I don't have a great affection for poetry, nor do I enjoy constant repeating. However, the stories are truly wonderful.

I am from the West, and Mr. Stegner's descriptions have made me think deeply of home. His words seem to paint a vivid picture of the landscapes, the people, and the way of life that I hold dear.

It's as if he has tapped into the very essence of what it means to be from the West and has shared it with the world through his writing.

The stories he tells are not only entertaining but also have a profound impact on the reader, making them reflect on their own roots and the places that have shaped them.

Mr. Stegner's work is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people across time and space.

The collection of essays presented here is rather uneven.

Some of them truly stand out as great works, captivating the reader with their profound insights, engaging writing styles, and unique perspectives. These outstanding essays have the power to transport the reader to different worlds, make them think deeply about various topics, and leave a lasting impression.

However, not all the essays in this collection reach the same high standard. There are a few that seem lacking in substance or fail to fully develop their ideas. They may be overly simplistic or lack the necessary depth and complexity to truly resonate with the reader.

Nevertheless, despite the uneven quality, the presence of those few great essays makes this collection worth exploring. They offer a glimmer of hope and inspiration, showing what can be achieved when a writer truly masters the art of the essay.

Overall, while the collection may have its flaws, it still has the potential to provide readers with a rewarding and thought-provoking experience.

I absolutely loved the essays.

They had a profound impact on me, making me think deeply about our sense of place in the West.

The words on those pages seemed to transport me to different landscapes and cultures within the Western region.

It made me realize how diverse and complex our sense of place can be.

We are influenced by the history, the environment, and the people around us.

These essays forced me to question my own understanding of where I belong and what it means to have a sense of place in this vast and ever-changing West.

They opened my eyes to new perspectives and made me appreciate the unique qualities that each place holds.

I am truly grateful for having read these essays and for the opportunity they gave me to reflect on such an important aspect of our lives.

While I was able to put this book down for 6 months without reading a single page, I did find great enjoyment in the stories it contains. I picked up this second-hand book in a store located within an Islamabad mall. Some of the stories about the author's life, experiences, and his thoughts on the West date back to the 'long' ago. However, I still felt a strong resonance with what he had to say, especially when it comes to the topic of water use. We should all be more conscious and not waste this precious resource.

The last portion of the book is quite interesting, albeit very different. It gave me the feeling as if I was sitting in a literature class, which I suspect the author used to teach (alongside writing courses) at Stanford. His perspective and reflection on the various authors and their stories were truly captivating. It compelled me to select a book from each of the authors he reviewed that I was previously unfamiliar with. This made me think about which authors I have read their entire collections. Perhaps in the past, I could have said that about Isabelle Allende or Tom Robbins. But the author of this book focuses more specifically on the subject matter of each author he discusses.

Yes, the power of place. I've lived in the west all my life, and yet, it was when I read this book that I truly fell in love with the west. Stegner is an amazing author. I got nothing but pure inspiration from his work.

If you are a westerner or if you wish to understand the west, just read this book. I had all these deep and complex feelings about the west, especially Utah. Stegner, with his masterful writing, helped me articulate those feelings that had been buried within me.

I first read this book in July 2005, and it left an indelible mark on my heart. Then, in April 2013, I decided to read it again. Each time I pick up this book, it's like embarking on a new journey, uncovering new layers of the west's beauty, history, and spirit.

It's not just a book; it's a connection to a place, a way of life, and a set of values that are deeply ingrained in the western culture. Stegner's words have the power to transport you to the wide-open spaces, the majestic mountains, and the arid deserts of the west. They make you feel the wind on your face, the sun on your back, and the earth beneath your feet.

This book is a must-read for anyone who has a love for the west or who wants to experience its magic through the written word. It will open your eyes, touch your soul, and make you fall in love with the west all over again.

Not entry-level Stegner, which is my own mistake. This collection of essays is better suited to readers seeking more profound insights into the way he writes and thinks. For instance, a longtime fan would find it more engaging than someone with a casual interest in the Western experience, hoping for a book to stand beside Desert Solitaire. There are countless references to Stegner's earlier works, and especially to The Big Rock Candy Mountain. In fact, there are so many that I realized I was not the intended audience. If I didn't know he assumed I'd already read it, this would strongly resemble a 227-page advertisement.

On what makes the Western experience unique, I found a voice worth listening to. However, the problem is that this work may not be the finest distillation of those themes in his long career. He states, “... the whole West, including much of California, is arid country, as I’ve been reiterating ad nauseam for fifty years, and aridity enforces space, which in turn enforces mobility.”

I appreciate how he exposes the cowboy cliché and demolishes the myth of Western independence. Although there isn't any gut-punch prose like that of Edward Abbey, he clearly articulates his point of view, intelligently and expertly weaving in history and ecology to present a compelling thesis.

