I haven't seen the reason why he received the Pulitzer. It was entertaining at times, but it lacked authenticity for me and there was an excessive amount of animal observation.

I expected more depth and a stronger emotional connection in the story. The focus on animals seemed a bit one-sided and didn't fully engage my interest.

Maybe I'm being too critical, but I believe that a Pulitzer-winning work should have a more profound impact and offer a unique perspective.

However, I do recognize that everyone has different tastes and what might not appeal to me could be highly regarded by others.

Overall, while the piece had its moments, it didn't quite meet my expectations for a Pulitzer-worthy work.

This book won The Pulitzer in 1974. It is the second book I've recently read that was written in the 70's, which is simply a coincidence. It is also the first book I've read by Annie Dillard. I didn't understand everything, yet the writing is exquisite. Reading it becomes a calm and meditative experience.

There is much to admire about Ms. Dillard. Her writing talent is remarkable, as is her natural curiosity for the natural world around her and her adventures while walking.

There are many lovely passages in the book. Here's a sample excerpt that I read a few times myself: "Unfortunately, nature is very much a now-you-see-it, now-you-don't affair. A fish flashes, then dissolves in water before my eyes like so much salt. Deer apparently ascend bodily into heaven; the brightest oriole fades into leaves. These disappearances stun me into stillness and concentration; they say of nature that it conceals with a grand nonchalance, and they say of a vision that it is a deliberate gift, a revelation of a dancer who for my eyes only flings away her seven veils. For nature does reveal as well as conceals: now-you-don't see it, now-you-do."

The opening line of this memoir is a treasure: "I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest."

Overall, this book by Annie Dillard is a captivating read that offers beautiful insights into the natural world and the human experience.