Teaching a Stone to Talk: Expeditions and Encounters
 

Teaching a Stone to Talk: Expeditions and Encounters

by Annie Dillard

Here, in this compelling assembly of writings, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard explores the world of natural facts and human meanings.
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Top tags: naturenonfictionessayscreative nonfictionphilosophy (all tags)

 

Member Reviews

  • Mizoleila
    • Rated 0 stars

    "This collection of Dillard's travels and experiences will simply make you want to go out and experience each for yourself. You will long to find yourself in the midst of a solar eclipse: 'The grasses were wrong; they were platinum. Their every detail of stem, head and blade shone lightness and artificially distinct as an art photographer's platinum print. This color has never been seen on earth. The hues were metallic; their finish was matte. The hillside was a 19th century tinted photograph from which the tints have faded....... The sky was navy blue. My hands were silver.' Reading Dillard's words made me promise myself that I will not pass from this life without having witnessed the wonder of a solar eclipse. The remainder of Dillard's expeditions and encounters are equally amazing. Travel with her words and come to know the terrors of the North Pole, the sheer tenacity of weasels, the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, the journeys of mangrove islands, fantasic mirages over Puget Sound and much more. Dillard brings each to full life through her descriptions and her thoughts on each. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a sense of curiosity and adventure." Amazon

    Mizoleila wrote this review Wednesday, April 2 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • mariposa
    • Rated 3 stars

    While I prefer Pilgrim, I always enjoy meandering through Dillard's ideas and experiences, learning new things as I go. Thoughtful and enjoyable.

    mariposa wrote this review Thursday, March 27 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • Lisa B
    • Rated 5 stars

    This is my favorite collection of essays. Annie Dillard's eye for detail and her ability to craft a great sentence are unmatched by any other essayist I know. Check out the essay titled "Living Like Weasels." It's fabulous.

    Lisa B wrote this review Tuesday, March 11 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • catron
    • Rated 3 stars

    not her best

    catron wrote this review Tuesday, November 13 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • DavidCC
    • Rated 5 stars

    great

    DavidCC wrote this review Tuesday, October 23 2007. ( reply | permalink )
  • JamesBrown
    • Rated 0 stars

    Annie Dillard is the best living writer - period.
    If you love prose of the highest caliber this is you book assignment.

    JamesBrown wrote this review Saturday, August 18 2007. ( reply | permalink )
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