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TRUE NATURE: Hidden in the High Sierra
While most addictions destroy you, Lisa Michelle’s saved her—driving her to pursue places that didn’t want to be found.
True Hidden in the High Sierra is a raw and unflinching, yet tender account of a lifetime spent obsessively seeking enchanted wilderness. There is wisdom under a waterfall hidden behind a granite curtain, in the loss of a best friend, or discovering a 13-million-year-old geological marvel they said didn’t exist.
Each intimate journey reveals the transformative power of nature along with clues to secret locations. But finding them requires the same spirit of discovery that led Michelle to the secluded wonders.
True Nature awakens your inner explorer with the allure of curative splendor, gritty humor, and brutal honesty. There are treasures to be found in the wilderness if you know where to look.
“From face-licking bears to teetering on the precipice of life and death in a raging river. This is not your typical outdoor adventure story. True Nature is a soul stirring journey that will change how you see the wilderness, and yourself.”
Reader Views Judge
“True Nature is a gem that proves the best discoveries aren’t on any map.”
Independent
“Equal parts ambitious adventure, courageous truth, and wit.”
KirkusIf you liked Wild → you’ll connect with the personal journey aspect.
If you liked Desert Solitaire → you’ll appreciate the candid wilderness philosophy.
If you liked My First Summer in the Sierra → you’ll see it as a modern, edgier continuation of Sierra writing.
True Hidden in the High Sierra is a raw and unflinching, yet tender account of a lifetime spent obsessively seeking enchanted wilderness. There is wisdom under a waterfall hidden behind a granite curtain, in the loss of a best friend, or discovering a 13-million-year-old geological marvel they said didn’t exist.
Each intimate journey reveals the transformative power of nature along with clues to secret locations. But finding them requires the same spirit of discovery that led Michelle to the secluded wonders.
True Nature awakens your inner explorer with the allure of curative splendor, gritty humor, and brutal honesty. There are treasures to be found in the wilderness if you know where to look.
“From face-licking bears to teetering on the precipice of life and death in a raging river. This is not your typical outdoor adventure story. True Nature is a soul stirring journey that will change how you see the wilderness, and yourself.”
Reader Views Judge
“True Nature is a gem that proves the best discoveries aren’t on any map.”
Independent
“Equal parts ambitious adventure, courageous truth, and wit.”
KirkusIf you liked Wild → you’ll connect with the personal journey aspect.
If you liked Desert Solitaire → you’ll appreciate the candid wilderness philosophy.
If you liked My First Summer in the Sierra → you’ll see it as a modern, edgier continuation of Sierra writing.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
6 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Michelle
7 books37 followersAward-winning screenwriter, filmmaker, and bestselling author Lisa Michelle traded rodeo spurs for hiking boots three decades ago. Her debut thriller Calaveras became an Amazon instant bestseller, launching the successful Blue Mountain and the Calaveras Crime Series. After being snowbound without electricity during winter 2023, she penned The Lonesome Dark. Her recently released and only work of nonfiction, True Nature: Hidden in the High Sierra, earned a PenCraft Best Book Award. This former rodeo cowgirl and mother of two feeds her creative fuel with long wilderness hikes, raging snowstorms, and fly fishing.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 17, 2025
If you have a passion for Sierra Nevada or Yosemite, you need this book. Lisa Michelle has dedicated years to exploring this stunning region, and her insights are invaluable. Even though I haven’t personally visited these places, her perspective provides a vivid and engaging experience that makes you feel as if you’re there.
The forest transforms into a breathtaking display of vibrant reds and fiery oranges, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for anyone who wanders through. As Charlie and Lisa travel down the charming two-lane road beside the Carson River, they are greeted by the water sparkling like a multitude of precious jewels under the gentle sun. Imagine inhaling the refreshing scents of pine and earthy leaves, experiencing the comforting rhythm of nature all around you. It’s a moment that reminds us of the beauty and peace that nature brings, a perfect escape to soothe the soul.
