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Wilderness, The Gateway To The Soul: Spiritual Enlightenment Through Wilderness
Could wilderness be our only hope? As our culture removes itself from the natural world, something very essential has been lost. But there is still one place we can go to get it back. Come along on a spiritual journey, away from a chaotic world of details, obligations, smartphones and noisy machines, to a place that is unspoiled, untamed, and free. Backpacking mostly solo, Stillman leads us to the heart of the American Wilderness, where nature works her magic to heal and transform your life. In this riveting book, Stillman guides us on a trip to uncover timeless wisdom, ancient magic, and a Gateway to the Soul. What will you find? Is there a greater truth hidden deep in the cracks and fissures of the Earth? You'll adore this love letter to Mother Earth because it captures the essence of what wilderness and solitude can offer to the human soul. Happiness is yours for the taking, if you just let nature back into your life. Get it now.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2018
607 people are currently reading
2402 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
January 2, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. I thought I would enjoy it. After all, like Stillman, I have done many wilderness trips, both overland and on water. I’ve solo backpacked, off-trail and cross-country, in some of the same areas in which he explores in his book. Wilderness is a collection of accounts of Stillman’s mountain, desert and backwoods trips across the American West. Sadly, I found many of his stories to be flat. Too many lacked suspense and a plot line. To me, Stillman’s book reads like my journals (in which I scribble and make notes of my experiences, and like him occasional composing a line or two of poetry). But I don’t share my journals, I save them and later will distill from them what will go into a story. Instead of his journals serving as the source of ideas, it appears Stillman is offering up slightly edited journal entries.
My favorite story in this book was in the second chapter (Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, Arizona). The author is hiking through the Arizona desert, from Cottonwood to Sedona. In this story, I could feel the suspense and even some thirst as he struggled to find water. I would have liked to have felt such thirst (or sore muscles or fear) in all the stories. The wilderness can be a place many of us go to find healing, but we must also realize that it’s a dangerous place. Only when we are willing to take the risk can we experience the transformation that such places offers.
It appears to me that Stillman has some good ideas about the role of wilderness (many of which I share). But instead of developing the idea from the experiences contained within a story, these ideas are dropped in as a “truth.” Instead of the allowing the reader to gain from the struggles and the joy of being in the wild, coming to their own conclusions as we experience through words his experiences, Stillman tells us what to think. These are all solid ideas that I have held, such as it doesn’t take a lot of
In my opinion, Stillman also overuses lists (this is the second recent book I’ve reviewed and made this observation). He will drop a series of one word descriptions describing the weather, what he’s seeing, among other things. While occasionally a list can be a beneficial technique for emphasis, I felt many of these lists could be woven into the story and used as a way to draw the reader into his encounter within the wild. Stillman appears to strive for a minimalist style of writing (as in his hiking) by using short sentences and even many one-word sentences (which create a list).
Stillman has done a wonderful job advertising his self-published book. Using his incredible talents as a photographer, with a clever line or two from the book, I was sucked in. It’s too bad that Stillman didn’t publish a book of photographs with one or two line reflections. Such a book, while expensive to produce, would be a thing of beauty. There are no photos in this book except for those on the cover. In his advertisement copy, there is a quote comparing Stillman to Edward Abbey. While it is not doubt that Stillman, like Abbey, loves the wilderness and wants to protect it, his writings lack Abbey’s wit and “reverent irreverence.” Abbey always presented himself as a bit of a contraction (driving old gas guzzling cars and tossing beer cans out onto the desert floor while fighting against those threatening the environment). Stillman appears to have everything worked out neatly in his head, even before he has such experiences. His trips into the wilderness only confirms his beliefs.
I recommend everyone to find a way to appreciate the grandeur of the world in which we live. Such experiences help us understand ourselves better. But I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this book. Hopefully, the author will follow his hero, Edward Abbey, and continue to hone his craft. Abbey’s first book, Jonathan Troy, was not very well received, but when his second book, “The Brave Cowboy” came out, he had found his voice. The West is a complex place (which may be why I’ve yet to write about it outside of a few academic and historical pieces). To understand the West as a place which can help us to understand ourselves better requires so many different levels of thought: human and natural history, geology, hydrology, weather, botany, forestry, animal science, industrial development, economics, among other studies.
My favorite story in this book was in the second chapter (Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, Arizona). The author is hiking through the Arizona desert, from Cottonwood to Sedona. In this story, I could feel the suspense and even some thirst as he struggled to find water. I would have liked to have felt such thirst (or sore muscles or fear) in all the stories. The wilderness can be a place many of us go to find healing, but we must also realize that it’s a dangerous place. Only when we are willing to take the risk can we experience the transformation that such places offers.
