It has been a long time since I last delved into this book.

When it was first released, I happened to hear Terry Tempest Williams being interviewed and giving a reading from the book on NPR.

At that moment, it was quite beyond the scope of what I usually read. However, the reading was truly beautiful and the interview was so captivating that I instantly purchased a copy.

I think I even abandoned whatever I was currently engrossed in to start reading this one.

Williams masterfully weaves together the tragedy of breast cancer, the atomic testing that led to it, and the natural world of the Great Salt Lake to craft a powerful and lyrical memoir.

This is a book that you simply must not miss. It offers a unique perspective on life, love, and loss, and will leave you deeply moved and inspired.

Whether you are a fan of memoirs or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this book is sure to satisfy. So, don't hesitate any longer. Pick up a copy today and embark on this remarkable journey with Terry Tempest Williams.

I really, really wanted to like this book.

The writing within its pages is truly gorgeous. Williams has a way with words that makes the descriptions come alive.

Moreover, she talks about places that I know and love, which initially made me feel a strong connection to the story.

However, perhaps it was the mood I was in - I'm not entirely sure - but the book seemed to move at a glacial pace for me.

There was an excessive amount of introspection, which is a trait that I also don't appreciate in "Gifts from the Sea".

And to make matters worse, there was just too much emphasis on birds.

I found myself wondering if the historic facts she shared would be boring to anyone not already familiar with The Great Salt Lake.

In conclusion, while the writing is lovely, the overall pacing of the book is slow and may not be to everyone's taste.

Fascinante.

This word truly captures the essence of something that is captivating and enchanting. It has the power to draw us in and hold our attention, making us curious to know more.

When we encounter something fascinante, it can have a profound impact on us. It might be a beautiful piece of art, a thrilling adventure, or an interesting person.

The beauty of the fascinante lies in its ability to激发 our emotions and imagination. It can make us feel excited, inspired, or even a little bit in awe.

Whether it's a natural wonder, a cultural phenomenon, or a scientific discovery, the fascinante has the potential to leave a lasting impression on our lives.

So, the next time you come across something that you find fascinante, take a moment to soak it in and appreciate its unique魅力.

I must admit that I have a soft spot for birds, so perhaps I'm a bit biased in this review. When I initially read the summary and saw that it was about someone who "talks about birds," I thought, "Lol, okay, whatever. I like birds too." But boy, was I in for a treat! Y'all, she really delves deep into the world of birds. Every chapter has a bird title, and she masterfully weaves together the different life histories of various birds with the specific experiences she's had with them and how it all relates to what's going on in her family. This is truly extra special for me because I do the exact same thing! The way I build symbolism and metaphor around birds was finally recognized and validated when I read this book. It's honestly one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone out there. Whether you're a bird lover or not, you'll find something truly captivating and inspiring in these pages.

I was able to read 'Refuge'. It had accumulated clutter or things out of place, not only for reading but also for looking for photos of the Great Salt Lake, the places in Utah, and the birds that Terry Tempest Williams talks about in this book first published in 1991.

'Refuge' also tells the story of her mother and grandmother with cancer, how they navigate vulnerability, fear, and pain; it exposes the family implications of an illness that consumes in so many ways. It is the precursor to 'When Women Were Birds'.

It is also a denunciation of what we keep doing to the Earth and how that invariably affects us (we operate at tremendously stupid levels, man).

I underlined a lot, folded many corners, and also cried. It is by no means an easy read, but it does tug at several mental threads, little by little, without completely overwhelming, thanks to the way it is written. It makes you wish you had the level of spiritual reflection of Ms. Terry, damn it.

Overall, 'Refuge' is a powerful and thought-provoking work that combines personal narrative with environmental and social commentary. It forces us to confront our own mortality, the impact of illness on our families, and our responsibility towards the planet. Williams' writing is beautiful and poignant, and her words stay with you long after you've finished reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a profound and meaningful read.

Beautiful writing.

I wholeheartedly share the author's profound love of birds. In fact, today I took a trip to a bird sanctuary to pay a visit to some of the very birds she so vividly spoke about.

As I walked through the sanctuary, I could almost feel the author's presence, her words guiding my every step.

The description of her mother's illness and death was truly remarkable. It was not only heartfelt but also spiritual and deeply moving.

It made me reflect on the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing those we love.

The author's ability to convey such complex emotions through her writing is truly a gift.

It has left a lasting impression on me and has inspired me to look at the world around me with a newfound appreciation.

I am grateful to have come across this beautiful piece of writing and look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

I vividly remember hearing extremely wonderful reviews of this book when it initially came out in the early 1980s.

