But I read and enjoy all that are boots on the ground in nature
342368
Short review: too much policy, not enough story.
I do not write many reviews. I have read a couple hundred books on the wars in iraq/afghanistan. I try to select ones that relate to my own tour there. But I read and enjoy all that are boots on the ground in nature. I got this expecting it to be true to that format. This book is 90% policy and organizational statistics, with a thousand or so abbreviation initials all over repeatedly, and 10 % good story. If that's what u want great, if u enjoy stories and personal accounts, try house to house or American sniper.
834018
I've read a wide variety of books over the years, and I'm picky in the books that I actually purchase to adorn my shelves.  I don't have a library full of inexpensive paperbacks and likewise, I try to buy hardbacks for the lasting value of those few works that I treasure.

The Rangers Apprentice series is a pleasant reading experience not only for the young at heart, but for the young of age.  It's clean, it's wholesome, it's invigorating, and it's entertaining.  The only swear word in the first (2) two books was a single utterance of d*** that in my opinion, was at least fitting given the situation it was uttered in (others may disagree which is why I only offer my opinion here).

The fight scenes are exciting, and the growing relationship between the aged master and the reckless, but maturing apprentice are not only well written, they're inventive.  This series (so far) isn't merely a retread of Lord of the Ring-style rip-off writings (i.e., like Eragon IMHO), but it breathes new life into a genre of middle-age intrigue.
4867949
I've read Walden at least a dozen times and it just keeps getting better.

Thanks to the truly inspirational thoughts in this book, I have learned to be alone in the woods and high wilderness and feel nothing but joy and awe. Fear doesn't enter into it. It's only people and "civilization" that bring me angst. Thoreau taught me how to use my mind to see beyond the surface of nature into its glorious inner workings, and few gifts have ever been so precious in my life.

There is so much wisdom here it's impossible to digest it all even in a dozen readings. Lines from this book come to me over and over as life rolls along. One of my favorites states that HDT would be happy to live in a pine box, three feet by six feet, as long as he could wake up every morning in the middle of nature. I know exactly what he means, and I have patterned my life along that vein of simplicity and sustainability.

For that and so many other thoughts here, I love Thoreau like a real brother. He's always there when I need him. It's okay that Walden was closer to town than most think; the real point here is letting wild nature enter into you until you become part of it and no longer part of the illusory world of homo sap. That can be done even in a city park if one learns how.

This book, along with the best of HDT's journals, constitute some of the most useful of all American literature to my mind, and to millions of others over the last century-plus.

Thanks to Hank for understanding what really matters, and for waking up an entire nation to how precious our natural heritage is.
1575476
The Nature Fix is the adults' Last Child in the Woods (by Richard Louv). We don't get to just go outside and "play" but maybe we can justify restoring our balance or rejuvenating our senses. People who like books (as I do) that are heavily referenced and describe studies that are well designed and statistically solid may need this type of justification. But don't let the scholarly aspect of the book put you off. If you just want to read about people benefiting by immersing themselves in nature, every chapter has some new, quirky ideas. For example, my favorite chapter described how the beauty of landscapes has something to do with fractals. The bottom line for me is that Williams' writing really got me thinking about what it means to go out in nature and can I get the full benefit if I am listening to a pod-cast or Audible book.
2821012
Take time to read slowly and enjoy the words and images created by the words it is almost like beling there
3968804
It has everything I like: animals, the wild, and it makes you think. I loved the whole book, from the first word to the last. Now I'm gonna go read Call of the Wild :)
2241258
I enjoy reading of everyday people, everyday lives and feel as I am involved in their story and families and life.
1384671
This is a collection of natural history essays based on the observations and thoughts of the author in his year-long visit to the same patch of forest in Tennessee. In each, the author offers you an insight or explanation of what he sees, hears and feels, and in the process draws you into his world. The writing is simple yet eloquent and the essays are not only educational but convey the delight and deep respect the author has for the natural world. A highly recommended book for all who enjoy and are curious about the natural world and the pleasure of quiet moments.
4154488
I read a lot. A whole lot. A slow year of reading for me is about eighty books. And I'm really good about picking out the books I'll like. So, I read a whole lot of books that I really enjoy.

There are different kinds and levels of enjoyment though. I've read a lot of fantasy and swashbuckling adventure sorts of books, and I'm always amused by the brief escape they offer. They're like the old college buddies who you don't talk to much, but when they're in town, you have a good weekend. Then, you go back to your normal life a little more capable of handling it.

I read quite a few literary novels, too, and I usually end up feeling appreciation toward them. They taught me something, and I'm grateful for it, even though I'll never read any of them again if I can help it. It's sort of like those old friends from your hometown, I guess, who you love but also avoid when you go back home to visit.

