1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
“What this book left me thinking about more than anything is how much I'd love to edit and re-write it, because I think it could be so much better. Jordan Fisher Smith has flashes of brilliant prose, but it's often buried, or forced. And the editing is very choppy. This book is best enjoyed as a book of essays rather than a cohesive story, because although the author *tries* to create cohesion and connections, the key word is "tries" - and the reader is aware of the trying... which is never good.
**SPOILER ALERT**
One idea that would make the book better, in my opinion, is if it started with the part about him getting Lyme Disease - if it started with the sentence that begins, "I like to mix my own intravenous drugs..." Then he could work his way back to connections with the land.
As it is, that section is jarring and out of place. Then he goes back to simply describing the history of the area... The book needs a stronger theme to tie it together. There are several good themes, but he needs to pick one and stick with it.
Still, if you are a ranger or have worked outdoors much, or know the area, it should make an enjoyable read. I enjoyed it for all of those reasons!”
NatureGeek wrote this review Sunday, August 1, 2010.
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