Now, I am truly overjoyed that I patiently waited all these years to finally read it. Recently, I received this book as a precious gift from a dear friend, and it arrived at the most perfect moment.

This is a truly lovely and captivating evocation of both place and family. The author's mother is a vibrant woman, who is close to my current age and even shares the same birthday. Sadly, she is dying of cancer.

Simultaneously, the changing weather patterns are causing havoc in the Salt Lake City region. (How I dread to think about what might be happening in that same region now, thirty years later!)

Williams is valiantly struggling to put all of this into context. As a naturalist, she is a quiet and patient observer. She has the remarkable ability to closely report the still, small details that transform this difficult period in the author's life into an incredibly resonant and moving experience to read.

Moreover, the narrative effortlessly stretches across region, time, and culture, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

I read this book some time ago and am now re-reading it. This is because a dear friend of mine is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The author vividly writes about the wildlife of the Great Salt Lake and her family's journey during her mother's cancer treatment. The intersections between the crisis of wildlife and human life are truly amazing. It shows how nature and our lives are intertwined in unexpected ways.

Williams is a very talented writer and a devoted naturalist. Her love for nature shines through in her writing. She has a unique perspective on the world around us. Additionally, she is a Mormon, and the geography described in her book will be familiar to other LDS members. This adds an extra layer of interest and connection for those who share the same religious background.

Overall, this book is not only a beautiful exploration of nature but also a touching account of a family's experience with cancer. It makes you think about the importance of both the natural world and our relationships with others. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about nature, family, and the human experience.

I'm currently on page 240 out of 290, yet I felt a strong inspiration to write.

This is an incredibly beautiful, authentic, and at times, challenging book to read. It chronicles a woman's arduous journey as she witnesses her mother's battle with cancer and subsequent death.

The author lives in Salt Lake City and is a naturalist. She attempts to find meaning in the events of her life by relating them to nature, much like Kathleen Dean Moore does in her outstanding books.

Quite often, I am inquired about books suitable for those dealing with cancer. And this one stands out as the most genuine consideration I've encountered so far.

I was deeply moved to tears when her mom passed away, and I'm not typically one to shed tears over books. As soon as I finish writing this, I'll eagerly continue reading.

I'm now debating whether to recommend this book to a friend whose daughter is currently facing cancer. One has to be mentally and emotionally prepared for it. However, if you are, it offers an astonishingly real account that might bring a measure of comfort.

It's a book that delves deep into the human experience of loss and the search for hope and understanding in the face of tragedy.

This book holds an extremely profound and personal significance for me, making it almost impossible for me to commence any discussion about it.

As an individual who has recently endured the heart-wrenching loss of a dear relative due to cancer, delving into this book was an arduous task. However, despite the initial difficulty, it managed to offer a glimmer of comfort.

It made me embark on a journey of self-discovery, compelling me to search for my unique connection to the world and strive to uncover the true meaning that lies within me.

It served as a catalyst, awakening a sense of purpose and a desire to make sense of my existence in the wake of such a profound loss.

Overall, this book, although challenging, has had a profound impact on my perspective and has set me on a path of introspection and growth.

This book truly touched my soul. It has become a form of meditation for me, as each chapter presents new questions and, at times, answers.

At the very beginning, Tempest Williams writes, "I was raised to believe in a spirit world, that life exists before the earth and will continue to exist afterward, that each human being, bird and bulrush, along with all other life forms had a spirit life before it came to dwell physically on the earth. Each occupied an assigned sphere of influence, each has a place and a purpose."

She weaves this thread throughout the book, chronicling nature's own destruction of a wildlife refuge in parallel with her mother's battle against cancer. It has introduced me to the everyday life within the Mormon community, a religion about which I previously knew very little. So much of what she writes is like poetry, compelling you to deeply consider the written word and the profound meanings she conveys through her vignettes. I would highly recommend this moving memoir to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

It offers a unique perspective on life, nature, and the human spirit, and has the power to leave a lasting impact on the reader's heart and mind.

This book made me cry!!!

It was truly an emotional rollercoaster. From the very first page, I was completely engrossed in the story. The characters were so vividly portrayed that I felt as if I knew them personally. Their joys and sorrows became my own.

As the plot unfolded, I found myself on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down. There were moments of intense excitement and anticipation, and then there were those heart-wrenching scenes that brought tears to my eyes.

The author's writing style was so beautiful and powerful that it had a profound impact on me. I could feel the emotions leaping off the pages and into my heart.

This book is not just a story; it's an experience. It made me laugh, it made me think, and most importantly, it made me cry. I will never forget this wonderful book and the emotions it evoked in me.