This remarkable book found its way to me via a neighbor's charming tiny free library, and it will now take up residence in my very own home library.

It is a truly special volume, being both compact and yet exuding a lovely charm. What's more, it is incredibly powerful and couldn't be more timely.

The words within it resonate deeply: "I do not believe we can look for leadership beyond ourselves. I do not believe we can wait for someone or something to save us from our global predicaments and obligations. I need to look in the mirror and ask this of myself: If I am committed to seeing the direction of our country change, how must I change myself?" (p. 88)

These lines make us stop and reflect. They challenge us to take responsibility and not rely on others to solve the world's problems. It is a call to action, urging us to look within and make the necessary changes in ourselves if we truly want to see a difference in the world around us. This book is not just a collection of words; it is a source of inspiration and a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.

In my opinion, the author vividly showcases an intense unwillingness to form a community with those outside of an extremely small clique of people. This stance significantly undermines her overall argument. She provides ample evidence of her isolationist inclinations. For instance, she moved to a remote town and became upset when there was a threat of more people relocating to that town. It appears that she desires to engage in civic discourse, yet only on her own self-defined terms. Additionally, there is a concerning possessiveness regarding these lands. Strangely, it never seems to dawn on her that humans are indeed the problem in these spaces! Humans seemingly can't refrain from meddling with nature, and this book presents this fact with great clarity. The final bonfire scene is disturbingly appropriate. If we, as humans, truly wish to preserve spaces for other species, we must stay out of them.

A favorite quote from the text is: "We hiked the steep sandy slopes of Jello Hill, so named because of its unstable red scree." pg. 73

Perhaps this precarious and unstable landscape is best left untouched and undisturbed? After all, our interference often leads to more harm than good. We should respect the natural order and allow these areas to thrive without our constant intrusion.

The open space of democracy is a fascinating concept. It摒弃了等级制度，而专注于网络和系统，在其中权力是循环的，而非线性的。这种权力不是为少数有资格的人保留的，而是由许多人共享和维护的。公共土地是我们的公共资源，它们属于每一个人。

What I know is this: When one hungers for light, it is only because one's knowledge of the dark is so deep. This profound statement makes us realize that our longing for something often stems from our awareness of its opposite. It is through our experiences in the darkness that we come to appreciate the value of light.

What mattered most to me was not what I was willing to give my life for, but what I was willing to give my life to. This distinction is crucial. Giving one's life for something implies a sacrifice, while giving one's life to something suggests a dedication and a purpose. It is about finding that one thing that truly matters and devoting ourselves to it wholeheartedly.

The power of nature is the power of a life in association. Nothing stands alone. This reminds us of the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. Every living being depends on others for survival and growth. We are all part of a complex web of life, and we must respect and protect this delicate balance.

Started my second reading of this book yesterday.

It's truly an engaging experience to revisit this literary work. The first time I read it, I was simply captivated by the story. But now, on this second go, I find myself noticing details that I might have overlooked before. The author's writing style is so vivid and descriptive that it brings the characters and the settings to life in my mind. Each page seems to unfold a new layer of the narrative, making me eager to turn the next one. I'm looking forward to seeing how this second reading will deepen my understanding and appreciation of the book. It's like uncovering hidden treasures within its pages, and I can't wait to discover more.

I think this book has a special charm that keeps drawing me back. It's not just a story; it's an exploration of different emotions, ideas, and perspectives. I believe that every time I read it, I'll gain something new from it.

At this moment when the political climate is extremely tense and full of disparagement, I have determined that a re-read is necessary. "TTW" is an absolute favorite of mine. To be more specific, this particular book is undoubtedly the best among all. It is a quick read that is filled with inspiring thoughts and provocations. My paperback copy is extensively highlighted and noted, and it has been so well-worn that it is like picking up a journal from years ago. I can clearly and insightfully read into my past thoughts and emotions with each reading, starting from over six years ago when I first read it.

As a side note, during my time in the U.S. Senate, I had the remarkable opportunity to meet (and provide a rather significant congressional favor for) TTW. This was easily one of the shining moments of my short-lived Capitol Hill career! To begin with, she was incredibly humble and gracious, and when she realized that I was a fan, she became even more so. It was truly epic.

This book has not only provided me with intellectual stimulation but also served as a reminder of a special encounter in my life. I look forward to re-immersing myself in its pages and uncovering new insights and perspectives.

Terry Tempest Williams has always been an author who never fails to impress me.

Even though this particular book is not a recent publication, the ideals that Tempest presents regarding the relationship between open spaces and democracy still hold great significance and truth in today's world.

Her words have a way of transporting the reader into the beauty and wonder of nature, while also making them aware of the importance of activism and environmental conservation.

This book is truly a good read for anyone who has a passion for reading detailed and vivid descriptions of nature, for those who are interested in the power of activism to bring about change, or for those who simply care about the environment and want to understand its significance in our lives.

Terry Tempest Williams has once again proven herself to be a masterful writer, and this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the complex and beautiful relationship between humans and the natural world.

A truly stunning book was penned by TTW during the Bush administration, specifically after 9/11. However, this remarkable work appears to be just as relevant in the present Trump era. I have an intense love for this book, and it has reaffirmed for me, as if I even required such confirmation, what an extraordinary writer and profound thinker she truly is. The book delves into various aspects that were significant during the Bush years and yet still hold great importance and resonance today. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can help us better understand the complex world we live in. TTW's writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing the reader in and making them eager to explore every page. Her thoughts and ideas are presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing for easy comprehension. This book is not only a great read but also a thought-provoking piece that can have a lasting impact on the reader.

