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New Patriotism Series #4

The Open Space of Democracy

terry tempest williams mary frank

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Terry Tempest Williams presents a sharp-edged perspective on the ethics and politics of place, spiritual democracy, and the responsibilities of citizen engagement. By turns elegiac, inspiring, and passionate, The Open Space of Democracy offers a fresh perspective on the critical questions of our time.

107 pages, Paperback

First published August 1,2004
Series
New Patriotism Series

This edition

Format
107 pages, Paperback
Published
August 1, 2004 by The Orion Society
ISBN
9780913098639
ASIN
0913098639
Language
English

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About the author

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terry tempest williams

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Terry Tempest Williams is an American author, conservationist and activist. Williams' writing is rooted in the American West and has been significantly influenced by the arid landscape of her native Utah in which she was raised. Her work ranges from issues of ecology and wilderness preservation, to women's health, to exploring our relationship to culture and nature.

She has testified before Congress on women's health, committed acts of civil disobedience in the years 1987 - 1992 in protest against nuclear testing in the Nevada Desert, and again, in March, 2003 in Washington, D.C., with Code Pink, against the Iraq War. She has been a guest at the White House, has camped in the remote regions of the Utah and Alaska wildernesses and worked as "a barefoot artist" in Rwanda.

Williams is the author of Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place; An Unspoken Hunger: Stories from the Field; Desert Quartet; Leap; Red: Patience and Passion in the Desert; and The Open Space of Democracy. Her book Finding Beauty in a Broken World was published in 2008 by Pantheon Books.

In 2006, Williams received the Robert Marshall Award from The Wilderness Society, their highest honor given to an American citizen. She also received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Western American Literature Association and the Wallace Stegner Award given by The Center for the American West. She is the recipient of a Lannan Literary Award for Nonfictionand a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship in creative nonfiction. Williams was featured in Ken Burns' PBS series The National Parks: America's Best Idea (2009). In 2011, she received the 18th International Peace Award given by the Community of Christ Church.

Williams is currently the Annie Clark Tanner Scholar in Environmental Humanities at the University of Utah and a columnist for the magazine The Progressive. She has been a Montgomery Fellow at Dartmouth College where she continues to teach. She divides her time between Wilson, Wyoming and Castle Valley, Utah, where her husband Brooke is field coordinator for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 45 votes)
5 stars
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45 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
GinMagi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is not a current book.

However, anyone who is deeply concerned about the horrid attacks on our environment by this irresponsible administration should definitely read this.

Terry Tempest Williams, as always, writes with a remarkable combination of integrity and poetry that seamlessly merge into truth.

Her words have the power to open our eyes and make us truly understand the magnitude of the environmental issues we are facing.

Through her writing, she not only exposes the harmful actions of the administration but also offers hope and inspiration for change.

Reading this book can be a transformative experience, awakening us to the need to take action and protect our precious planet.

It is a call to arms for all those who care about the future of our environment and want to make a difference.

So, don't hesitate, pick up this book and let Terry Tempest Williams' words guide you on a journey towards a more sustainable and just world.

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ryuzakiraiga
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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4.5 stars

I have an unwavering love for Terry Tempest Williams' writing. Her descriptions, though sparse, possess a poetic quality that is truly remarkable in both its brevity and depth. The words she pens linger with me, inviting me to turn them over and savor them, or to consider them time and time again.

Her descriptive prowess nourishes both my senses and my soul. Her ideas resonate deeply within me, yet they also compel me to reevaluate my own feelings. Her passion is contagious, filling me with hope. Her conceptions of democracy, regardless of whether one agrees with her foundation or not, are in desperate need of spreading in this highly divided political climate.

After delving into her work, I find myself longing to take the time to relish the nature that surrounds me and to formulate plans to explore the more secluded areas within my reach. I am inspired to persist in focusing my efforts on local issues, ensuring that my voice is heard, and becoming an active participant in what she terms "active democracy" and a "dynamic citizenry." This is a powerful call to action that cannot be ignored.


I could easily fill pages upon pages with my favorite quotes from her work (including a significant portion of the last 5 pages of the book), but for the sake of brevity, I will limit myself to just a few. As she so eloquently states, "Beauty is another word for God." (p. 57) The roots of silver-leafed willows, exposed in the cut bank, tremble like the nervous system of the Arctic. (p. 44) In the open space of democracy, beauty is not optional, but essential to our survival as a species. (p. 41) If we cannot engage in respectful listening, there can be no civil dialogue, and without civil dialogue, we the people will simply devolve into bullies and brutes... (p. 23) The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinions? And do we have enough resolve in our hearts to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up - ever - trusting our fellow citizens to join with us in our determined pursuit of a living democracy? (p.83-84) As Umberto Eco so aptly put it, "The delicate game of democracy provides for a dialectic between opinions and beliefs in the hope that such exchange will expand the collective moral conscience that is the basis of orderly cohabitation." (p. 19) These quotes serve as a testament to the profound wisdom and beauty that can be found within Terry Tempest Williams' writing.
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sneebert
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Oh, I truly adored this.