It appears to me that Stillman has some good ideas about the role of wilderness (many of which I share). But instead of developing the idea from the experiences contained within a story, these ideas are dropped in as a “truth.” Instead of the allowing the reader to gain from the struggles and the joy of being in the wild, coming to their own conclusions as we experience through words his experiences, Stillman tells us what to think. These are all solid ideas that I have held, such as it doesn’t take a lot of
In my opinion, Stillman also overuses lists (this is the second recent book I’ve reviewed and made this observation). He will drop a series of one word descriptions describing the weather, what he’s seeing, among other things. While occasionally a list can be a beneficial technique for emphasis, I felt many of these lists could be woven into the story and used as a way to draw the reader into his encounter within the wild. Stillman appears to strive for a minimalist style of writing (as in his hiking) by using short sentences and even many one-word sentences (which create a list).
Stillman has done a wonderful job advertising his self-published book. Using his incredible talents as a photographer, with a clever line or two from the book, I was sucked in. It’s too bad that Stillman didn’t publish a book of photographs with one or two line reflections. Such a book, while expensive to produce, would be a thing of beauty. There are no photos in this book except for those on the cover. In his advertisement copy, there is a quote comparing Stillman to Edward Abbey. While it is not doubt that Stillman, like Abbey, loves the wilderness and wants to protect it, his writings lack Abbey’s wit and “reverent irreverence.” Abbey always presented himself as a bit of a contraction (driving old gas guzzling cars and tossing beer cans out onto the desert floor while fighting against those threatening the environment). Stillman appears to have everything worked out neatly in his head, even before he has such experiences. His trips into the wilderness only confirms his beliefs.
I recommend everyone to find a way to appreciate the grandeur of the world in which we live. Such experiences help us understand ourselves better. But I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this book. Hopefully, the author will follow his hero, Edward Abbey, and continue to hone his craft. Abbey’s first book, Jonathan Troy, was not very well received, but when his second book, “The Brave Cowboy” came out, he had found his voice. The West is a complex place (which may be why I’ve yet to write about it outside of a few academic and historical pieces). To understand the West as a place which can help us to understand ourselves better requires so many different levels of thought: human and natural history, geology, hydrology, weather, botany, forestry, animal science, industrial development, economics, among other studies.
July 19, 2019
Wilderness: The Gateway to the Soul, by Scott Stillman, is one of those books that is so rich, not just in descriptions of the remote and majestic locations chronicled, but in the nuggets of simple yet affirming pieces of wisdom bestowed. I loved this book but I chose not to devour it as I normally would. I took my time, reading a few pages a day over a few months. Gorgeous writing, Stillman reminds us that there is such much more to our world that the pavement and sedentary lifestyle associated with modern society. There are so many places, some near, some far, that one can seek, you don’t have to be an advocate backpacker or massive outdoor enthusiast to enjoy the abundance of our wilderness. There are some paths seldom trod that reward our souls with nourishment, that we redirect, and find our way. Lyrical prose, highest recommendation!
September 30, 2018
This short book of prose forms a powerful and insightful love letter to the great remaining wilderness of America's western backyard, a portrait traversing the forests of the Pacific Northwest to the desert expanses of Utah. Stillman offers a world of incomprehensible beauty, not only for its incomparable landscapes, but for the wisdom these ventures into solitude continue to offer the human soul. In an era in which man-made interruptions are a pervasive feature of modern life, Stillman's ode to these natural cathedrals offers a soothing balm. Written by a true outdoorsman, this book will ring true for anyone who has ever felt the urge to heed the call of the wild - and perhaps inspire new adventurers.
September 25, 2018
Wow... This book had me from Chapter 1 until the final page. The author takes you on a guided tour of some of the most amazing places in the US. This is not my normal genre of books but so glad I took the leap and changed things up. Read this book, it will not disappoint.
December 18, 2018
Scott Stillman is preaching to the choir in my corner or the world. One of my stories set in Sedona is titled Not Enough Said for Solitude. I have been encouraging people to toss the clicker out the window and breathe deeply of our beautiful world for some time. However, it is refreshing to find this younger voice share the many ways that nature can be our salvation. I believe people are too concerned about being connected and are so harried keeping up of with technology they have lost touch with themselves. I am not able to carry a backpack into remote regions solo, but I do enjoy horseback, riding, river rafting and hiking in our countries varied, majestic landscapes. I thank Scott for taking me into places I can’t go alone and for allowing me to imagine the peace, silence and magic of these wild places. This is a wonderful book that will help you be free in your wildness.
