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readwithchlo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
kate66's review
5.0
I sincerely hope that more people read this young man's book. He is a very talented writer and poet but above all that he is passionate about his subject as we all should be. The book follows a year in his life paying special attention to the wild worlds around him but also how he and his family fit into those worlds. But its so much more Mr McAnulty weaves folklore, myth, poetry and history into his narrative. Its almost painful at times to read how he has been bullied for being "different" but he never feels sorry for himself. An extraordinary young man and an extraordinary book.
pandagopanda's review
I was really struck by the breadth of narrative that Dara McAnulty’s “Diary of a Young Naturalist” packs in. It’s about nature and it’s seasonal rhythms, it’s about autism and being different, it’s about being a teenager and navigating school, its about family and the home, it’s about discovering your interests, passions, and personal agency. Dara’s writing is open, thoughtful, candid, and quite often wise. His curiosity, dedication, and passion for his surrounding nature not only provides fascinating content, but the growing self-awareness of his passion is also a wonderful theme. I would recommend this to nature readers of all ages and especially to young teenagers (regardless of any interest in nature)!
riaryan's review
3.0
This is probably only my 2nd or 3rd outdoorsy book I've read, and the first from a Northern Irish vantage point. Poetic and insightful, not just into the ways of nature but also the internal struggles from someone who is autistic. Poetic and inspiring that has opened up to me lots more places to explore, and indeed lots more books to read!
margaret21's review
4.0
I quite simply loved this book. I found it next to impossible to believe that a lad in his mid teens could produce such evocative, lyrical prose detailing his encounters in the natural world. Besides this though, he gives a real insight into his world - he's autistic. And despite the bullying, the social isolation this can bring, he finds his condition a gift he wouldn't change, because it's this that has given him such a rich immersion in the world of nature, and increasingly, activism on behalf of the planet.
dracula217's review
Will probably come back to it another time, seems like a good read, just wasn't in the right headspace for it at the moment
belugalareads's review
3.0
Truly written in diary form which surprised me for some reason. Wonderful short stories and reflections about Ireland and his childhood.