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
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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The author's writing is truly remarkable as it is filled with an embodied voice that vividly describes the elements of earth, rock, and water. It beautifully portrays how the body interacts with the natural world, evoking a sense of sensuality. This work serves as an excellent reminder of what is truly important about a place. In addition, I would highly recommend her book Refuge.

Personally, I have a great appreciation for TTW's writing. However, this particular piece could be improved if it were not such a hodgepodge of different forms. It consists of essays, prose poetry, excerpts from magazines and newsletters, as well as journaling. Some of the environmentalist position papers included are rather dry and may not engage the reader as much as the more creative and descriptive parts.

Nevertheless, TTW's talent for writing shines through in many aspects of this work, and it still offers valuable insights and a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and the natural world.
July 15,2025
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A love letter to the desert,

Oh, the desert, a place of such raw and unyielding beauty. The golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see, undulating like waves in a never-ending ocean. The sun beats down mercilessly, yet it gives birth to a unique and vibrant ecosystem. The cacti stand tall, their spines a defense against the harsh elements, and the desert flowers bloom in all their glory, a testament to the resilience of life in this arid land.

But the desert is in danger. Human activities such as overgrazing, mining, and urban expansion are taking a toll on this precious ecosystem. The delicate balance that has been maintained for thousands of years is being disrupted, and the desert is slowly disappearing.

This is an urgent plea that we preserve and protect the desert for generations to come. We must respect its beauty and its importance, and take steps to ensure that it remains a place of wonder and inspiration. Let us all do our part to protect this precious gift of nature.
July 15,2025
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I truly relished the last TTW book that I perused. However, I was completely enamored with Red. Now that I have delved into two of TTW's literary works, I am well aware of what it is that I adore so much about her writing. Her life is replete with numerous family members, fellow Mormons, and other individuals within her community who are antagonistic towards her deeply ingrained environmentalist perspectives, averse to her means of making a living, and hostile to her conscientious choice not to have children. Nevertheless, her reaction to all of this is not one of reciprocal hostility. Instead, it is this articulate writing where she compassionately pens about the people who hold divergent views from her own. Moreover, she is intellectually forthright enough to present their views with the same vigor as she does her own. Subsequently, I have procured two additional of her books and I am intending to read every single thing she has written. Her writing is intelligent, rational, and well thought out - I simply cannot wait for more!

July 15,2025
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This collection truly struck a chord with me, being a fellow enthusiast of the high Utah desert.

It is as if the words within these pages were carefully crafted to speak directly to my soul.

Some of the essays are nothing short of breathtaking.

"Ode to Silence" transports the reader into a world of tranquility and stillness, allowing one to truly appreciate the power of silence in the midst of the vast desert.

"A Prayer for a Wild Millennium" is a poignant and thought-provoking piece that makes us reflect on the importance of preserving the wild and natural world.

And "Wild Mercy" is a masterpiece that beautifully captures the essence of the desert's untamed beauty and the mercy it shows to those who seek it.

Each of these essays offers a unique perspective on the Utah desert and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

It is a collection that I will cherish and return to time and time again.
July 15,2025
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Here is a beautiful collection of essays that has the power to truly prod at your perception of eroticism, stewardship, and politics. Terry Tempest Williams is an author who truly has a remarkable way with words. Her writing is not only engaging but also sticks with you permanently.


The essays in this collection explore these complex themes in a way that is both thought-provoking and enlightening. Williams' use of language is masterful, as she weaves together stories and ideas that draw the reader in and make them question their own beliefs and assumptions.


Whether you are interested in exploring the nature of eroticism, understanding the importance of stewardship, or grappling with political issues, this collection of essays is sure to provide you with a unique and valuable perspective. It is a must-read for anyone who loves great writing and wants to expand their understanding of the world around them.

July 15,2025
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One of my favorite nature writers is Williams. She does an outstanding job in vividly describing her profound love for the red canyons of southern Utah.

Her works, which consist of short stories and essays, have a unique charm. They allow the readers to have a strong sense of sharing her actual experiences.

As you read her descriptions, you can almost picture the magnificent red canyons in your mind's eye. The colors, the textures, and the grandeur of the landscapes come alive through her words.

Williams' writing not only showcases the beauty of nature but also evokes a deep sense of connection and appreciation in the readers. It makes us realize the importance of protecting these precious natural wonders.

Her work is truly a testament to the power of nature writing and its ability to transport us to different places and make us feel a part of something bigger.

July 15,2025
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This work is not a coherent book such as Refuge.

Rather, it is just a loosely related group of essays.

Most of the essays are not fully developed; instead, they seem like mere impressions or journal entries.

