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The Open Space of Democracy (New Patriotism Series #4)
Terry Tempest Williams presents a sharp-edged perspective on the ethics and politics of place, spiritual democracy, and the responsibilities of citizen engagement. By turns elegiac, inspiring, and passionate, The Open Space of Democracy offers a fresh perspective on the critical questions of our time.
Paperback, 107 pages
Published
August 31st 2004
by Orion Society
(first published August 2004)
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Feb 17, 2013
Matt
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
those interested in open lands policy, conservation, activism, and how it relates politically
I passionately enjoy Terry Tempest's writing. She can put into words certain emotions and gut feelings that may be difficult for others to articulate. She intertwines personal experience with political policy, enduring histories, and conservation activism of the last many decades, creating a narrative of American open lands policy and recent developments and regressions. This book consists of three of her essays published in Orion, all interrelated, all focusing on her concept of "the open space...more
Excellent (and quick) read. Here are some favorite quotes:
"How do we engage in responsive citizenship in times of terror? Do we have the imagination to rediscover an authentic patriotism that inspires empathy and reflection over pride and nationalism?" (From a commencement address Williams gave at the University of Utah in May 2003.) (p.7)
"The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole b...more
"How do we engage in responsive citizenship in times of terror? Do we have the imagination to rediscover an authentic patriotism that inspires empathy and reflection over pride and nationalism?" (From a commencement address Williams gave at the University of Utah in May 2003.) (p.7)
"The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole b...more
This is a quick read, more of a journal than a novel, written from her experiences traveling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, at home in Castle Rock Utah, and visiting with Congress in D.C. Williams is always a good author to turn to when I need to re-affirm my commitment to a strong value of wildland conservation and education. She always delivers inspiration and hope, when so much of what is going on in politics makes me want to bury my head in the sand, plug my ears and go "la la la la...more
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4.5 stars
I love Terry Tempest Williams' writing. Her sparse descriptions are poetic in their brevity and depth. What she writes sticks with me to be turned over and savored or considered again and again.
Her descriptive ability feeds my senses and my soul. Her ideas resonate, yet still cause me to reconsider what I feel. Her passion encourages me with hope - it is contagious. Her ideas of democracy - whether you agree with her foundation or not - need to spread in this divided political climate.
A...more
I love Terry Tempest Williams' writing. Her sparse descriptions are poetic in their brevity and depth. What she writes sticks with me to be turned over and savored or considered again and again.
Her descriptive ability feeds my senses and my soul. Her ideas resonate, yet still cause me to reconsider what I feel. Her passion encourages me with hope - it is contagious. Her ideas of democracy - whether you agree with her foundation or not - need to spread in this divided political climate.
A...more
I loved the first section of this book. I found myself highlighting so much, white out for what I didn't want would have been easier. Great stuff that I'm still mulling over and thinking about, and that I will be using in my classroom this year. She inspired my long-dead sense of democracy.
The second and third sections were beautifully written, and important to her point, but a little too transcendental for my taste, which is why I bumped it down to 4 stars.
The second and third sections were beautifully written, and important to her point, but a little too transcendental for my taste, which is why I bumped it down to 4 stars.
At this time when the political climate is so tense and disparaging, I figured a re-read was in order. TTW is an absolute favorite of mine. More specifically, THIS book is the best of all, hands down. It's a quick read and full of inspiring thoughts and provocations. My paperback copy is highlighted and noted in and beaten up so badly that it is like picking up a journal from years back that I can read into my past thoughts and emotions with deep clarity and insight into my emotions at each read...more
Terry Tempest Williams is one of my heroines, both as a person and an author. This book is very much about her commitment to democracy, on all levels, as she explains so well. It is a series of essays with the common theme of democracy from different angles. I am inspired by her commitment to her beliefs, to dialogue, to experiencing the world directly and intensely.
I've read this and Refuge and am always touched by the beautiful way she puts words together. I used this book this semester, but heard from the press that it went out of print! Is this true? I wouldn't think that any of her work would be relegated to the remainder bins. She inspires and addresses problems in ways that are meant to move people to action.
Beautiful 'reflective activism.' Williams has a lovely way with conveying her thoughts concerning the soul of democracy, environmental justice, and hope for our national culture. You come away after reading this with wanting to be a more actively engaged citizen.
Terry Tempest Williams' passion for preserving and protecting the environment mirrors my own interest in the environment. She writes intelligently and eloquently about the ethics and politics of nature and wilderness and our obligation to be engaged with the landscape and to be aware of issues affecting humans, animals and the environment. As always, she offers much to think about and at the same time, writes with poetic simplicity.
I liked this book so much that when I got to meet Michael Franti at a show in Aspen, CO I gave him my only copy, which happened to be in my bag. I had just finished it and was on my way to the desert.
The most facinating book I read in my Environmental Citizenship class at Northland College, Ashland WI. I felt a connection with Williams beings I grew up, like her, in Utah Mormon culture.
Oh, I loved this. I love pretty much everything Terry Tempest Williams writes, but this book was particularly timely for me. Her essays are beautiful and important.
A must read for those seeking a centering in times of dissonance as we look for a way to protect wilderness.
A book of beauty, reason and wisdom. "Love is nurtured through time. Time is what we lack." (p. 52.)
Great ideas and information but I didn't like her style much :/
Worth the time
There are books that put into words thoughts that you have but haven't been able to articulate and this is one of them for me. Essays about the authors belief of what true democracy should be. She's a conservationist/environmentalist and her prose are wonderful when describing parts of the Arctic Refuge. I realize that not everyone will agree with her but she puts forth her ideas in an almost poetic way.
Ms Williams speaks the words of protection for our wild surroundings. Places and things we humans destroy in our quest for more.
The books she writes come from deep within her.
If you have a chance to listen to her speak don't miss it. Just the sound of her voice conveys her passion.
The books she writes come from deep within her.
If you have a chance to listen to her speak don't miss it. Just the sound of her voice conveys her passion.
This book was great. Various essays related to democracy, conservation, beauty, and communal activism. The author is Mormon and from Utah. Her emphatic essays about our social and environmental responsibility are refreshing and encouraging.
This book helped restore my belief in the democratic process and rejuvenated my artistic process and the desire to help change the way we use and interact with our in environment.
Anyone who believes in keeping and protecting wild spaces will find this book amazing. Truly.
Democracy demands that we participate.
What a wonderful mind this woman has.
May 17, 2013
Jake
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Apr 17, 2013
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Terry Tempest Williams is an American author, conservationist and activist. Williams’ writing is rooted in the American West and has been significantly influenced by the arid landscape of her native Utah in which she was raised. Her work ranges from issues of ecology and wilderness preservation, to women's health, to exploring our relationship to culture and nature.
She has testified before Congres...more
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Feb 18, 2013 07:06am
Feb 18, 2013 11:40am