Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
41(41%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
25(25%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Once again, whenever I cracked open this particular work by TTW, it had the power to transport me to the desert.

Although it may not be my absolute favorite among her creations, it still abounds with an abundance of beautiful imagery and captivating stories.

The descriptions are so vivid that they seem to leap off the page and paint a detailed picture in one's mind.

If you are already a fan of TTW, then this work is definitely worth a read as it offers a unique perspective and more of her signature style.

However, if you have never delved into her writing before, I would suggest starting elsewhere.

Works like "Refuge" or "An Unspoken Hunger" might be better introductions to her literary world, allowing you to get a better sense of her range and talent before exploring this particular piece.

Nonetheless, this work still has its own charm and allure that can吸引 readers and keep them engaged from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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If you’ve ever experienced a profound sense of peace, a feeling of belonging, or a deep well of love for and within the deserts of Southern Utah, then Terry Tempest Williams is the author who can capture all of those emotions and transform them into the most beautiful stories and sentences. Her works are like a gentle breeze that caresses your soul, transporting you to a world where the vastness of the desert meets the depth of human emotions.

One of her books, in particular, has a special charm. It feels like home, a place where you can find solace and inspiration. As you turn the pages, you are drawn into a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The descriptions of the desert landscapes are so vivid that you can almost feel the heat of the sun on your skin and the soft sand beneath your feet.

Terry Tempest Williams has a unique gift for expressing the inexpressible, for making you see the beauty and wonder in the simplest of things. Her words have the power to heal, to inspire, and to make you fall in love with the deserts of Southern Utah all over again.
July 15,2025
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Canyon country is a place of breathtaking beauty.

The deep gorges, the towering cliffs, and the vast expanses of untouched land create a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

The colors of the rocks and the sky seem to blend together in a seamless tapestry, painting a picture that is truly worth preserving.

Wilderness preservation is of vital importance in Canyon country.

It not only protects the natural beauty of the area but also provides a habitat for countless species of plants and animals.

By preserving the wilderness, we are ensuring that future generations will be able to experience the same sense of wonder and amazement that we do today.

We must all do our part to protect this precious resource and ensure that it remains intact for years to come.

Let us all work together to preserve the beauty and vitality of Canyon country.
July 15,2025
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I read this while journeying through southern Utah.

It truly struck a chord within me, echoing my own experiences in that land and during this stage of my life.

She writes from a place of ease and confidence in her womanhood, and also from a profound love for nature.

It makes one wonder, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all make our decisions with the entire creation of God in our thoughts?

Imagine a world where every choice we make is influenced by the awareness of the beauty and interconnectedness of all that exists.

Perhaps then, we would treat the environment with more respect and kindness, and find a greater sense of harmony within ourselves and with the world around us.

This simple yet powerful idea has the potential to transform our lives and the way we interact with the planet.

It is a reminder that we are all part of something much larger, and that our actions have far-reaching consequences.

Let us strive to make decisions that honor and protect all of God's creation.
July 15,2025
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Terry Tempest Williams is truly in a class of her own.

The landscape of her world and mind has the remarkable ability to transform into poetry.

At times, her work may seem a bit too "out there" for some, perhaps stretching the boundaries of what is considered conventional.

However, more often than not, it is filled with profound wisdom and a melodic beauty that is simply captivating.

Reading her words is always a treat, as it allows us to enter into a realm where nature, emotions, and ideas intertwine in the most exquisite way.

Her writing has the power to inspire, to make us see the world around us in a new light, and to touch our hearts on a deep and meaningful level.

Terry Tempest Williams is a literary gem, and her work is a testament to the beauty and power of the written word.

July 15,2025
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I have a great passion for journal keeping. It allows me to record my thoughts, feelings, and experiences, serving as a precious repository of my life's journey.

Terry's books give me a similar impression. It's as if she has opened up her personal journal to the public. Reading her works, I can sense that she writes from a place of comfort and authenticity.

She seems to effortlessly pour out her heart and soul onto the pages, sharing her unique perspectives and insights with the world. Her writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with her on a deeper level.

Terry's decision to make her "journals" accessible to the public is a brave and generous one. It gives us a rare glimpse into her inner world and allows us to learn from her experiences.

Overall, I find Terry's books to be a source of inspiration and entertainment. They remind me of the power of writing and the importance of being true to oneself.
July 15,2025
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This book is a compilation of writings that pay tribute to the red rock of Utah.