Although I also regard the red-rock desert as my home, I could not fully understand much of her prose.

In some places, it seemed like new age puffery.

However, there is a bonus.

This book is actually a collection of previously published material.

So, you can save money by purchasing this book instead of the separate works.

Two books that were previously published and are included here are Desert Quartet and Coyote's Canyon.

Overall, while the lack of coherence and fully developed essays may be a drawback, the fact that it is a collection of previously published works and can potentially save you money makes it an interesting option for those interested in the subject matter.
July 15,2025
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Terry Tempest Williams is an exceptionally special writer.

I received this book as a gift from a white man within a specific age group, and then passed it on to another white man of the same age.

In reality, another one of her books, When Women Were Wolves, which was also given to me by the same man, had a profound resonance in a way that he couldn't have known. I feel that this particular book was closer to his own values.

The desert is a place that I aspire to visit one day, and this book provided a curated glimpse from a point of view that I highly value. I began reading this at the same time as Educated, so perhaps the Mormon women were attempting to convey something to me. Or maybe I was posing a question to them.

Quotes like "Speed is our adaptation to an abstract life." (186) and "It is our nature to be aroused - not once but again and again. Where do we find the strength not to be pulled apart by our passions?" (208) offer deep insights. Also, "But I believe our desire to share is more potent and trustworthy than our desire to be alone." (196) and "Ashes. Ashes. Death is the natural conclusion of love." (207) are thought-provoking.

The story of the frog necklace truly touched me. The rest of the book had its亮点. She is indeed a great writer, but this one wasn't my absolute favorite. Maybe it's because I have the least connection to the subject matter, or perhaps my expectations have been raised because I read her later work first.
July 15,2025
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I had the pleasure of reading and thoroughly enjoying "Refuge" and "When Women Were Birds" by Williams.

Her writing style and the depth of her stories truly captivated me.

Based on my previous experiences with her work, I decided to purchase this 2001 book of hers as well.

This particular book is a unique collection that combines stories, essays, and testimony all centered around the canyons of Utah and their preservation.

What sets this book apart is that it has more of a political flavor compared to her other works.

It delves into the various political issues and challenges surrounding the protection and conservation of these beautiful canyons.

Williams presents different perspectives and arguments, making the readers think about the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations.

Overall, this book is not only an interesting read but also a thought-provoking one that sheds light on an important topic.
July 15,2025
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Classic Terry Tempest Williams

Terry Tempest Williams is a truly remarkable and classic figure in the literary world.

Her works are a profound exploration of the human connection to nature, the environment, and the inner self. With her lyrical prose and powerful insights, she has the ability to transport readers to different landscapes and make them see the world in a new light.

Williams' writing is not only beautiful but also deeply thought-provoking. She tackles important issues such as climate change, conservation, and social justice, and challenges readers to take action and make a difference.

Her books are a source of inspiration and a call to arms for those who care about the future of our planet. Whether you are a nature lover, a literature enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to make a positive impact on the world, Terry Tempest Williams' works are a must-read.

July 15,2025
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Maybe I will finish it.

I am not sure. I am only about half way through and bored silly.

People I love and respect are so inspired by Terry Tempest William's writing, but I just can't get into it.

Maybe it is me? Maybe I should have started with Refuge?

This was on my local bookstore's winter reading list (read three of their books and get gift certificates for wine, cookies, other books!), so I picked it up and just can't get into it.

The stories are not stories. They are basically, "once upon a time, some people went camping. It was beautiful. They found rocks of various colors. They watched the stars. The end".

Even the essays are not that compelling. She doesn't say anything that makes me think "if only people would read this, they would understand the importance of the desert."

I wish someone would explain to me why this book gets such acclaim.

It seems that I am missing something crucial in understanding the allure of this work. Maybe I need to approach it from a different perspective or give it more time.

However, at this point, I am really struggling to find the motivation to continue reading.

Perhaps I will set it aside for now and come back to it later with a fresh mind.

But until then, I will continue to wonder why others seem to love this book so much while I am left feeling rather indifferent.
July 15,2025
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In "Anthropocene Reviewed," John Green takes us on a fascinating journey through the lens of human impact on the planet.

He explores various aspects of our modern world, from the mundane to the extraordinary, and reflects on how we have shaped and continue to shape the Anthropocene era.

Green's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, as he delves into topics such as technology, consumerism, and the environment.

He makes us question our actions and the consequences they have on the planet we call home.

By reviewing different aspects of the Anthropocene, Green offers us a unique perspective on our place in this rapidly changing world.

His work serves as a reminder that we have a responsibility to take care of the planet and make choices that will ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Overall, "Anthropocene Reviewed" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between humans and the environment in the Anthropocene era.
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