beanypole's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.75
literarybear's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
I feel really conflicted about how to rate this book. On the one hand, Harrison’s observations are beautiful and written with a simple elegance. She captures the easy beauty of things that most overlook, without over-explaining or adding too many personal digressions. I appreciated her comments about how changes in her local landscapes have affected various wildlife populations.
On the other hand, I understand that these nature diaries were originally part of a weekly column in the Times and I can’t help but feel like that’s a better format. Reading all of the entries back to back for hundreds of pages takes away some of the magic. There isn’t really and overarching narrative in the book format, so it feels a little monotonous (this is coming from someone who loves nature and gardens). I will likely pickup something else by this author because I did enjoy the writing, but I don’t think this book did it justice.
On the other hand, I understand that these nature diaries were originally part of a weekly column in the Times and I can’t help but feel like that’s a better format. Reading all of the entries back to back for hundreds of pages takes away some of the magic. There isn’t really and overarching narrative in the book format, so it feels a little monotonous (this is coming from someone who loves nature and gardens). I will likely pickup something else by this author because I did enjoy the writing, but I don’t think this book did it justice.
jordanros's review against another edition
5.0
Cozy and filled with important perspective! I love how a book of simple observations and musings can be so profound.
Favorite quote: “Invent what we may, the seasons still come to the city: the grass in the parks and verges sets seed, the swifts fly south and the year’s midnight approaches and passes by. How much we see and feel of it all is in our hands.” (24)
Favorite quote: “Invent what we may, the seasons still come to the city: the grass in the parks and verges sets seed, the swifts fly south and the year’s midnight approaches and passes by. How much we see and feel of it all is in our hands.” (24)
lott_oh's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
I really loved this book! Not only was it informative about the flora and fauna throughout the seasons in the UK, the author also described ways in which nature has been declining due to climate change - and what we can do to help out. The writing is very pretty and cosy, and has a distinct voice. It almost feels like a letter from a friend.
hannahlosttheplot's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
lott_oh's review against another edition
I really loved what I read of this book, unfortunately I spilled water on it and became illegible, and I haven't repurchased it to continue yet.
carareadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0