Wild Delicate Seconds: 29 Wildlife Encounters

by Charles Finn

In Wild Delicate Seconds, Charles Finn captures twenty-nine chance encounters with the everyday—and not so everyday—animals, birds, and insects of North America.
There are no maulings or fantastic escapes in Finn's narratives—only stillness and attentiveness to beauty. With profundity, humor,  and compassion, Finn pays homage to the creatures we share our  world with —from black bears to bumble bees, mountain lions to muskrats—and, in doing so, touches on what it means to be human.

 

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

112 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2012

Reviews

[Stephanie Griffin · Rating 1 out of 5]

So disappointed. The writing style just didn’t work for me.

[Brian K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really great metaphors. Fun to read - but makes you realize how great Annie Dillard’s work is. He doesn’t set out to make a broader point, but can’t resist somewhat trite connections to modern perspectives which can tend to weaken his conclusions.

[Paul Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this lovely book I was reminded of my own 'Wild Delicate Seconds' in nature. Finding a roosting Northern Saw-whet Owl during the day. Watching a Brown Thrasher root through leaves. The first time I really observed a dragonfly. These 29 meditations are short but they are not simple. There is keen observation and wit. I imagine that the next time I have one of these moments, I'll pay closer attention and be satisfied with what nature has decided to show me.

[Suzanne Rancourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

With profound finesse of writing craft, the reader is transported through soulful encounters with the wild, and magnificent Natural World. If you can't get into the wilds for yourself, then Charles Finn brings them to you: meaningful, purposeful, full.

[Beverly J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. That about sums this up. Mellifluous is the word for this. The most exquisite usage of the English language I've had the distinct pleasure of reading in a long time. This is not only one to own, but would make a fantastic gift for many on our lists. This book will really make you Feel.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written! Charles Finn beautifully stops time to bre contentedly present in wildlife encounters. Quiet moments come alive dripping in prose. Now reading it nightly to my daughter and floating on the images.

[Kathlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I unapologetically admit my bias. Throughout my course of travel through 5 countries and 52 household moves, the author and his wife continue in my heart as the best and most loved neighbors of my experience. That confession aside, neglecting to read this book would be like swearing off water. These thoughtful, elegant essays are a pathway toward a place that urban folk have begun to forget or, perhaps, never known. Better still, those who are fortunate enough to have maintained an on-going love affair with the natural world may be surprised to discover a few strands of complacency of their own before the end of the first "encounter. "Each turn of the page issues an invitation to remember, in detail, much that has been taken for granted. There is a kind of mesmerizing gravity at the core of each entry - a force pulling one away from the mundane practice of quantitative looking, creating in its place the chance for a more qualitative relationship that is rich with actual seeing and knowing and maybe even (if your luck holds out) understanding. Some of the images Finn conjures burst across the mind like fresh citrus. Others insinuate themselves more slowly - a stripe of honey, melting according to its own timeframe, against the imagination. My only complaint is the greed that stirred in me once I began to read. The last page came much too soon."

[Gerry LaFemina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Micro-essays. There's nothing wild or delicate about the prose, and many of the observations are prosaic. I wasn't expecting prose poems, but I was expecting something lyrical, something fresh, something meant to make me catch my breath the way seeing these animals in the wild made the author catch his.

[Izzybatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting and nearly poetic. Very short encounters described in one or two pages. If you happen to know the animal or have watched it, his words will bring the animal back to life in your head. The few I didn't know, I utilized Youtube to watch it before reading his words. Great gifting book.

[Madelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I probably should not even rate this book as I turned it back into the library after just a few chapters. His use of big words and flower language seemed at odds with the wonder of nature,

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

One interesting essay,but nothing special, really bland descriptions and sad attempts attempts at metaphor

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little vignettes of wildlife encounters. I love his poetic style.