I was solicited to read this book ARC by NetGalley, probably based on my interests and past reviews. I have a biology degree and while not pursuing biology as a vocation, I have participated in citizen science and fieldwork as a volunteer and hobbyist.<br />I have enjoyed reading Ms. Renkl’s columns in the New York Times, both on nature and environmental politics. I have also read many other science and nature essay collections. I was drawn to this book both due to the subject matter and to the format, which is as an almanac of fifty two weekly entries for a year of seasons. The structure grounds you as to what to expect in that essay, and you can pick up and read anywhere, yet you know the direction the pieces will follow as the seasons turn. Each essay is highlighted by small collages of nature related art. The essays appear to be new ones, at least not ones I am familiar with from her other publications, and revolve around her current residence in Nashville.<br />I wound up liking the essays, and learning some small things that she expounded upon in them. If you were not as familiar with nature, this would be a great way to start, as she makes the subject as approachable as your backyard. I agreed with how she said nature has beauty as it is ravaged, down to the very end. I would call this a long tail, such that humans see the beauty slowly ebb, and don’t know how much there had been previously. She also makes some interesting observations about camera use, in that manipulating a camera can draw you out of the moment, and that selfies show human’s narcissistic side, not nature who should be the star.<br />Overall, the book read well but I was disappointed in the prose as it did not rise to the level of a Helen MacDonald for instance, it was just okay. The artwork was hard to see on my devices, being really dark, and frankly, boring. And with all the angst about nature losing ground to humanity, the book became depressing. I didn’t read all 52 entries, I’ll admit. I’d recommend this book to someone who wants to learn about nature and what to see from their own backyard.
Thanks to NetGalley and Spiegel & Grau for my electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published October 24, 2023.