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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

This is a rather quick read, and it functions more like a journal than a traditional novel. It is crafted based on her diverse experiences, such as traveling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, being at home in Castle Rock, Utah, and having interactions with Congress in D.C. Williams is truly an outstanding author. Whenever I find myself in need of reaffirming my unwavering commitment to the crucial values of wildland conservation and education, I can always turn to her works.

She has this remarkable ability to always deliver a sense of inspiration and hope. In a world where so much of what occurs in the political sphere makes me feel like burying my head in the sand, plugging my ears, and simply going "la la la la!", her writing serves as a guiding light. I deeply admire her tenacity and the way she uses her words to make a difference. Her works have a profound impact on me and, I believe, on many others who share the same passion for wildland conservation and education.

A book that is truly a treasure trove of beauty, reason, and wisdom.

Within its pages lies a profound truth about love. It states that "Love is nurtured through time. Time is what we lack." (p. 52.) This simple yet powerful statement makes us stop and reflect.

In our fast-paced modern lives, we are constantly in a rush, always short on time. We often forget that love requires patience and dedication. It cannot be rushed or forced.

Love blossoms slowly, like a delicate flower that needs sunlight, water, and care to grow. We need to take the time to listen to our loved ones, understand their needs, and show them affection.

Perhaps we should all take a step back and reevaluate our priorities. Make time for the people and things that truly matter in our lives. After all, love is one of the most precious gifts we can give and receive.

Let us not let the lack of time rob us of the opportunity to experience the beauty and joy of love.

Williams pens this book during the Bush administration.

It serves as a reminder that numerous individuals experienced a sense of unease and being out of sorts during that particular administration. Thankfully, no one possessed a crystal ball to envision how we could have transitioned from a situation that was considered "bad" under Bush to one that is far worse in the new Trump administration. Discovering this book at present has brought me a feeling of tranquility. It reveals how nature has the power to bring people together, regardless of their political inclinations.

Williams' sentences are as lyrical and rich as the habitats she is描绘ing. I had not perused her works for an extended period, yet I was swiftly drawn in and reminded of the reasons why I have an affinity for her writing! I am uncertain if I have a favorite segment within the book, but the account of her graduation speech and her dialogue with a local politician and neighbor who held different views from hers stands out. The conversation is one that we ought to be engaging in repeatedly with our neighbors.

Do read this book.

In a world filled with chaos and dissonance, many of us are seeking a sense of centering. As we strive to find our place in this ever-changing landscape, one crucial aspect that demands our attention is the protection of wilderness.

Wilderness areas are not only havens for countless species of plants and animals but also serve as a source of inspiration and rejuvenation for us humans. They offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life, allowing us to reconnect with nature and find inner peace.

However, these precious areas are under threat from various human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and urban expansion. It is essential that we take immediate action to safeguard them for future generations.

This article serves as a must-read for all those who are passionate about protecting the wilderness. It explores the importance of wilderness conservation, the challenges we face, and the steps we can take to make a difference.

By reading this article, you will gain a deeper understanding of the significance of wilderness and be inspired to take action in your own life. Whether it's through supporting conservation organizations, reducing your carbon footprint, or simply spending more time in nature, every little bit helps.

So, if you're looking for a way to center yourself in times of dissonance and make a positive impact on the world, pick up this article and start reading. Let's work together to protect the wilderness and ensure a sustainable future for all.