Scan barcode
poemsandponds's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
This book had beautiful nature descriptions and lush, eloquent prose. Dara is an old soul keenly attuned to the natural world. He cares for it with a passion. It was also a meditation on coming of age and accepting the way one's brain processes the world. The entires give a view into Dara's mind and some of the struggles and strengths of being autistic. As someone with an autistic younger brother, I appreciated the opportunity to understand another autistic person's thoughts and experiences. I felt like it connected me to my brother just a little bit more. I loved Dara's family and their relationship. They are a sweet, quirky bunch who love each other fiercely and create their own little safety net in a harsh world. Their love for each other is the backbone of this story. Overall, a reflective and relaxing (most times, except for the parts on bullying and mental health struggles. I got a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the ecology of Northern Ireland.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
tzugealach's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness
tabear's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Bullying and Suicidal thoughts
massivepizzacrust's review
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
This is an amazing debut and I'm curious to see how McAnulty's writing improves with experience. For me, the pacing was a bit off sometimes but the language was full of color and I could just see myself in the places being described. It really made me want to go sit outside and notice all the little things about where I live. I also appreciated learning about what the world feels like from an autistic perspective and I loved how the family supported and cared for each other.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Ableism
Minor: Self harm and Suicidal thoughts
mperriwinkle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
It is rare for myself to read a non-fiction book. Admittedly, I typically am not intrigued or gripped enough to focus on the material of the book. This book was a rare exception. As a vegetarian, a young self-proclaimed climate change activist, and a teenager who has struggled with bullying, mental health issues, and her place in this ever changing world, this book really hit home. I loved the way nature was used to explain our feelings of interconnectedness and how nature was also used to explain our feelings of loneliness. It was a beautifully written book that ever person should read at some point in their lifetime and if not, they should read something similar. It is important to acknowledge your place in this new age and what you can do to better it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Bullying
Minor: Animal death and Suicidal thoughts
lenin_lover_69's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
Dara's writing is so beautiful and effortless, it is incredible to keep remembering he is only 14. It is remarkable in its mission to prompt reflection on how we engage and interact with the natural world and a timely reminder of the joy and rewards in slowing down to take it all in.
It (naturally) reminded me of a Robert McFarlane book though and I think carried the same niggling feeling of a creeping 'eco-fash' world view where 'humans as the virus' rather than rampant capitalism. But it feels unfair to ask that of Dara who is so young, and already has such a deep and nuanced understanding of the environment and natural world, and I feel at the end he experienced some of the salve a shared community and anger amongst other activists cam provide when you start to sink into the abyss of feeling like the world is doomed and everyone is awful. I feel like his punk roots (and amazing supportive family) will continue to push him in the right direction, and will be looking to read as much of him as I can in the meantime.
It (naturally) reminded me of a Robert McFarlane book though and I think carried the same niggling feeling of a creeping 'eco-fash' world view where 'humans as the virus' rather than rampant capitalism. But it feels unfair to ask that of Dara who is so young, and already has such a deep and nuanced understanding of the environment and natural world, and I feel at the end he experienced some of the salve a shared community and anger amongst other activists cam provide when you start to sink into the abyss of feeling like the world is doomed and everyone is awful. I feel like his punk roots (and amazing supportive family) will continue to push him in the right direction, and will be looking to read as much of him as I can in the meantime.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Mental illness
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
More...