Scan barcode
admacg's review
4.0
Like a lot of people, I spent a lot of time walking during lockdown, especially through nature. With less traffic on the roads and confined to the local area, I spent a lot of time on the roads, pushing into the surrounding countryside. I also installed a bird feeder in the garden and enjoyed the daily visits from the birds, trying to identify them as they squabbled over the seeds.
I definately felt more tuned into nature, and had a deeper understanding of the surrounding natural world. Nothing though, on the scale of 14 year Dara McAnulty, who wrote this book in the form of diary entries between one spring equinox and the next. As he’s autistic, Dara feels different from the others in his school and he finds refuge in nature, because ‘ 'Wildlife never disappoints like people can. Natura has a purity to me, unaffected.’
Full review here
I definately felt more tuned into nature, and had a deeper understanding of the surrounding natural world. Nothing though, on the scale of 14 year Dara McAnulty, who wrote this book in the form of diary entries between one spring equinox and the next. As he’s autistic, Dara feels different from the others in his school and he finds refuge in nature, because ‘ 'Wildlife never disappoints like people can. Natura has a purity to me, unaffected.’
Full review here
kodamafriend's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
love nature, hate people
vireogirl's review
5.0
Beautiful descriptions of nature, stirring calls to climate action, all while explaining and showing how this autistic person sees the world. Took me a bit to adjust to the rhythm but once I did it was an inspiring read.
textpublishing's review against another edition
The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Diary of a Young Naturalist
'McAnulty writes with great beauty and restraint about bats, buzzards blackberries, and evokes the intensity of a teenager’s life with autism and paints an intimate portrait of his family, who are “as close as otters”.’
Guardian
‘Nature is McAnulty’s solace. Noticing is his method. Writing is his gift. This is a coming-of-age book with a difference…McAnulty’s pain is exquisite, yet it is written freshly, in ways that lift the spirit. The language is powerful, even uncanny at times.’
Australian Book Review
‘[McAnulty’s] writing seems to explode from the intensity of his observation and readers can find themselves effortlessly transported to the places and fauna he recalls and describes with such precision, poetry and delight…Diary of a Young Naturalist is a joyous and wonderful book that should find its way into many classrooms and the hearts of students.’
English in Australia journal
'McAnulty writes with great beauty and restraint about bats, buzzards blackberries, and evokes the intensity of a teenager’s life with autism and paints an intimate portrait of his family, who are “as close as otters”.’
Guardian
‘Nature is McAnulty’s solace. Noticing is his method. Writing is his gift. This is a coming-of-age book with a difference…McAnulty’s pain is exquisite, yet it is written freshly, in ways that lift the spirit. The language is powerful, even uncanny at times.’
Australian Book Review
‘[McAnulty’s] writing seems to explode from the intensity of his observation and readers can find themselves effortlessly transported to the places and fauna he recalls and describes with such precision, poetry and delight…Diary of a Young Naturalist is a joyous and wonderful book that should find its way into many classrooms and the hearts of students.’
English in Australia journal
curatoriallyyours's review
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
It was hard to believe this book was written by a 14-year-old, as his insights and reflections felt decades beyond his age. His passion for nature was evident and his openness about his experiences, both negative and positive, was refreshing. A wonderful read!
winternat's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.25
serotiny11's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Got a piece of my soul back listening to this one. One million out of five
hattietr's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
5.0