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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
I don’t recall how this book got on my radar, but I’m grateful it did. I love nature and National Parks are the embodiment of preserving our magnificent pieces of land and monuments. Listening to the audiobook, I quickly learned that this book is a physical companion to a 12-hour PBS series by the authors, Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns. Streaming and viewing information can be found here. Below is a YouTube video trailer of the film series. (Please see link to my blog at the bottom of this review, where you can access the links and videos mentioned.)
Don’t be misled, this book is not a guide to the National Parks. It’s a history of the establishment of the park system, dating back to the late 1800’s. Let me be clear, it’s a fascinating history with many famous people at the forefront. For instance, the book opens with vivid descriptions of the beauty of Yosemite and the influence of Jon Muir. I am familiar with Jon Muir’s efforts and meaningful quotes, so it was a pleasure to learn more about his life. It also motivates me to want to learn more about him. (I’m sure I have more books on the subject in my libraries and wish lists.)
The authors detail how Yellowstone became the first National Park. From there, the stories flooded in about Mt. Rainier, Mt. Rushmore, and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings. I learned that Jon Muir spontaneously climbed Mt. Rainier. Amazing! I must put together considerable preparation to take a long hike in Sedona, so I can’t imagine randomly climbing a mountain! It was fascinating to learn how the park system was developed. It never occurred to me that the act of preservation came before any structure was developed. Several parks were established well before Congress enacted any laws or policies. The creation of Park Rangers was established later in the process too. Guest accommodations never seemed to be a priority. I get it, when trying to preserve land, the last thing we need is construction to destroy said land.
I enjoyed learning about the development of the Audubon Society. It was a pleasure learning about the influence of Ansel Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, the Rockefeller family, Stanley Steamer (Rocky Mountains), and Mark Twain (Haleakala in Hawaii).
Listening to this audiobook stirred up so many memories and gave me feelings of pure nostalgia. I hadn’t realized how prevalent our National Parks truly are and how many I have visited. My visits began in childhood on those memorable family vacations. As an adult, I continue to treasure my time in any National Park or Monument. Maybe those early vacations planted a seed that keeps my craving for nature well alive. I am grateful for this book, not only for its education, but also for all of those heartfelt experiences I had forgotten.
I borrowed this audiobook from my local library with the Libby App. I enjoyed the narration by Ken Burns.
I thought I would close this book review with a few pictures of some of my favorite destinations. (Again, please see link to my blog below for pictures.)
Lastly, for anyone who appreciates art, my husband is a painter and has created some amazing oil paintings of a couple of National Parks, Cape Hatteras lighthouse in the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona. You’re welcome to explore his website for more information. (Last time, please see link to my blog below for access to the paintings.)
I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
Don’t be misled, this book is not a guide to the National Parks. It’s a history of the establishment of the park system, dating back to the late 1800’s. Let me be clear, it’s a fascinating history with many famous people at the forefront. For instance, the book opens with vivid descriptions of the beauty of Yosemite and the influence of Jon Muir. I am familiar with Jon Muir’s efforts and meaningful quotes, so it was a pleasure to learn more about his life. It also motivates me to want to learn more about him. (I’m sure I have more books on the subject in my libraries and wish lists.)
The authors detail how Yellowstone became the first National Park. From there, the stories flooded in about Mt. Rainier, Mt. Rushmore, and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings. I learned that Jon Muir spontaneously climbed Mt. Rainier. Amazing! I must put together considerable preparation to take a long hike in Sedona, so I can’t imagine randomly climbing a mountain! It was fascinating to learn how the park system was developed. It never occurred to me that the act of preservation came before any structure was developed. Several parks were established well before Congress enacted any laws or policies. The creation of Park Rangers was established later in the process too. Guest accommodations never seemed to be a priority. I get it, when trying to preserve land, the last thing we need is construction to destroy said land.
I enjoyed learning about the development of the Audubon Society. It was a pleasure learning about the influence of Ansel Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, the Rockefeller family, Stanley Steamer (Rocky Mountains), and Mark Twain (Haleakala in Hawaii).
Listening to this audiobook stirred up so many memories and gave me feelings of pure nostalgia. I hadn’t realized how prevalent our National Parks truly are and how many I have visited. My visits began in childhood on those memorable family vacations. As an adult, I continue to treasure my time in any National Park or Monument. Maybe those early vacations planted a seed that keeps my craving for nature well alive. I am grateful for this book, not only for its education, but also for all of those heartfelt experiences I had forgotten.
I borrowed this audiobook from my local library with the Libby App. I enjoyed the narration by Ken Burns.
I thought I would close this book review with a few pictures of some of my favorite destinations. (Again, please see link to my blog below for pictures.)
Lastly, for anyone who appreciates art, my husband is a painter and has created some amazing oil paintings of a couple of National Parks, Cape Hatteras lighthouse in the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona. You’re welcome to explore his website for more information. (Last time, please see link to my blog below for access to the paintings.)
I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
I absolutely adored these pictures and the actual history of the national Parks. I especially enjoyed reading about the Everglades. Normally Non-Fiction is something I stay clear of especially if it involves the environment etc. But this time I was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this read!
excellent collections of stories of how the national parks came to be
An incredibly detailed history and storytelling of the park. I particularly liked the Ranger interviews at the end of each chapter.
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
I love a book about National Parks and I am missing visiting them right now. One day I'll get around to seeing all of them. Very good book to see how we got the places that we have!
LOVED this book. It's a bit hard to read a coffee-table book but this one was amazing. Such an incredible history and so full of amazing stories. I would recommend to anyone.
This book made me realize that I cannot take these national treasures for granted, and like everything is life, must be fought for if they are to be preserved into the future.
I’ve been cranking through some audiobooks on maternity leave because I need some hands free options. Non-fiction tends to be the best route for my attention span for some reason. With all the things in the news about National Parks, I thought this was a good choice for learning more about “America’s Best Idea.”
Granted, there were 13 sections, a typical no-no for me, even if it is interesting. However, I have a LOT of time to kill in the wee hours of the morning for 20 minute stretches so I kept plugging along. It did get a little long even with all my spare time.
Also, yes, thanks for the reference to Niagara Falls. A visit there, sure, you see how majestic it is, but it’s also super depressing because it’s a tourist trap. Probably the best advertisement for National Parks that I know.
Granted, there were 13 sections, a typical no-no for me, even if it is interesting. However, I have a LOT of time to kill in the wee hours of the morning for 20 minute stretches so I kept plugging along. It did get a little long even with all my spare time.
Also, yes, thanks for the reference to Niagara Falls. A visit there, sure, you see how majestic it is, but it’s also super depressing because it’s a tourist trap. Probably the best advertisement for National Parks that I know.