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Looking for Hickories: The Forgotten Wildness of the Rural Midwest
A new voice reveals the unique character of the upper Midwest
In the spirit of other writers who share an affinity for the natural world---authors such as Robert Frost, Emerson, and Bill Bryson---Looking for Hickories is Tom Springer's ode to the people, natural beauty, and lore of the Midwest, a place where bustling communities neighbor a fragile mosaic of quiet woods, fertile meadows, and miles of farmland.
Touching and humorous by turns, Looking for Hickories captures the essence of the upper Midwest's character with subjects particular to the region yet often universal in theme, from barn building to land preservation to the neglected importance of various trees in the landscape.
Like Frost's best poems, Springer's essays often begin with delight and end in wisdom. They mingle a generosity of spirit and the childlike pleasure of discovery with a grown-up sense of a time and a place, if not lost, then in danger of disappearing altogether---things to treasure and preserve for today and tomorrow.
In the spirit of other writers who share an affinity for the natural world---authors such as Robert Frost, Emerson, and Bill Bryson---Looking for Hickories is Tom Springer's ode to the people, natural beauty, and lore of the Midwest, a place where bustling communities neighbor a fragile mosaic of quiet woods, fertile meadows, and miles of farmland.
Touching and humorous by turns, Looking for Hickories captures the essence of the upper Midwest's character with subjects particular to the region yet often universal in theme, from barn building to land preservation to the neglected importance of various trees in the landscape.
Like Frost's best poems, Springer's essays often begin with delight and end in wisdom. They mingle a generosity of spirit and the childlike pleasure of discovery with a grown-up sense of a time and a place, if not lost, then in danger of disappearing altogether---things to treasure and preserve for today and tomorrow.
- GenresNatureNonfictionEssays
168 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2008
About the author
Tom Springer
11 books5 followersTom Springer lives in a 19th century Michigan farmhouse on four acres where he gardens, fishes, serves as a township trustee, tends 40 species of trees -- and mistrusts any tool that's more complex than a pitch fork. He has worked in corporate communications for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and in environmental research for the University of Notre Dame.
Tom's collection of essays, "The Star in the Sycamore," has been named a Michigan Notable Book for 2021 by the Library of Michigan. His earlier collection of essays, "Looking for Hickories," (University of Michigan Press) was named a Michigan Notable Book in 2009 and is now in its fourth printing. Apart from his books, Tom's writing appears in publications such as Michigan Blue, Notre Dame Magazine and The Front Porch Republic.
He earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Western Michigan University and holds a master's degree environmental journalism from Michigan State University.
Tom's collection of essays, "The Star in the Sycamore," has been named a Michigan Notable Book for 2021 by the Library of Michigan. His earlier collection of essays, "Looking for Hickories," (University of Michigan Press) was named a Michigan Notable Book in 2009 and is now in its fourth printing. Apart from his books, Tom's writing appears in publications such as Michigan Blue, Notre Dame Magazine and The Front Porch Republic.
He earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Western Michigan University and holds a master's degree environmental journalism from Michigan State University.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 16, 2018
I had a few reservations about this book. It's a collection of essays, which I didn't anticipate, and it's a really small press, so anything could happen. And in fact there were a few pretty brazen editing problems... but I needn't have doubted. I'm so glad I read it.
I suspect this book sings in a key recognized only by those that have lived in southwest Michigan, but it sings all the same. Springer's appreciation of the beauty, even divinity, of the ordinary made me long for home, and more thankful for it while I was there recently. If you want an inspiration for a staycation in the area, or a vision of what the area was like before being settled by westerners, or to feel the warmth of a crackling fire on a frigid Michigan winter's night - without going through latter! - find a copy of this book.
I suspect this book sings in a key recognized only by those that have lived in southwest Michigan, but it sings all the same. Springer's appreciation of the beauty, even divinity, of the ordinary made me long for home, and more thankful for it while I was there recently. If you want an inspiration for a staycation in the area, or a vision of what the area was like before being settled by westerners, or to feel the warmth of a crackling fire on a frigid Michigan winter's night - without going through latter! - find a copy of this book.