I have an almost unwavering love for pretty much everything that Terry Tempest Williams pens.

However, this particular book held a special significance for me as it was extremely timely.

Her essays are not only beautiful in their language and style but also carry great importance.

They touch on a wide range of topics, from nature and the environment to human relationships and the human condition.

Each essay is like a precious gem, shining with wisdom and insight.

Terry Tempest Williams has a unique ability to make the reader see the world in a different light, to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and to understand the importance of our connection to it.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves literature, nature, or simply wants to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

It is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.
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Zirmonan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Beautiful 'Reflective Activism'

Williams presents a truly captivating and thought-provoking piece. Her unique and lovely way of expressing her thoughts about the essence of democracy, environmental justice, and the hope for our national culture is both engaging and inspiring.

As you read through her words, you can't help but be drawn into her perspective and start to reflect on your own role as a citizen. The way she weaves together these important themes makes you realize the significance of being an actively engaged member of society.

After finishing this article, you are left with a sense of motivation and a desire to take action. You want to contribute to the betterment of our democracy, fight for environmental justice, and help shape a more hopeful national culture. Williams' 'reflective activism' has the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers and encourage them to become more involved in the issues that matter.

It is through such powerful writing that we can start to make a positive change and build a more just and sustainable future for all.
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DanteArigieri
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book is truly a precious gem, just like all the other books I have read by Terry Tempest Williams. I believe that "beautiful" is the most fitting word to describe her writing. However, it is not only beautiful but also passionate, emotional, and full of hope.

This book consists of a collection of essays where she defines the open space of democracy as it pertains to our public lands, our communities, and our interactions with others - in other words, our daily lives. She begins with a commencement speech to graduates, an exchange of letters with a senator in her home state of Utah, time spent in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and becoming part of a collaboration in her community to determine what is best for the community as a whole.

She tells the reader, "when democracy disappears, we are asked to accept the way things are," and then says we can respond with: "this is what the open space of democracy looks like: QUESTION. STAND. SPEAK. ACT. Make us uncomfortable. Make us think. Make us feel. Keep us free."

"Democracy is an insecure landscape," she warns, so we need to listen, discuss, and act with respect in order to find a bridge to understanding and trust.

Without a doubt, I know I will read this book over and over again. I clearly see a need, at least within myself, to feel inspired, hopeful, energized, and validated, and her writing serves as the motivation. Moreover, I firmly believe that this book should be required reading for every high school graduate.

Right now, we all迫切 need Terry Tempest Williams' words of wisdom!
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Roflkopt3r
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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What a wonderful mind this woman has.

She is truly remarkable. Her thoughts are like a brilliant light shining in the darkness, guiding her and those around her. Her intelligence is not only sharp but also creative, allowing her to come up with unique solutions to problems. She has a deep understanding of the world and people, which enables her to communicate effectively and build strong relationships. Her curiosity drives her to constantly seek new knowledge and experiences, making her a never-ending source of inspiration. With her wonderful mind, she is able to achieve great things and make a positive impact on the world. We should all strive to have a mind as wonderful as hers.
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edorcean100
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This remarkable book has had a profound impact on me.

It played a crucial role in restoring my unwavering belief in the democratic process. In a world where there are often doubts and uncertainties, this book served as a guiding light, reaffirming the importance and power of democratic ideals.

Moreover, it rejuvenated my artistic process. It inspired me to look at the world from new perspectives, to explore different themes and mediums, and to express my thoughts and emotions in more creative ways.

Most importantly, it kindled within me a strong desire to help change the way we use and interact with our environment. It made me realize the significance of our actions and how they can have a lasting impact on the world around us.

Thanks to this book, I am now more determined than ever to contribute to a more democratic, creative, and sustainable future.
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NandS2
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book was truly great.

It contains a diverse collection of essays that touch upon various important topics such as democracy, conservation, beauty, and communal activism.

The author, who is Mormon and hails from Utah, presents her thoughts and ideas in a powerful and engaging manner.

Her essays are not only thought-provoking but also refreshing and encouraging.

She emphasizes the importance of our social and environmental responsibility, urging readers to take an active role in making a positive change in the world.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in these topics and wants to be inspired to make a difference.
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