Island Year

by Hazel Heckman

In her first book, Island in the Sound, Heckman brought to life Anderson Island in Puget Sound, its people, its history, and its sadly vanishing way of life. Now, in this book, she brings the same clarity of vision, warmth, and insight to the natural life of her island, recording the cycle of the seasons as an appreciative and articulate observer.

This is a diary of the natural world where the same things happen again and again but are always new. Each month brings surprises, expected or not: the blossoming of the wild red flower currant in March, the appearance of a pod of killer whales in July. Mrs. Heckman's gift to the reader, as in all of the best nature writing, is to let us see it through her eyes, as if never seen before.

But the developers have arrived, and the natural world of the Island is as threatened as the way of life of its people. Mrs. Heckman knows that Anderson Island is not the Grand Canyon, that its destruction will never arouse great public indignation, but while it exists as one of the 'little wild places' she is able to share it and her love for it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Memoir

269 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1972

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me some time to read this delightfully detailed nature book that highlights one year in the life of Hazel Heckman and her beloved Anderson Island of Puget Sound. I felt myself rushing my reading, matching the pace of modern life and short attention spans and had to continually slooow down to get in her mindset and follow the winding paths of her journeys and meditations on every plant, fungi, bird she encounters--and there are MANY. It's a reminder of how diverse and miraculous this world is, and how many of us have not treated it well.

From pickleweed to May baskets, from fairy cups to salamanders, from pet ducks to wild deer. The beauty of this island in each season comes to life through the eyes of this sensitive observer. I found myself wishing I could knock on her door for a cup of tea and discuss the weather or the latest wildlife sighting.

I highly recommend this book to nature lovers and readers of nonfiction. It's also illustrated with lovely vintage line drawings by Laurie Olin. Written in the early 1970s, Heckman's record of a time passing is all the more poignant given today's climate news. As she quotes from Donald Jackson: "The wilderness erodes. And as it does, perhaps we do too." It's wonderful that we have her fragmented, diary-like testament to a vanishing wilderness island.

[Josephine Ensign · Rating 3 out of 5]

Escapist reading at a time when we all can use some time-out moments. The environmentalist and anti-development parts of the book were the most interesting. I have to admit I dozed off more than a few times while trying to read all her descriptions of her bird-watching experiences. While I love birds, I will not likely become an avid bird-watcher in my lifetime.

[Andrew Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helps if you have been to the area around the Olympic peninsula. A quiet, plotless book reminiscent of Walden, and more like a nature journal. Heavy-handed final chapter, though true.

[Chandler O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like "Sand County Almanac" by Aldo Leopold in both structure and tone. Beautifully-written, too, like Leopold's book.

[Ted Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one too. I read the authors previous book, Island In the Sound, and think it the better read but the two together was enjoyable back to back.