To be honest, it doesn't truly align with my personal writing style. Even though it was highly recommended by the Utah state writers association as being representative of excellent Western poetry and prose.

Admittedly, it is rather strange. There are descriptions of naked women prancing through the desert, and each of the elements - wind, earth, water, and sky - has its own dedicated chapter.

I only skimmed through the book, and not much of it really stuck with me. It's possible that I didn't give it a fair chance, but based on my initial impression, it didn't manage to capture my interest or engage me on a deeper level.

Perhaps for those who have a greater affinity for the unique landscapes and cultures of the West, this book might hold more appeal. However, for me, it remains an interesting but ultimately forgettable read.
July 15,2025
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I picked this book up because it was included in the Bookshop SC Winter Reading Program. It wasn't the kind of book that I would usually be attracted to. However, I did like the compilation of different stories, testimonies, and essays it contained.

At first, I was quite intrigued by the diverse range of content. It seemed to offer a unique perspective on various topics. But as I delved deeper into the book, I found that the writing style was a bit too lyrical for my taste. It was almost as if the author was trying too hard to create a beautiful and poetic narrative.

Moreover, there were certain passages that I found oddly erotic. This aspect of the book caught me off guard and made me feel a bit uncomfortable. Overall, while the concept of the book was interesting, the writing style and some of the content didn't quite resonate with me.
July 15,2025
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4.5

I could've done without the religion mentions. It seems that sometimes in certain discussions or descriptions related to Utah, religion gets brought up quite often. Maybe it's an important part of the state's history and culture, but for me, it's not something that I necessarily focus on or need to hear about all the time.


However, despite that, man, I really miss Utah. I miss the beautiful landscapes, the majestic mountains, and the wide-open spaces. Utah has a unique charm that draws you in and makes you feel at peace. Whether it's hiking in the national parks, skiing down the slopes, or just driving along the highways and taking in the scenery, there's always something to do and see.


I also miss the people of Utah. They are friendly, welcoming, and have a strong sense of community. I made some great friends there and had many wonderful experiences. Even though I'm no longer in Utah, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

July 15,2025
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The writing in this particular book was, without a doubt, extremely lyrical. It was as if the words were carefully crafted into a beautiful melody that danced across the pages. However, despite its lyrical charm, I found myself struggling immensely to make it all the way through the book.

On one hand, it did manage to evoke a strong desire within me to return to the breathtakingly beautiful place that is southern Utah. The vivid descriptions of the landscapes and the unique atmosphere of that region truly made me long to be there again.

On the other hand, as much as I appreciated the writing style, I simply do not have the inclination to read any more of this book. Maybe it was the pacing or perhaps it was the overall tone that didn't quite resonate with me. Whatever the reason, I have reached a point where I feel satisfied with what I have read so far and have no further interest in continuing.

July 15,2025
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An incredible example of approaching a subject from multiple perspectives to construct a silhouette of an ineffable thing. Before delving into this, I didn't have a particularly strong inclination towards Utah. However, after reading it, I now have an intense desire to spend weeks traversing and exploring the beautiful state of Utah.

It takes a rather jarring, yet understandable shift towards 9/11 at the conclusion. This unexpected turn adds a layer of depth and significance to the overall narrative. It forces the reader to confront a tragic event that has had a profound impact on the world.

The combination of the exploration of Utah and the mention of 9/11 creates a complex and thought-provoking piece that leaves a lasting impression. It makes one realize the power of words and how they can evoke a wide range of emotions and ideas.

Overall, this article is a testament to the ability of good writing to transport the reader to different places and experiences, and to make them see the world in a new light.
July 15,2025
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The red rock desert, with its vivid and captivating beauty, serves as a unifying element in this experimental book.

The content within the book ranges widely, encompassing various aspects such as public policy, indigenous folklore, metaphysical theories, personal memoir, philosophical mysticism, and moral inquiry.

Despite the seemingly disparate nature of these topics, the author manages to weave them together through the beautiful descriptions of the red rock desert.

The red rock desert is described in such a way that it becomes a symbol, a thread that ties the different strands of content into a cohesive whole.

Readers are taken on a journey through the arid landscapes, with its rich colors and unique geological formations, as they explore the diverse and thought-provoking ideas presented in the book.

The beautiful descriptions of the red rock desert add a layer of depth and beauty to the overall reading experience, making this experimental book a truly engaging and memorable one.
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