In response to my post about the beavers in my childhood imagination (Beaver Dreams), blogger David Gascoigne at Travels with Birds recommended the book Beaver Land by Leila Philip. I’ve read about half of it, but I’m pausing or maybe giving up on it because it’s too full of people without enough beavers. In fact, up to the point where I stopped reading, the author rarely sees a live wild beaver — if ever. Her experiences are mostly with dead beavers caught in traps or being skinned and turned into meat. Beavers are elusive, no doubt about it.
I’d like to read some natural history, but at the moment I’m not in the mood to read about a lot of fur trappers, conservationists, quirky animal lovers, and historic voyagers. My negativity about this perfectly good book is about me, not about the book. I’m finding it to be a pretty typical story of a person’s search for information about an unfamiliar topic — quite similar to the works of Sy Mongomery, who similarly relates her interactions with animals and the people who work with them. At least Montgomery usually has some vivid encounters with the animals she writes about.
I’m disappointed in this book, and I guess I’ll save the second half for another time. Now I need a new idea of what to read.
Elizabeth Strout
My Name is Lucy Barton is ok but predictable. I liked Elizabeth Stout’s other books better, I think, especially Olive Kitteridge. Lucy is supposed to be very self-aware (I think) but I find her a bit whiny. I thought I would read this book first, then the author’s newer ones. However, now I’m not inclined to read any of the sequels including the one that was published this week.
Reviews © 2024 mae sander
13 comments:
Hello, Mae
Thanks for sharing your book reviews. Beaver Land reminds me of the times my hubby saw a live beaver while he was wading in our lake. The beaver swam by a few times slapping it's tail, he did not like my hubby in his space. I am adding the Strout book to my reading list. Take care, have a wonderful day and a happy weekend!
I think strout was at her best in Olive Kittridge. Since then, not so much. She might be one of those writers who manage a couple of brilliant books before the energy runs out.
As my booklist must not grow I just look at the pics!
Beavers are elusive, but at least around my house we see dams all over the place. I haven't seen a live beaver for awhile though. Too bad you didn't enjoy either book. hugs-Erika
Indeed, it's very interesting for me to read about beavers. Nearby is a river in Augsburg with them too.
Thank you for sharing your reviews of this books. Now in autumn we read again more
Greetings by Heidrun
Hello. Thank you for the book introductions.
I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes, books just don't click with you.
Hello Mae,
I am stopping back to say thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
My Name is Lucy Barton is my lowest rated Elizabeth Strout book. I have been tempted to reread it but when I saw that you weren't crazy about it either I decided there was no point. I want my animal stories to put humans in the background and focus on the animals, so I probably won't be picking up the beaver book either.
Thank you for the book reviews, hmm they don't seem my cup of tea either.
Regards
Sonjia.
Dear Mae, the beaver book probably wouldn't be "mine" either. My (now retired) friend Brigitte worked for many years as a nature guide in the Danube floodplains, with her I saw beavers in the wild and also learned some interesting things about these animals.
All the best and have a nice Sunday
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2024/09/weltreise-2024-sw-usa-roadtrip-teil-1.html
I appreciate an honest review too. Doesn't sound like a book that would keep me interested either. I read E. Strout and enjoyed all of her books...so far!
You made me smile. It's refreshing to hear a book lover talk about disappointments in books. It happens to us all, and I think, it has to do with our inner personality, the one that is all about how feelings are affecting us now.
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