Terry Tempest Williams delivered one of the most incredible speeches I've ever listened to.

It was last Fall at the SHIFT festival in Jackson. Ever since then (and even before), I've been eager to read her work.

This book, perhaps, wasn't the absolute best place to begin. It's sort of a random compilation of essays. However, it's all really good stuff.

What was of the most interest was reading about her feelings of despair during the W. administration, when compared to our current feelings with Trump. You can sense that it kind of felt like everything was over back then. I vividly remember protesting the insane Iraq War in 2005 in DC. And now, here we are again, facing similar uncertainties and challenges.

Williams' words in this book offer a profound and thought-provoking look into her experiences and perspectives, which are both timely and timeless. It makes one reflect on the state of our world and our role in it.

The most fascinating book I read in my Environmental Citizenship class at Northland College in Ashland, WI was truly an eye-opener.

It was a book that not only provided valuable insights into environmental issues but also had a personal touch for me.

I felt a deep connection with the author, Williams, as I too had grown up in the Utah Mormon culture, just like her.

This shared background made her stories and experiences even more relatable and engaging.

Through her words, I was able to see the intersection of religion, culture, and the environment in a whole new light.

It made me reflect on my own values and how they related to the importance of taking care of our planet.

The book also introduced me to new perspectives and ideas that I had never considered before.

It challenged me to think more critically about the choices we make and the impact they have on the environment.

Overall, it was an unforgettable reading experience that had a profound impact on my understanding of environmental citizenship.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the environment and how our personal beliefs and cultures can influence our actions.

Odds are, I should love nearly everything Terry Tempest Williams writes. Her words are precise and unexpected, like precious gems that sparkle in the light. Her descriptions of landscapes are magically alive, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. I admire her unwavering commitment to the wilderness and the natural world, and I share many of her political and social values. And yet, I find her books almost impossible to read. Paragraphs unwind, sentence by gorgeous sentence:

"Scale cannot be registered here [in the Arctic] in human terms. It is geologic, tectonic, and planetary. Stegosauraslike ridge-lines form the boundaries of our passage. Ribbonlike waterfalls cascade for miles down cliffs. What I thought was a swallow became an eagle. Weather changes minute by minute. Gray tumultuous clouds weave themselves into patterns of herringbone, yet a strange softness abides, even in the razor-cut terror of this rugged terrain."[44]

But then there are such passages as this:

"The power of nature is the power of life in association. Nothing stands alone. On my haunches, I see a sunburst lichen attached to limestone; algae and fungi are working together to break down rock into soil. I cannot help but recognize a radical form of democracy at play. Each organism is rooted in its own biological niche, drawing its power from its relationship to other organisms. An equality of being contributes to an ecological state of health and succession." [58]

Wait, that's ridiculous. Why radical democracy? Why not anarcho-capitalism, or ecological realpolitik? What on earth is 'an equality of being' - how would you measure this? I suspect that the aspect of Williams' writing that drives me crazy is why so many people find it compelling: she maps progressive values directly onto striking, concrete images of nature, not as analogies, but as manifestations of truth. This approach has a long and respectable tradition in American letters that stretches back to the Transcendentalists; few have done it so skillfully. But if you're a natural skeptic, and want language to help refine your thoughts and intuitions, this style is incredibly distracting.

This book itself is a collection of three essays. The first recounts a politically liberal graduation speech she gave at a conservative Utah university in 2003. The middle one is a deeply moving record of a canoe trip across the North Slope in Alaska (from which the passages quoted above are taken). And the last is an account of a community pulling together to fend off a resort subdivision in Castle Valley, Utah. While I'm glad her community won this last fight, I was struck by the ways privilege gave this community an advantage: well-connected residents, not all wealthy, but several with ties to deep pockets. Williams seems aware of this too; her point is broader: that in engaging to protect open spaces and ecological and social justice in our communities, we protect democracy and civilization. It's more than a bit mystical, but if you're already there, you may love this book.

The first essay was truly 5-star worthy. It was an outstanding piece of work that managed to beautifully tie the American ideal of democracy to America's wilderness.

However, the other two essays didn't quite reach the same high standard. They were good, but not as excellent as the first one.

This is the reason behind the 4-star rating.

Nonetheless, it should be emphasized that the first essay was excellent, excellent, excellent. The way the author connected the concept of democracy with the wilderness was not necessarily a completely ground-breaking idea, but the choice of words and the way it was presented were sheer genius.

It really made the reader think and view the relationship between these two aspects in a new and interesting light.

Overall, while the other two essays had their merits, it was the first essay that truly stood out and made this collection a worthy read.

Poetry for nature and the thoughtful use of our land is of utmost importance.

It is as close as an atheist can come to offering a prayer for the careful utilization and the deliberate un-use of resources.

This kind of poetry has the power to make us think deeply.

The prose it employs is as soft as water, gently flowing and caressing our minds.

Yet, it is also as strong as a mountain, unwavering and firm in its message.

It makes us reflect on our relationship with nature and the impact of our actions on the land.

By reading and contemplating such poetry, we can gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and value of nature.

We can also become more conscious of our role in protecting and preserving it for future generations.

Let us all be inspired by this poetry and strive to make more thoughtful choices in our use of resources.