A Classic: A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold | A Sand County Almanac - 1990 publication

A bit of a slow read... | A Sand County Almanac - 1990 publication | Aldo Lopold

books:


	• A Sand County Almanac - 1990 publication Aldo Lopold BallantineBooks, 1990 average customer review:based on 3 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

Sand County Almanac

This book arrived when I needed it for my class and in the condition that it was listed as being in.

A Classic: A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold

In this novel one is able to read the diary like entries of Leopold as he encounters nature at his farm and across America. Each `journal entry' is at once an observation of the nature around him and the rest of mankind as it is an observation of himself as he analyzes all that is around him. Seemingly simple at times it is in these moments that we see the true magic of nature and his ability to describe it to the reader in his soft romantic tones. One may be discouraged by the slow start, just as a stroll through a forest seems slow at first, but just as in the forest gradually our eyes, ears, and nose are opened to all the wonder around us. Leopold is able to capture this feeling as he reconstructs and describes the nature around him so lovingly and in such wonder.
It is his ability to describe the wonder of nature in such a way as to give so much detail and at the same time leave so much to the imagination that spikes the interest of the reader. His own awareness of his inability to describe nature fully, yet his attempt at doing so, is done so well it increases the wonder even more. It is during these observations that he analyzes his own feelings and reactions to the nature around him, giving him even more power to draw us into his story as we begin to connect with him. Through this we are able to bond with the nature he describes to us even more.
One would be hard pressed to not desire to step out into the woods, a field, or at the very least into the backyard to witness the life that is happening all around, under the very nose, of us all. Through his mastery of subtle romanticism he weaves such a wonder around nature that it is not enough to simply read his observations: one must go out and see it for themselves. This characteristic is what has kept this book alive for so long and why many refer to it as the `Bible of Conservationists". You can't help from wanting to cherish the nature around us today and to leave it for the children of tomorrow.

Cameron A.

for more information click here

A bit of a slow read...

In our day and age it is easy to allow progress to eclipse the natural world around us. Technological and social advances distract us from the natural world that is quickly deteriorating. Aldo Leopold uses A Sand County Almanac to express his love for nature and the convictions he feels regarding its preservation.

A Sand County Almanac takes a step back from the fast pace of life. It is not a gripping read. It embodies the point that Leopold is trying to make through his writing. Leopold wants his readers to slow down and appreciate some of the things that are not exalted by modern society. Consequently, the book has a tendency to drag on.

It is creative and raises some interesting points--it brings out things that are often overlooked. Leopold's writing style is beautiful. His imagery is vivid--he draws his reader into the experiences he describes. He takes interesting perspectives on nature, often using personification to draw readers into his mindset.

Summary,

The pros:
Leopold's writing is different and intriguing
The subject matter is unconventional but relevant
The purpose of the book is under appreciated in today's society

The cons:
The book is slow
The subject matter will not interest many people

A Sand County Almanac makes excellent bathroom reader. Do not buy this book if you want a gripping read from cover to cover.

for more information click here