lattelibrarian 's review for:

Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane

4.25

adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

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Macfarlane has written an enchanting and lovely book surrounding the question: is a river alive? While traveling to three different rivers, he tries to answer this question and dispel the notion that one must have a 'consciousness' to be alive. Does the river not flow? Does a river's health not matter? Do some not care for rivers as we would for each other? He also raises the question of whether a river should have legal standing--and how activist groups have succeeded in acquiring river-based legislation.

Macfarlane also meets with plenty of interesting folks, including a mycologist, a gentleman living in the jungle, men who try to save baby turtles, and an indigenous woman who instructs him how to interact with the land. 

Truly a stunning book--it's especially recommended for those who love nature, learning about the climate, and exploring new lands.