Linda Ballou-Author of Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales
www.lostangeladventures.com
Linda Ballou-Author of Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales
www.lostangeladventures.com
January 29, 2019
A book by an author whose first and last names start with the same letter.
I really thought I was going to like this book, but alas, I did not. The story was too meandering without any specific story line and the journal entry style chapters left a lot to be desired. To be fair the author did warn of this at the preface, but nonetheless I would have preferred a solidified timeline and less random thoughts that were sporadically scattered among the stories.
I really thought I was going to like this book, but alas, I did not. The story was too meandering without any specific story line and the journal entry style chapters left a lot to be desired. To be fair the author did warn of this at the preface, but nonetheless I would have preferred a solidified timeline and less random thoughts that were sporadically scattered among the stories.
January 23, 2019
Was a wonderful read which helped at a very difficult time. As an avid outdoorsman I started this book while laying in a hospital bed, just getting out of major surgery. The next 5 days were spent healing and reading this wonderful book. The book took me back to the wilderness where I experience many of these same encounters. I would highly recommend everyone to read this book, than go for a walk in the wilderness and replenish the soul.
July 9, 2023
Come on a journey with the author thru the wilderness. Wonderfully written and thought provoking questions throughout the journey. Scott Stillman takes you on a journey thru the wilderness thru his eyes. On his journey you learn of his love for the wildnerness and how it helps him reset himself. Could you go on journey into the wilderness yourself? Could you take and unplug from all the elcetronics, gadets, and the noise of the cities to seek out silence in the wilderness? We all have that inner child in us the one that likes to explorer and seek adventure and that is what the author brings out in his book. I've experineced the wilderness and its silence and it's wonderful!! I'm ready to explore again what about you?
February 10, 2019
Excellent book. Maybe because I've been to nearly every place he describes, maybe. because I once had an RX7, and maybe because he writes so eloquently the thoughts that I have running through my brain. Whatever the reason. If you enjoy backpacking, sitting in remote places looking at the wonders of this planet, if you enjoy solo nights under the stars. Read this book.
Some may wish for more description in the writing. For me, more words do not describe the wonder and peace I find while taking deep breaths climbing a steep pitch with a heavy pack on. The rocks are hard, the sun is hot, my muscles ache, I'm alive and loving every minute of it.
Some may wish for more description in the writing. For me, more words do not describe the wonder and peace I find while taking deep breaths climbing a steep pitch with a heavy pack on. The rocks are hard, the sun is hot, my muscles ache, I'm alive and loving every minute of it.
March 3, 2019
Actually kind of boring. I agree that wilderness is good for the soul and I like being outside with nature. I just didn't connect with the author's writing style and failed attempts at poetry. It didn't "inspire" me. In fact, I got half way through it and gave up. I won't bother to finish it. I expected better.
May 30, 2019
This was not what I was hoping. Every chapter is the same conversation. Also felt it was very judgemental in many places. Two stars for self publishing, marketing, writing a book. Otherwise fell flat to me and lacked depth.
May 27, 2021
A collection of essays about the author's experiences hiking and camping in the US. He reflects on the wonder of the nature surrounding him and spiritually on the solace of nature and the freedom of Isolation in the wilderness. I think this is meant to be read slowly, more like journal entries. Read straight through, some of the essays read a bit repetitive, but how many ways can you describe the sea or the sky. I thought overall the collection was thoughtful and full of wonder. You get a real sense of his love and appreciation of the wilderness. I bought this for one of my sons who has a love for the wilderness and hope he enjoys it as much as I did.
January 6, 2021
This ode to the wild places in the US is beautifully written with clarity and poeticism. The insights that Scott Stillman presents through his exploration of public lands are eloquently worded and profoundly moving. Through reading this book, I learned truths about the world and about myself, and it is a read that I will come back to time and again. Would highly recommend to anyone who loves the outdoors and wild spaces.
January 5, 2023
I started off not knowing if I’d like this book since there is virtually no plot, but once I read on, I really enjoyed it. Scott’s whole point of the book was to write about the things he learned while he was out in the wilderness. I could feel my soul calling me back to a trailhead lol. Anyways there were some really poetic and deep moments in this book I enjoyed. It was fun to live out some of these adventures through Scott.
