Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature

by David B. Williams, Elizabeth Person (illustrator)

More than 40 essays dive into the geology, animals, plants, and architecture that shape Seattle
Fully illustrated by celebrated local artist Elizabeth Person
Fun and fascinating sidebars explore regional vocabulary, scientific terms, and Indigenous language phrases


For award-winning natural history writer David B. Williams, to be connected to a place you need to pause and look deeply at it. Wild in Seattle is Williams’ delightful journey of discovery in this city where not only is nature all around, it’s also written in the stones of the urban landscape. Explore the geologic history of glaciers, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanoes as well as the ways humans shape the Seattle topography. From backyards to downtown, watch for coyotes, crows, seals, otters, owls, and so much more wildlife who also call the region home. Look up at the buildings to find terra cotta eagles, stone that traveled over millions of years from Asia to the San Juan Islands, and clues to the horses who used to power the city’s transportation network. Wrap your arms around a giant Douglas-fir, appreciate the unsung yet remarkable skunk cabbage, stop and listen to the spring chorus of frogs.

Williams’ lively essays woven with Elizabeth Person’s engaging illustrations will fire up the curiosity of both residents and visitors alike, inspiring all to take a fresh look at the Emerald City.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Essays, Science, Nature

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning things about the place that I live! These were lovely little bit sized essays that imparted so much knowledge! I have a whole list of places in Seattle that I now want to visit because of this book. Highly recommend for the nature-minded city-dweller.

[Claire Garvais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio booked this while hiking (highly recommend). This book is the kind that makes you happy to be alive in a beautiful city and a resilient planet.

[Dan Trefethen · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Williams is a naturalist who lives in Seattle. His motto might be 'slow down and pay attention". He posts weekly updates of what he finds in the urban environment; this book is a compilation of short chapters of his online postings.

The book is divided into three sections: Geology (he's a geologist by training), Fauna, and Flora & Habitat. Each chapter has lovely watercolor illustrations. His musings are fun and sort of folksy.

For those who live in Seattle, and especially for those who like walking, this book is a catalyst to pay attention to the natural world around you. Even in the built environment of the city there are amazing things.

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars - really cute collection, perfect for the history and linguistics nerd in me. Some of the essays were too short on 3x speed, so enjoy it at a slower or even bute-sized pace please.

[aza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I do makes a difference

[Mason Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love living here so that I can be “regaled with a salubrious and vivifying air impregnated with the balsamic fragrance of the surrounding Pinery." - Archival Menzies

[Alec Georgoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was really excited in the beginning as the author delved into specific buildings and materials in Seattle that really illuminated the local history of our built environment.

Got less excited as the book went on; the author veered more towards plants and animals that have a tangential relationship to Seattle. Multiple chapters wouldn’t even connect to the city at all.

Also was chagrined that there’s a whole chapter about a cedar tree in Wedgwood that was going to be removed to build housing but was successfully protested. As much as I can respect the author’s viewpoint about the conservation of this specific tree, he failed to account for how many acres of trees we lose to suburban sprawl when we fail to build enough housing in the city.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book. The author’s insight into the natural environment of Seattle is so fascinating. I originally listened to the audiobook but wanted to be able to access information in the book so decided to buy a copy. That’s when I loved it even more. The illustrator is one of my favorite PNW artists, Elizabeth Person. I already own her children’s book and a map illustration of hers.
Every resident of Seattle and nature lover should read it.

[Victoria Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short essays of observation and history written by David Willams renewed my love and curiosity about the world around me here in the Pacific Northwest. I find myself searching out the native plants, animals, and birds and wondering about the rocks round me that he has written about. Thanks Mr. Williams.

[Valerie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

reading this while traveling made me miss seattle a lot. I respect the authors ability to educate & give a history lesson & be entertaining all at the same time. I feel motivated to do some urban exploring :) -1 star for the first part which was focused on geology and not my cup of tea. loved the flora, fauna, and habitat sections tho

[Petraq · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great collection of essays regarding the wildlife and how nature and people connect with one another in the city of Seattle. While I don't live in Seattle I still found the essays very charming and thought provoking making me wonder about my own city.

[Meepspeeps · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read full of fascinating information about Seattle’s geology, flora, and fauna. It prompted me to look online to create my own tour of a few of the highlighted points of interest. I recommend it to locals and visitors to Seattle.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for the PNW Nature category of Book Bingo. This not only covered wild creatures in Seattle, but all manner of things outdoors including geology, weather, land formations, etc. Very informative and readable.

[Darlene Granberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and added many to my list of places I need to go and things I need to read. First thing I did was go to the Leschi erratic to see the Fossils. It may even manage to get me downtown Seattle, and THAT is quite a feat! 🤣

[Mandy Schimelpfenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cozy journey through the natural history of the bustling city of Seattle from (below) the ground up. There was a lot of interesting information I found fascinating as someone from that area.

[David Grosskopf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully observant book that helps me be or aspire to be more attentive and appreciative in my city. Williams writes about animals, rocks, and plants with humor and wonder, and we should all be touched by it.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of essays exploring the Seattle area. Geologic history of glaciers, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanoes. As well as backyards and downtown buildings, watch for coyotes, crows, seals, otters, and owls.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Being born and raised in Seattle, this book was like a comfort blanket filled with all the nostalgic smells of home. Much of this I grew up learning about in school but there’s something about revisiting it as an adult. Hope is like a baby orca indeed. Seattle is one magical place!

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Learned a lot about Seattle and its natural environment. Presented in an entertaining way.

[Taylor Jolliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little collection that does indeed invite curiosity and reflection. I would have loved more in-depth stories/essays though--these all felt like the start of something bigger. Although, I guess I kind of already got that from Homewaters by the same author (definitely recommend!)