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page_appropriate 's review for:
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Thank you Scribner for my advance #gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
It is apt to compare Ramsey's writing style in her memoir of her time on the elite firefighting crew as "NPR-like with an intensely personal touch." She knows how to weave a yarn. It's a memoir, sure, but also could be seen as a touchstone for those who are navegating family and other trauma. Ramsey sees sides of herself during that time as being self-destructive and alone, addicted to adrenaline, but also aching for love and belonging. And she does prove that she belongs! Environmental degradation has wreaked havoc the world over, but I know from personal experience how horrific the wildfires in California can be--and this account only supports that further. Ramsey has done her research in addition to the first-hand experience she earned in her work as not only a firefighter, but also in various other work in the US Forest Service. The result: gorgeous descriptions of that part of the world. Also, there's so much about gender that remains unobserved or unexamined in our lives as humans, but Ramsey doesn't shy from that either in recounting her deeply personal story in such a way that makes it all seem so obvious. This was funny and deep and tragic and inspiring. I loved it, and I am adding it to the shopping list for gifts now.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Misogyny