June 20, 2021
it’s hard to find the words to describe the way this book has made me feel.
the travel bug is there, it has been for a long time, but this book stirred up just a longing to be outdoors, in nature, in the wilderness.
the travel bug is there, it has been for a long time, but this book stirred up just a longing to be outdoors, in nature, in the wilderness.
January 3, 2023
A good book; fast read. Stillman's insights into nature, mankind, and the troubled relationship the two currently have really makes you think about how you are living and how you might live better.
July 13, 2024
Great book! The poems can get a little much at times. And I don’t think I picked up the narrative until the second half of the book. But if anyone has ever gone backpacking or camped in the wilderness they will immediately identify with this book !
January 12, 2020
This is a 5 star if you hike, especially if you hike solo. ❤❤❤
May 19, 2020
Scott’s passion for our wilderness areas in America is reminiscent of John Muir’s. His descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of the wilderness areas he explored. I highly recommend the book!
December 29, 2022
I started out reading this with regret. There are so many places I’ve not seen and I want so much more of it. It was getting difficult to read. I relaxed and settled into reading his words and being present in them, and found myself so grateful- still wanting more- wanting my young adults to read and think about what is out there for us.
Spoiler part: at almost the last chapter, Scott touches on who he is, where he came from, growing up playing in forests, and touches on terms that we might currently label as adhd, feed someone a pill, teach them to sit still… and he recognizes the joy of still being in contact with his inner child, pure love, and the light from within that is encouraged by being outside. I’ve known all this forever, but Scott put it into a book of words.
3 more books to go in a collection I got for Christmas, and so excited to keep reading.
Spoiler part: at almost the last chapter, Scott touches on who he is, where he came from, growing up playing in forests, and touches on terms that we might currently label as adhd, feed someone a pill, teach them to sit still… and he recognizes the joy of still being in contact with his inner child, pure love, and the light from within that is encouraged by being outside. I’ve known all this forever, but Scott put it into a book of words.
3 more books to go in a collection I got for Christmas, and so excited to keep reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2018
Wish I were there!
Loved hiking with you through all of these beautiful places. In the chapter titled ancient people, I'm glad you didn't divulge the exact location and hope it stays pristine.
I hiked all my life mainly in the west but did hike the presidents range in New Hampshire. Now I'm older and cannot but I did again by vicariously hiking with you. Thank you - let your God light shine always.
Loved hiking with you through all of these beautiful places. In the chapter titled ancient people, I'm glad you didn't divulge the exact location and hope it stays pristine.
I hiked all my life mainly in the west but did hike the presidents range in New Hampshire. Now I'm older and cannot but I did again by vicariously hiking with you. Thank you - let your God light shine always.
November 16, 2018
The book repeats. A lot. And each repetition took me back to places that having been I've never left. Reading through this book is an invitation to delight for any who know the wilderness, the forest, the world of rock. Scott Stillman takes us there in simple imagery that captures something so simple it is too complicated for most of us to remember without refresher courses. Back out there and into our selves.
April 22, 2020
Stillman should have brought his camera as well as his pen. He even admits as much on page 136 talking about Ansel Adams "His photos convey the magic and beauty in a way that words simply cannot." Stillman's words seldom convey the concept of what he is seeing. Each place is described much the same. I'm not a backpacker and this did nothing to make me want to be one. Nor did his visits inspire me to go where he went. Many of the internet pictures did but not his writing.
July 4, 2020
I like the idea of the book, but the execution just is not there for me. It's a totally personal thing, and I understand why people like the book, but the introspective, repetitive first person style left me wanting more. Almost as if he was trying too hard to make the language beautiful. I like the genre if outdoor stories and memoirs, but this just didnt do it for me.
December 1, 2019
If you're already a fan of hiking and the outdoors, this book will resonate with you. But, it's not going to convert anyone of the joys of the outdoors. There are some good nuggets in here but otherwise the writing is pretty bland. Kind of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte of outdoor books.
February 22, 2021
Does Scott Stillman consider himself a philosopher? Our collective conscience? Merely an individual who wants to promote both the healing powers of connecting with nature and encouraging human beings to enjoy and experience the natural world around them? Perhaps he is a combination of all three.
Stillman offers quite the array of backpacking experiences into some of the American West's most beautiful areas in this, his first offering -- Wilderness, The Gateway To The Soul. While I would have loved to have read his musings about some of the nation's beautiful national and state parks east of the Mississippi River (well, there was one chapter about his visit to a Tennessee park, but that was very late in the 198-page publication), one really can't fault the Coloradan from journeying into those parks/monuments/forests of the West since they are closer to his home base.