Then there are those books that have provided me with a little of everything--the adventure and the laughs and the intellectual stimulation that have sustained me this far. Those, of course, are like the friends and family that are always there. I enjoy seeing these books on the shelves around me the moment I wake up or walk through my apartment door.

There's some other level though, too, I've noticed, which is more rare to find. Even having read as many books as I've read, I can only think of a handful of books that have provided such an experience. These books, I think, have offered me every gift those other books have and something a little more. They've touched my imagination in such a way so as to spark some senses of meaning and of communion with the rest of the world. Discovering "cosmos within chaos," I think Madeleine L'Engle once called this feeling. I'm not sure if that's exactly the right way to describe it. What I do know is that having finished such a book, I feel the profound urge (this sounds stupid) to hug people. And that is precisely what I feel, having finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

I guess this should be a warning to J.K. Rowling. Having finished the final Harry Potter book, I'm overwhelmed by a feeling of gratitude. If, by chance, I were to ever run into Mrs. Rowling, I would have difficulty fighting the urge to offer her a Hagrid-sized hug.
449822
I received many compliments on the bootie and I love earth shoes and boots.
1314741
I am going to  delve into some serious read this winter  and  I am sure  all of the books will be interesting, educational  and I am sure inspiring
1111417
I so enjoyed Mr. Modzelewski's sojourn in the wilderness that I didn't want the book to end. I savored every word. This is a wonderful telling about wildlife, harmony, isolation, great courage, and deep peace. I am now inspired to spend far more time out in nature, a place that the author demonstrates is our true home that brings out the best in us. I eagerly look forward to every book Mr. Modzelewski writes for there is such sensitivity in such a strong man. A rare combination that makes for inspirational reading.
1573600
Read the whole thing in one reading I loved it
4825700
I could smell and hear the environment, which was one of the characters. I felt sympathy for all the characters. It was a good story and I'd like to read more about that Ranger and her part of the rockies.
1720057
There are two ways I enjoy reading a new book.  I can either read a little at a time, savoring each chapter individually in an effort to prolong the pleasure.  Or I can sit down and read the whole thing in a weekend, choosing not to tear myself away from an immersive experience in a fascinating world.

I happened to receive my copy of Ordination during a very busy time.  I would use the book as my reward (bribing myself?).  "When I finish this paperwork, I'll read a chapter."  "After I finish the dishes, I'll read a chapter."  In this way, I read the first 21 chapters of the book.  Today, however, I happened to be free.  I finished the remaining 19 chapters.  While I was sad to see the book end, I know that the adventure is far from over.

Daniel M. Ford has shown a real understanding of people.  Each of his characters is well developed and has his own way of speaking, his own sense of humor (or lack thereof), and his own way of moving.  I can see the way each dismounts a horse!  As this is the first book in a trilogy, not all backstory has been revealed, but it is evident from tone of voice and facial expression that each character does, indeed, have a past and unique world view.

I find myself inspired by the Mother's Servants.  Each does his best to try to follow the Goddess to the best of his ability.  In a world that is often dark and critical of others, Ordination encourages me to try to see the light.

I'm looking forward to Stillbright next year.  I can't wait to see what awaits Allystaire and his companions.  In the meantime, I'm going to reread Ordination!
2551787
These boots a too cute for words but I'll give it a go, put these boots on and you enter a new fun reality full of adventure and whimsy. These boots can go anywhere with anything skirts, jeans, harem pants, kilts you name it these are your go to pair of boots when you need a little extra kick of happy. The fringe turns you into Pocahontas prancing through the woods with your loyal animal sidekicks by your side, and you'll receive soo many compliments you may never take them off. I highly recommend buying, happy adventuring!
2288552
I love being outdoors.  There is something about being out in nature that always makes me feel closer to God.  Enjoying the beauty of His creation and getting away from modern technology is something that I crave.  Whenever I feel burdened down by every day life I know it's time for me to take refuge in the great outdoors.

With winter setting in I know those times are more limited, so I was thrilled when I received Devotions from the Mountains.  It is a beautiful devotional book with breathtaking pictures.  I've flipped through and looked at the pictures over and over.  The devotions are uplifting and encouraging.

One thing I really like about this devotional is that you can start it whenever you want. So many books like this are dated, but not this one.  It makes it great for not feeling like you have to stay on a schedule or start at the beginning of the year.

With Christmas just around the corner this would make the perfect gift for the nature lover in your life!

 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:1-2

***Thank you to booklookbloggers.com for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.