I really enjoyed this
book. It's not exactly a page-turner, and some of the essays have a
little too much detail for my personal taste, but the writing is good
and the essay format makes it easy to read in short segments and
really digest all the information.
I love the mix of science
and observation and history and philosophy, all wrapped up in the
author's personal experiences and reactions. A perfect combination.
Sometimes I (in my own
weakness) don't enjoy nature writing because it's like, “This is
how I wrestled a bear in the wilderness,” and “A whale jumped
over our boat” and “I spent two weeks living with wild wolves,
and if you've never done that, you're really missing out.” It can
make my own more humble experiences with nature and wildlife feel
shallow and inadequate. But the thing is, I think all encounters
with wildlife are amazing, and so does Bill Sherwonit. He spends
just as much time talking about the wonders of song birds and frogs
and squirrels as he does about moose and bears and wolverines. And
he makes those song birds interesting. It's very refreshing.
I believe the book will
inspire people who may never have a chance to see a bear or a whale
or spend two weeks with wild wolves, but who can learn to really
observe the birds in their backyard or their city park and commune
with nature through them.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars!
Buy Animal Stories at Amazon (or other retailers)
Visit Bill Sherwonit and find out more about his other books online: http://www.billsherwonit.alaskawriters.com/
Visit Alaska and its wildlife yourself with help from my book, Cruising Alaska on a Budget; a Cruise and Port Guide
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