The only real criticism I have of Wilderness... is that Stillman writes only about those excursions of his off the beaten track, far into the parks' interiors -- to areas that most of us will not visit ... merely because we don't have the wherewithal to do so nor do we have the physical ability to scale the demanding terrain it would take to get to those "hidden" spots. Much of the grandeur about which Stillman writes can be enjoyed by keeping to the marked, prepared trails. Since Stillman infers going on weekend camping outings with his wife and friends that do not entail such arduous treks, it would have been nice if he had included some of these opportunities to "connect with nature". It would have been a way to say to the reader: "Look, you don't have to venture as far into the interior as I do to connect with nature, rejuvenate your spirit. Do what works best for you!"
There may not have been anything along those "simpler" lines within the binding of Wilderness... but I still found a lot to enjoy reading chapter after chapter. The book certainly reminded me it has been far too long since I set off even on a short trail hike, and I am anxious to do so before long.
On the whole, Wilderness, The Gateway To The Soul was a good read.
Happy Reading! :-)
Stillman offers quite the array of backpacking experiences into some of the American West's most beautiful areas in this, his first offering -- Wilderness, The Gateway To The Soul. While I would have loved to have read his musings about some of the nation's beautiful national and state parks east of the Mississippi River (well, there was one chapter about his visit to a Tennessee park, but that was very late in the 198-page publication), one really can't fault the Coloradan from journeying into those parks/monuments/forests of the West since they are closer to his home base.
The only real criticism I have of Wilderness... is that Stillman writes only about those excursions of his off the beaten track, far into the parks' interiors -- to areas that most of us will not visit ... merely because we don't have the wherewithal to do so nor do we have the physical ability to scale the demanding terrain it would take to get to those "hidden" spots. Much of the grandeur about which Stillman writes can be enjoyed by keeping to the marked, prepared trails. Since Stillman infers going on weekend camping outings with his wife and friends that do not entail such arduous treks, it would have been nice if he had included some of these opportunities to "connect with nature". It would have been a way to say to the reader: "Look, you don't have to venture as far into the interior as I do to connect with nature, rejuvenate your spirit. Do what works best for you!"
There may not have been anything along those "simpler" lines within the binding of Wilderness... but I still found a lot to enjoy reading chapter after chapter. The book certainly reminded me it has been far too long since I set off even on a short trail hike, and I am anxious to do so before long.
On the whole, Wilderness, The Gateway To The Soul was a good read.
Happy Reading! :-)
March 5, 2019
While reading this book, I found myself mesmerized by the picture that the author painted in my mind about his experiences! Although I would have loved to see pictures throughout or a section dedicated to the places he describes, the pictures weren't needed. And, as the author points out, would have taken him out of the present moment anyway from being in communion with nature. :)
My favorite type of vacation is one out in nature where I am camping, hiking, & hot springing & when I read his descriptive reflections it makes want to do the solo journeys I used to take when I want to college. I am craving the silence, the stillness & the surrender that being alone in nature can bring. The quieting of the mind & the clarity of thought & purpose that comes with taking time away to unplug.
I am hoping this author decides someday to lead guided journeys that start in a group setting, disperse to their very own solo journeys, & come back afterward to connect & reflect on their experiences. :)
So here's the deal... if you love nature, it's just simply healing for you, OR you've never stepped a foot outside in your life this book will remind you of your true authentic nature & why it's so important to reconnect with yourself in nature OFTEN.
It might also remind you to find gratitude for this connection by protecting the beautiful wilderness places that have healed, nourished & uplifted you. :)
My favorite type of vacation is one out in nature where I am camping, hiking, & hot springing & when I read his descriptive reflections it makes want to do the solo journeys I used to take when I want to college. I am craving the silence, the stillness & the surrender that being alone in nature can bring. The quieting of the mind & the clarity of thought & purpose that comes with taking time away to unplug.
I am hoping this author decides someday to lead guided journeys that start in a group setting, disperse to their very own solo journeys, & come back afterward to connect & reflect on their experiences. :)
So here's the deal... if you love nature, it's just simply healing for you, OR you've never stepped a foot outside in your life this book will remind you of your true authentic nature & why it's so important to reconnect with yourself in nature OFTEN.
