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sophiecorbett's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
In the spirit of Dara McAnulty I finished reading this book sat at the foot of an old oak tree in Richmond park. I could hear the drum of a distant woodpecker and the squawking of the parakeets. It’s a beautiful book that has encouraged me to actively learn and engage with the natural world. Dara is a skilled writer and I am bowled over by the fact he wrote this book age fifteen. 5 stars from me.
aliceruth6's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
It felt really important, but I did struggle to want to pick it up, but that’s always my problem with non fiction
katephobic's review against another edition
3.0
I think that a book is the wrong medium for these kinds of diary entries, and that a blog would have been the much better choice. McAnulty is a boy on the spectrum with a nature hyper fixation. Ok, cool, I was excited to read this and see how he sees the world. However, he is a 14 year old, and it is evident in his thoughts. This book radiates with teenage angst. He acts like absolutely nobody understands him, not even his fellow nature lovers- he says that we need to be three dimensional human beings, yet refuses to talk to any of his classmates about anything but the outside. There is a quote I wrote down that left such a bad taste in my mouth, “There are three men fishing on the rocks. What an idiot thing to do.” What are you talking about?? I do understand that he has felt excluded by his peers his entire life and is entitled to his own opinions. However, he acts so high and mighty above everyone else because he knows how to stop and live a slower life.
The descriptions for the world around him are interesting and well written. Just the beginning of Winter… I mean wow. He talks a lot about how much nature helps him and how he feels that we should live outside more often, exploring and feeling joy. I do agree with this and admit that this is not a common thought amongst our generation. I listened to this on an audiobook while walking, and thought to myself “wow, there’s so much out here that I don’t even stop to look at” and just stopped by a pond and watched the waves ripple, listening to McAnulty’s voice. This was a very pleasant experience. I also liked the interweaving of Irish mythology, something I don’t know anything about. I struggled to rate this because I don’t want to judge a 14 year old too harshly, but I think I will stick with 3 stars.
The descriptions for the world around him are interesting and well written. Just the beginning of Winter… I mean wow. He talks a lot about how much nature helps him and how he feels that we should live outside more often, exploring and feeling joy. I do agree with this and admit that this is not a common thought amongst our generation. I listened to this on an audiobook while walking, and thought to myself “wow, there’s so much out here that I don’t even stop to look at” and just stopped by a pond and watched the waves ripple, listening to McAnulty’s voice. This was a very pleasant experience. I also liked the interweaving of Irish mythology, something I don’t know anything about. I struggled to rate this because I don’t want to judge a 14 year old too harshly, but I think I will stick with 3 stars.
goofymango's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
zeliux's review against another edition
3.0
The book provides a sincere and passionate glimpse into the life of a teenager who seeks refuge in nature. The author shares his experiences, observations, and reflections as he explores the natural surroundings of Northern Ireland. His connection with nature is evident and contagious, and his writing evokes a deep appreciation for the natural world. However, the sometimes fragmented structure and writing style can hinder the reading flow. While it is a valuable personal account that emphasizes the importance of conservation and a connection with nature, some readers may find that the narrative lacks a clear overarching theme.