Unfortunately, not all of it holds up. For example, this note of optimism seems terribly off in 2020, especially when reading beside an air purifier during an unprecedented wildfire season. He writes, “I believe that eventually, perhaps within a generation or two, they will work out some sort of compromise between what must be done to earn a living and what must be done to restore health to the earth, air, and water. I think that they will learn to control corporate power and to dampen the excess that has always marked their region, and will arrive at a degree of stability and a reasonably sustainable economy based on resources they will know how to cherish and renew.” (p. xxii)

But part of the problem is that we didn't listen to Stegner when we had the chance, and now we're facing the consequences, just as an earlier generation ignored John Wesley Powell to its detriment (as Stegner details here and elsewhere). Even though this collection wasn't a perfect fit for me, I'm looking forward to rediscovering Stegner later and uncovering what makes him a truly enduring figure in Western literature.

I came to this collection of essays for several reasons. Firstly, I was in the process of moving out of the Southwest myself, which made me feel particularly reflective about the region. Secondly, I had already read two of Stegner's novels and had thoroughly enjoyed his sober and wise authorial voice. I was curious to see how that would translate into essay form.

These essays truly helped me put into words the appeal and my own attachment to the American West. What was surprising was that it wasn't just in lofty poetic terms, but also through surprisingly technical sociological and ecological reasons. Thankfully, considering my upcoming move, this confirmed the imminent doom regarding my old home's ecological future. The sections on water were already written in a dire way, and that was without knowing the extra 30+ years of unending exurb explosion that were to come.
Although it was a bit textbook-ish at times, this was my first time realizing the long and winding development of ecological concerns and government preservation. It turns out that it goes much deeper than just "Teddy liked the woods." I appreciate Stegner's constant focus on the importance of the federal government in a region that loves to tout its supposed independence.
However, I do think that a newer author would go out of their way to mention Native Americans more. They are notably absent in a "aren't you forgetting someone" kind of way in a couple of the sociological essays (though not the entire collection). Sadly, I don't think it really impacts Stegner's conclusions about the white Western character, since they were happy to pretend that the Native Americans weren't there (with their own names and histories) as well.
Finally, I'll say that the same theme that justifies collecting these essays in one volume together also inevitably makes it fairly repetitive reading, regardless of each piece's quality on its own. I had wished I read more of Stegner's autobiographical novels, which come up repeatedly here. I would recommend anyone else interested to do the same before delving into this collection of essays.

Reading Stegner makes a person write better. This is the quintessential writer of the West. His works are filled with vivid descriptions of the Western landscapes, the struggles and dreams of the people who inhabit this vast region. Stegner's writing style is both beautiful and powerful, able to capture the essence of the West in a way that few others can.

When one reads Stegner, they are transported to a world of wide-open spaces, where the sunsets are绚烂 and the mountains are majestic. His words paint a picture that is so real, it feels as if one can step right into the story. The characters he creates are complex and believable, with their own hopes, fears, and desires.

By studying Stegner's writing, aspiring writers can learn a great deal about how to craft a compelling story, how to develop interesting characters, and how to use language to create a vivid and engaging setting. His work is a masterclass in the art of writing, and anyone who reads it will come away with a deeper appreciation for the power of words.

Essays on what it means to be a westerner

offer profound insights into the cultural, social, and historical aspects that define this identity.

They explore the values, traditions, and ways of life that are characteristic of the western region.

However, it is also important to consider the misunderstandings that the American West has faced.

These misunderstandings have often led to misinterpretations and missteps that have damaged the region's reputation and its people.

Additionally, there are essays on writing, which provide valuable perspectives on the craft.

While a couple of these essays may have been skipped, the overall collection is still considered finished.

This book offers a comprehensive look at various aspects related to the American West and writing, making it a valuable resource for those interested in these topics.

A beautifully-written collection of essays on "the west" has recently come to my attention.

Each essay within this collection offers a unique perspective and a deep exploration of various aspects related to the west. The author's writing style is both engaging and captivating, making it a pleasure to read.

The topics covered range from the rich history and culture of the west to its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Through vivid descriptions and well-researched facts, the author brings the west to life on the pages.

Whether you have a personal interest in the west or simply enjoy reading thought-provoking essays, this collection is highly recommended. It provides valuable insights and a fresh look at a region that has long fascinated people around the world.

So, if you're looking for a great read that will transport you to the west and expand your understanding of this remarkable place, be sure to check out this collection of essays.

I truly loved this book.

From the very first page, it had me completely captivated. The story was engaging and filled with interesting characters and plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The author's writing style was also very unique and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read.

I found myself completely immersed in the world that the author had created and didn't want to put the book down until I had finished it.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. It's definitely one that I will be reading again in the future.

Sagebrush is an acquired taste.

\\n  Nothing superlative or enchanting should be easily accessible.\\n

I hold Wallace Stegner in high admiration and respect. His literary genius is truly remarkable, and his life as a teacher of writing has had a profound influence on numerous other great writers. Among them is one of my all-time favorites, Edward Abbey. However, what I respect him for even more is his unwavering devotion and activism in protecting the remaining wilderness and wild places of the western United States.

This is a very good collection of essays about living and writing in the West. Some of the essays are better than others, which is to be expected in a collection such as this. Each essay offers unique insights and perspectives into the experiences and emotions of those who have chosen to live and write in this vast and beautiful region.

Stegner's writing is both evocative and thought-provoking, painting a vivid picture of the West and its people. His love for the land and its natural beauty shines through in every word, making this collection a must-read for anyone interested in the American West.