It might also remind you to find gratitude for this connection by protecting the beautiful wilderness places that have healed, nourished & uplifted you. :)
February 23, 2023
Lovely! This series of entrancing & inspiring travel essays weaves through a variety of wilderness (not ‘state parks’ or ‘campgrounds’) treks. Stillman manages to blend the true challenging exertion of such adventures with the whimsy of a child camping in their own backyard. Sure, scraped knees, big bites, dust & sandstorms, but how about that view? That campfire meal? That one perfect moment where you stop being ‘you’ while also truly only being ‘you.’
The solo backpacking life may not be for everyone, I’ll grant you & Stillman seems to recognize this even as he suggests ‘JUST GO!’ The idea he’s trying to convey is more about turning off those ‘glowing rectangles’ & even our own expectations & just be! For some it may be those wilderness desert trails, or forested mountains, abandoned coastlines; but for any of us all it really needs to be is that park down the street, the one without the playground & the dog park & the food truck; it’s that turn off to a beach with no parking lot or restrooms. Maybe it’s just a few minutes outside at lunchtime smiling into the sun & just taking a breath.
The point here isn’t necessarily quit your job, sell your stuff & buy a camper van, it’s take a minute, think about our place in the universe & just hush for a second & enjoy it!
The solo backpacking life may not be for everyone, I’ll grant you & Stillman seems to recognize this even as he suggests ‘JUST GO!’ The idea he’s trying to convey is more about turning off those ‘glowing rectangles’ & even our own expectations & just be! For some it may be those wilderness desert trails, or forested mountains, abandoned coastlines; but for any of us all it really needs to be is that park down the street, the one without the playground & the dog park & the food truck; it’s that turn off to a beach with no parking lot or restrooms. Maybe it’s just a few minutes outside at lunchtime smiling into the sun & just taking a breath.
The point here isn’t necessarily quit your job, sell your stuff & buy a camper van, it’s take a minute, think about our place in the universe & just hush for a second & enjoy it!
May 21, 2019
A good read
Initially, I didn't enjoy because of the new age tone. Yet I found myself looking forward to the moments when I'd have the opportunity to read a page or two, especially after this quote began to resonate with me ,
"Most of us never give ourselves the chance to ask these questions. At the first itch of loneliness we pick up the phone, log onto the internet, knock at the neighbor’s door, or start a project. What about boredom, depression, anger, sadness? We run. Constantly we’re running from our emotions. Our society is one of quick fixes. There’s a pill for depression, a gadget for boredom, social media for loneliness, the pub for sadness. We are afraid of being with our emotions. We are afraid of being with ourselves.". So I recommend taking a moment just read a book that by no means will change your life or isn't forgettable, but it will provide brief moment to escape and ponder while reading it.
Initially, I didn't enjoy because of the new age tone. Yet I found myself looking forward to the moments when I'd have the opportunity to read a page or two, especially after this quote began to resonate with me ,
"Most of us never give ourselves the chance to ask these questions. At the first itch of loneliness we pick up the phone, log onto the internet, knock at the neighbor’s door, or start a project. What about boredom, depression, anger, sadness? We run. Constantly we’re running from our emotions. Our society is one of quick fixes. There’s a pill for depression, a gadget for boredom, social media for loneliness, the pub for sadness. We are afraid of being with our emotions. We are afraid of being with ourselves.". So I recommend taking a moment just read a book that by no means will change your life or isn't forgettable, but it will provide brief moment to escape and ponder while reading it.
January 3, 2021
I was hoping this book would be one of two things: either a detailed experience of various adventures in each chapter and/or a motivational inspiration about connecting with nature and the basics on how to live simply. Unfortunately it was neither of these things so I abandoned it half way through and actually requested a refund through Amazon.
It lacked detail and plot in its retelling of experiences in nature. It felt like a scripted journal meant only for Stillman’s memories. On the other, as for being “a gateway to the soul” I felt he was trying to hard to sound poetic and I wasn’t able to deeply feel any connection to nature in the way he described his experiences.
I really wanted this book to one, or even better, both of the expectations I had for it, but it fell short. I rarely abandon books, but I’m hopeful for his other book that I got for Christmas as well.
It lacked detail and plot in its retelling of experiences in nature. It felt like a scripted journal meant only for Stillman’s memories. On the other, as for being “a gateway to the soul” I felt he was trying to hard to sound poetic and I wasn’t able to deeply feel any connection to nature in the way he described his experiences.
I really wanted this book to one, or even better, both of the expectations I had for it, but it fell short. I rarely abandon books, but I’m hopeful for his other book that I got for Christmas as well.
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