Books Like...

'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.

'The Sun Is a Compass' by Caroline Van Hemert is a memoir of her incredible journey covering over 4,000 miles from Washington state to northern Alaska through hiking, skiing, and pack rafting. As a field biologist, Van Hemert intertwines her personal experiences with her scientific research, particularly focusing on migration patterns. The narrative captures the challenges and close calls faced by the author during her adventurous expedition, making it an engaging and inspiring read for those interested in wilderness exploration and personal growth.

'Never Cry Wolf' by Farley Mowat is a classic memoir that follows a young zoologist on an assignment to study wolves in northern Canada. Mowat's writing style combines humor, factual information, and thought-provoking insights into the lives of wolves. Through his observations, Mowat challenges the misconceptions surrounding wolves and highlights the delicate balance of nature.

"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.

'Sightlines' by Kathleen Jamie is a collection of essays that take the reader on a journey through various natural landscapes, from remote Scottish islands like St. Kilda to the Bergen Natural History Museum in Norway. The author's writing style is described as eloquent, lyrical, and poetic, capturing the beauty and intricacies of the natural world with vivid descriptions. Jamie's observations on the environment, wildlife, and her experiences on archaeological digs provide a unique perspective on the connections between nature and humanity.

'The Worst Journey in the World' by Apsley Cherry-Garrard chronicles the disastrous Scott expedition to the South Pole in the 1910s. The narrative provides a detailed account of the expedition, highlighting the heroism, misery, and despair experienced by the team during their three years in the Antarctic. The author, a junior member of the team, recounts the side trip taken to Cape Crozier to study Emperor penguins, shedding light on the scientific and exploratory aspects of the expedition. delves into the challenges faced by the team, the blunders of Scott, and the incredible amount of research undertaken by Wilson and others amidst the race to the South Pole against Amundsen.

'Horizon' by Barry Lopez is a mesmerizing journey that spans across various landscapes and cultures, emphasizing the enchantment, respect, and marvel of all beings and things. Lopez's writing style is described as gentle, beautifully descriptive, and deeply personal, as he delves into global issues with a unique perspective. explores resilience in the face of harsh conditions, human irresponsibility, and evolutionary changes, while celebrating the interconnectedness of all living things.

In 'Islands of Abandonment', author Cal Flyn takes readers on a journey to eerie and desolate places on Earth where humans once lived but have now left, allowing nature to reclaim its territory. Flyn's writing is beautifully descriptive, informative, and easy to follow, immersing readers in locations like the Forbidden Forest of Verdun, Chernobyl, and the Sultan Sea in California. Through meticulous research and firsthand visits to these abandoned sites, Flyn explores the resilience of nature in the face of human-induced trauma, offering a fascinating study of the rebounding natural world in the post-human landscape.

Flyn masterfully balances acknowledging the damage humans have caused to the planet with highlighting the earth's incredible ability to heal and rejuvenate. The book delves into the complex relationship between humans and nature, questioning the purpose of nature conservation and pondering the impact of human activities on the environment. Despite the haunting landscapes and tales of environmental catastrophe, 'Islands of Abandonment' ultimately conveys a message of hope, beauty, and the enduring resilience of the natural world.

A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There by Aldo Leopold is a slow, thoughtful book of nature writing, filled with wonderfully detailed observations about the animals and plants on Leopold's farm in Wisconsin. The book showcases Leopold's love for and knowledge of the natural world, shining through his writing. The author's insights on nature and the environment, as well as his early recognition of the need for conservation and a land ethic, provide a moving narrative that calls for a deeper connection with the natural world.

'Erebus: The Story of a Ship' by Michael Palin is a detailed historical account of the voyages of the HMS Erebus, focusing on its exploration of the Antarctic and its ill-fated attempt to find the Northwest Passage in the Arctic in the 19th century. Palin weaves together the narrative of the ship's journeys with his own experiences visiting the locations central to the story, providing a comprehensive and engaging look at the ship's history. The book is a mix of historical facts, personal reflections, and detailed accounts of the expeditions, offering a unique perspective on the adventures of the Erebus and its crew.