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A review by lenin_lover_69
Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
Dara's writing is so beautiful and effortless, it is incredible to keep remembering he is only 14. It is remarkable in its mission to prompt reflection on how we engage and interact with the natural world and a timely reminder of the joy and rewards in slowing down to take it all in.
It (naturally) reminded me of a Robert McFarlane book though and I think carried the same niggling feeling of a creeping 'eco-fash' world view where 'humans as the virus' rather than rampant capitalism. But it feels unfair to ask that of Dara who is so young, and already has such a deep and nuanced understanding of the environment and natural world, and I feel at the end he experienced some of the salve a shared community and anger amongst other activists cam provide when you start to sink into the abyss of feeling like the world is doomed and everyone is awful. I feel like his punk roots (and amazing supportive family) will continue to push him in the right direction, and will be looking to read as much of him as I can in the meantime.
It (naturally) reminded me of a Robert McFarlane book though and I think carried the same niggling feeling of a creeping 'eco-fash' world view where 'humans as the virus' rather than rampant capitalism. But it feels unfair to ask that of Dara who is so young, and already has such a deep and nuanced understanding of the environment and natural world, and I feel at the end he experienced some of the salve a shared community and anger amongst other activists cam provide when you start to sink into the abyss of feeling like the world is doomed and everyone is awful. I feel like his punk roots (and amazing supportive family) will continue to push him in the right direction, and will be looking to read as much of him as I can in the meantime.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Mental illness
Minor: Suicidal thoughts