Summary:
"In these twenty elegant essays, a philosopher and amateur naturalist meanders along the rivers and streams of the american West-and muses on love, loss, aging, motherhood, happiness, the art of poking around, and other important matters. “A smart, compassionate, and wise meditation on living in place” (Terry Tempest Williams)."
Author's Website: https://www.riverwalking.com/
Reviews:
Kirkus: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kathleen-dean-moore/riverwalking/
Interview with Author: https://www.terrain.org/2018/interviews/kathleen-dean-moore/
"If Your House is on Fire": https://www.thesunmagazine.org/issues/444/if-your-house-is-on-fire
(Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Dunes_National_Recreation_Area)
Discussion Questions: (Written by Donna, who will be leading our discussion)
1. Ms. Moore interweaves many family stories into her reflections on natural history and her adventures along the waterways. Too much so? Could you share a story about your family enjoying the great outdoors?
2. Winter Creek – “Poking around is a guaranteed way to learn” (p. 36) re-creation, impressions, connections, recollections. If someone asks, “Who are you?” How would you answer? I am a person, who……..
a. McKenzie R. – taxonomy – Why do we love to learn the names of the flora and fauna we encounter on our forays? Might this detract from, or enhance the experience?
b. Aquajita Wash – desert arroyo – Why do we make lists of the birds and trees, rocks and trails from our various trips and outings?
3. Alamo Canyon Creek – rattlesnakes – What is it about snakes? Do you have a favorite snake story? Have you been to the desert?
4. Bear Creek – shifting sand dunes – The author’s secret camping spot was transformed into a visitor’s site, complete with parking, restrooms, and interpretive signs. Can you recall a special place like this from your past that has changed?
5. Smoholla R. – nesting instinct – Have you been camping lately? Tell us about your home base arrangements.
6. The John Day – happiness depends on tranquility and excitement – Do you agree? Have you ever turned to nature in times of trouble, sorrow, or grief?
7. Moore includes interesting facts about the flora and fauna and people in her essays; newts, ticks, John Day, salmon, etc. What was your favorite piece or new thing you learned?
Riverwalking: Reflections on Moving Water by Kathleen Dean Moore
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Oleh
Ramazan AL
