University of Minnesota Press A Wild Path

I am savoring each chapter of Douglas Wood’s new book. I treat myself to one chapter every evening, and find it a wonderful way to decompress after a long day! Each chapter is unique and personal yet universal and applicable to those of us who find wonder and solace and even divinity in nature. I particularly enjoy his use of metaphor in so many of his vignettes.I am in no hurry to reach the last chapter. When that inevitably occurs, I will close that chapter and the book with a sense of renewal and serenity. And with the hope that Douglas, when he not otherwise occupied with his nature teaching or guiding, or indulging in witty political satire, will take pen in hand and share more of his myriad encounters and experiences in nature with his readership. And that he will include his illustrations as well, which add another charming dimension to his works!

After coming to love “Old Turtle” as a child,I re-discovered Doug’s writing during the dark days of the pandemic. I found them to be grounding, hopeful, and entertaining, often feeling like I was transported into the woods & lakes of beautiful Northern MN. “A Wild Path” richly captures his essence of his human experience, particularly in nature, and inspires me to have more awareness and appreciation for all the life and joy in my daily path.- JJ