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endemictoearth's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
endemictoearth's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
annecarts's review
5.0
A wonderful book - Dara has a way of describing and noticing things that is very moving. And even more amazing that he wrote this at age 14.
But Dara doesn't want us to give him high ratings and move on, he wants us to do something and we must. In fact the sooner the young people take over the better. There's so many stand out moments but a parent crushing their kids love of picking up a conker with a 'dirty' remark stands out.
What I especially liked as someone that lives in a built up area of the UK is that he describes things that many of us can easily appreciate in a park or outdoors in general. It's definitely a nature book many people could easily connect with.
But Dara doesn't want us to give him high ratings and move on, he wants us to do something and we must. In fact the sooner the young people take over the better. There's so many stand out moments but a parent crushing their kids love of picking up a conker with a 'dirty' remark stands out.
What I especially liked as someone that lives in a built up area of the UK is that he describes things that many of us can easily appreciate in a park or outdoors in general. It's definitely a nature book many people could easily connect with.
corene's review
5.0
The writing is fantastic, and it's written by an almost 15-year-old. Loved reading about all he notices in nature throughout the year, as well as his family's adventures in Northern Ireland.
lupinreads's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
4.0
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
A young Irish environmental activist on the spectrum shares a year in his life in diary form. This book is perfect for fans of Greta Thunburg and does a wonderful job providing a voice to the younger generation of climate activists fighting to make changes in small and big ways.
Dara shares how social media can be both a way to connect with like minded activists but how it can also be draining dealing with the trolls and haters. I found it interesting hearing how his frustrations with the lack of government action affected his mental health too. Our youth are so passionate and they are stuck on the sidelines watching the people in power continue to ignore and not act in light of looming carbon emission deadlines.
The style/delivery of the book was a little dry for me but the message and heart behind the words were truly inspiring! Definitely recommend this one.
Dara shares how social media can be both a way to connect with like minded activists but how it can also be draining dealing with the trolls and haters. I found it interesting hearing how his frustrations with the lack of government action affected his mental health too. Our youth are so passionate and they are stuck on the sidelines watching the people in power continue to ignore and not act in light of looming carbon emission deadlines.
The style/delivery of the book was a little dry for me but the message and heart behind the words were truly inspiring! Definitely recommend this one.
gilliandarlington's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
colorfulleo92's review
5.0
This was a great nature memoir written by a 15 year old! The book feels both youthful yet mature and is really engaging in his love for nature and his strong bond with his family, his mom and two siblings also have autism like him. I really do hope Dara McAnulty writes another memoir or something else as I really enjoyed his writing.
anneofgreenplaces's review
4.0
A heartwarming read; Dara is a talented writer and I enjoyed his unique perspective on nature, autism, and young activism. His writing was mature enough that I sometimes forgot how young he was at the time of writing, and would have to remind myself of that whenever the messaging started to feel repetitive or simplistic. Even then, it clearly came from the heart. I aspire to be as in tune with my natural surroundings as Dara, as willing to act on my convictions despite discomfort, as authentic about my experiences—and also to someday raise a family like the one Dara has, who are every one of them so excited to see a hen harrier fly past that they all pile into a group hug in a collective high that lasts the rest of their day.
bianca89279's review against another edition
4.0
Diary of a Young Naturalist is what it claims to be, the diary of a passionate young man who loves nature, science, conservation. He also happens to have autism. Actually, his other siblings and mum have autism as well. Fortunately, they all seem to have a strong family bond, built on a love for nature, exploring and, more recently, environmental activism. Dara, mind you, is only sixteen years old.
Dara has a beautiful way with words. I was quite impressed, and jealous, his command of the English language is extraordinary. What's even more impressive is that some of his early education teachers proclaimed that he might never be able to put a sentence together. I guess teachers don't know it all.
This book made me want to go explore, except that it's been so darn hot. I guess I'll have to wait a few months until the temperatures become bearable.
In a world filled with superfluous tiktoks and idiotic content that attracts millions of views, it's reassuring to come across a passionate and purposeful young person. I'm glad I took the time to savour his diary and I appreciated his candour, vulnerability and sharing his thoughts with us.
Dara has a beautiful way with words. I was quite impressed, and jealous, his command of the English language is extraordinary. What's even more impressive is that some of his early education teachers proclaimed that he might never be able to put a sentence together. I guess teachers don't know it all.
This book made me want to go explore, except that it's been so darn hot. I guess I'll have to wait a few months until the temperatures become bearable.
In a world filled with superfluous tiktoks and idiotic content that attracts millions of views, it's reassuring to come across a passionate and purposeful young person. I'm glad I took the time to savour his diary and I appreciated his candour, vulnerability and sharing his thoughts with us.