January 17, 2024
I stumbled upon Tom's second book, "The Star in the Sycamore" and enjoyed it immensely. I am a fellow Michigander, so his writing speaks to me a lot, as I feel it will especially for any Midwesterners.
There was something missing from this book. I'm not sure what. Perhaps it felt a bit more technical at times? He opened up more in the second book. He also delved deeper into history in the other book.
This book was a good first publication. It's a solid read. I just don't think I'd reread it.
There was something missing from this book. I'm not sure what. Perhaps it felt a bit more technical at times? He opened up more in the second book. He also delved deeper into history in the other book.
This book was a good first publication. It's a solid read. I just don't think I'd reread it.
August 6, 2023
A great book to read while hanging out in Michigan
Springer is like a modern-day, more laid back Thoreau, and his prose is smart, riddled with literary allusions, and still very accessible and meditative.
Springer is like a modern-day, more laid back Thoreau, and his prose is smart, riddled with literary allusions, and still very accessible and meditative.
October 21, 2022
Our 38th retirement read aloud. New author for. Will look for other works by him.
December 6, 2025
Absolutely wonderful collection of essays on life, nature, our relationship with the natural world, and its glorious benefits for our sometimes sagging spirits.
October 12, 2008
"Yearning for Yellowstone, we over look the fossils in our own backyard."
"More than twenty-five years later I'm still working on the answers. I suspect many who love nature but earn their living in the great indoors feel the same way. The things we're socially conditioned to want tether us to jobs and situation that leave us comfortable but unfulfilled. I don't think it's quite true that most people live lives of "quiet desperation," as Thoreau said. In his fervent but celibate quest for putiry, Henry often seemed a bit desperate himself. Still, if we had our durthers, many of u would find a vocational compromise that brings us closer to our ideals."
This book of essays set in Michigan is redolant of Hubbell and Stillgoe. Thanks to Mr. Springer for an excellent read about topics and a state dear to me.
"More than twenty-five years later I'm still working on the answers. I suspect many who love nature but earn their living in the great indoors feel the same way. The things we're socially conditioned to want tether us to jobs and situation that leave us comfortable but unfulfilled. I don't think it's quite true that most people live lives of "quiet desperation," as Thoreau said. In his fervent but celibate quest for putiry, Henry often seemed a bit desperate himself. Still, if we had our durthers, many of u would find a vocational compromise that brings us closer to our ideals."
This book of essays set in Michigan is redolant of Hubbell and Stillgoe. Thanks to Mr. Springer for an excellent read about topics and a state dear to me.
December 5, 2010
A wonderful collection of short essays on some of my favorite topics: trees, rural life, rivers, suburban sprawl, consumerism, growing up in "wild" places, and becoming middle-aged. The illustrations by Ladislav Hanka complement the book perfectly.
Springer not only has some great insights into modern life, but writes really well - I think I'm going to buy a copy of this (which I had checked out of the Ann Arbor District Library) just so I can re-read it again someday and appreciate the thoughtful metaphors and lucid style.
I think this deserves much greater recognition that it presently has!
Springer not only has some great insights into modern life, but writes really well - I think I'm going to buy a copy of this (which I had checked out of the Ann Arbor District Library) just so I can re-read it again someday and appreciate the thoughtful metaphors and lucid style.
I think this deserves much greater recognition that it presently has!
July 28, 2008
an entertaining and hearfelt read about an average guy and his growth and insights regarding the preservation and respect of his MI home town and surrounding area.
March 30, 2009
I just finished Looking for Hickories and found Springer's environmental essays to be interesting, inspirational, and meditative. Almost as good as taking a walk in the woods myself.
March 23, 2010
Essays on nature
March 19, 2020
It had it's charms but there's an overlay of white privilege that I couldn't ignore. The style on the b&w illustrations is too muddy to be effectively connected to the writing.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews