Breathe In, Breathe Out: Nature Reads for a Restorative Spring
The natural world and our connection to it as a species has long served as a catalyst for great writers. From philosopher Henry David Thoreau to naturalist John Muir, our nation’s forests, swamps, and mountains have been important teachers. I often find myself thinking of new ideas for my own creative writing while walking Trail 4 at Potato Creek State Park. There’s magic to be found in hiking through trees creaking in the wind, the gentle calls of spring peepers rising around me as I pass by the lake.
A modern classic and literary triumph of humanity’s relationship to the environment is Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. As much a personal narrative as it is a loving exploration of plants as our companions, Braiding Sweetgrass proposes that humans are not a separate “other” outside of nature, but rather an integral part of it. This is a worldview that resonates with me when I’m looking for reasons to be joyful. Kimmerer draws on her professional background as a botanist and cultural background as a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to paint elegant vignettes of a life lived in concert with plants. My favorite vignettes were Kimmerer’s interactions with the university students she taught.
Another favorite bit of nature writing of mine is Four Thousand Paws by Lee Morgan. Morgan shares his experience as a long-time veterinarian for the sled dogs of the Iditarod. This is a fascinating read that unpacks the logistical network and safeguards behind the scenes of this iconic Alaskan race. It was easy to imagine how my own unruly dog would take to the sled. Not well is the answer, but the huskies of Morgan’s work live and breathe for the chance to run. This evocative, chilly tale left me glad that warmer days are ahead of us.
An exciting newer release that caught my eye recently was Amy Tan’s The Backyard Bird Chronicles. Tan, of The Joy Luck Club fame, demonstrates her diverse skillset as a writer when she penned this collection of journal entries about the birds who visit her backyard. Her lovely illustrations elevate the work and showcase her rare talent as an artist. I’ve been feeding the birds at my house for a year now and have found their company to be quite healing. Tan, it seems, would agree with me.
The environment is of endless inspiration for contemporary writers and continues to compel us. If you’re in the mood for even more nature writing, check out this book list.
Finding the time to immerse yourself in nature can be as tricky as deciding what to do. St. Joe County Public Library can help you on one of those fronts! Our Michiana Outdoor Activities page highlights local outdoor attractions. Be on the lookout for nature-based events here at your local library as well. If you’re wanting a taste of the outdoors from your comfy living room couch, explore nature documentaries on Kanopy, free with your library card.
