. Hardy's writing style is characterized by detailed descriptions of the countryside and rural life, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.
A Saturday afternoon in November was approaching the time of twilight, and the vast tract of unenclosed wild known as Egdon Heath embrowned itself moment by moment. Overhead the hollow stretch of whit... - #10
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...