Experience the thrill of fly-fishing for the first time, standing ankle-deep in the calm, crystal-clear waters as you cast your line into the playful eddies. Surrender to the tranquility of this simple yet profoundly enriching life, where each moment is a treasure waiting to be embraced.
I loved how the author made me feel like a part of her adventure! The chapter on cowboy camping was just amazing—it painted a picture of a cozy canvas bedroll, warm Navajo blankets, and a dazzling sky full of stars. Grab this book, curl up by the campfire, or snuggle next to the fireplace, and let your imagination wander alongside her on this incredible journey!
Explore the valleys of Faith, Hope, and Charity, once the cherished home of the Northern Washoe people. In 1848, soldiers camped in Hope Valley, which gave it its English name, which we know today. As Michelle shares her heartfelt memories of the Kirkwood Inn, you can feel her nostalgia as she steps back in time, reconnecting with a place that feels like home.
Field Notes are included at the end of each chapter that give insights into the chapter’s content and the author’s writing process. These notes also offer valuable insights into the topic. This addition makes each chapter an inspiring experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed these added additions to the book.
Enjoy a refreshing walk, cast your line while fishing, or hike the stunning Carson Trail! Imagine the breathtaking Squaw Ridge canyons and the vast wilderness that lies beneath. Discovering the rich history and culture of Native Americans was not only enlightening but truly captivating. Adventure awaits, and there’s so much to learn!
True Nature Hidden in the High Sierra is a captivating and inspiring read that truly ignites my wanderlust! I’m eager to discover all the fantastic places this book highlights. If you’re contemplating an adventure in the Sierras or want to enjoy a cozy evening journey, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Lisa Michelle offers more hidden gems in her newsletter, where you can sign up to receive insider tips and trip information. She also has an excellent website and a QR code, making this book interactive and fun. It’s an easy five-star rating for me! I sincerely hope she continues her journeys, sharing more of her experiences with us in the future. Let’s join her on this incredible ride!
The forest transforms into a breathtaking display of vibrant reds and fiery oranges, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for anyone who wanders through. As Charlie and Lisa travel down the charming two-lane road beside the Carson River, they are greeted by the water sparkling like a multitude of precious jewels under the gentle sun. Imagine inhaling the refreshing scents of pine and earthy leaves, experiencing the comforting rhythm of nature all around you. It’s a moment that reminds us of the beauty and peace that nature brings, a perfect escape to soothe the soul.
Experience the thrill of fly-fishing for the first time, standing ankle-deep in the calm, crystal-clear waters as you cast your line into the playful eddies. Surrender to the tranquility of this simple yet profoundly enriching life, where each moment is a treasure waiting to be embraced.
I loved how the author made me feel like a part of her adventure! The chapter on cowboy camping was just amazing—it painted a picture of a cozy canvas bedroll, warm Navajo blankets, and a dazzling sky full of stars. Grab this book, curl up by the campfire, or snuggle next to the fireplace, and let your imagination wander alongside her on this incredible journey!
Explore the valleys of Faith, Hope, and Charity, once the cherished home of the Northern Washoe people. In 1848, soldiers camped in Hope Valley, which gave it its English name, which we know today. As Michelle shares her heartfelt memories of the Kirkwood Inn, you can feel her nostalgia as she steps back in time, reconnecting with a place that feels like home.
Field Notes are included at the end of each chapter that give insights into the chapter’s content and the author’s writing process. These notes also offer valuable insights into the topic. This addition makes each chapter an inspiring experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed these added additions to the book.
Enjoy a refreshing walk, cast your line while fishing, or hike the stunning Carson Trail! Imagine the breathtaking Squaw Ridge canyons and the vast wilderness that lies beneath. Discovering the rich history and culture of Native Americans was not only enlightening but truly captivating. Adventure awaits, and there’s so much to learn!
True Nature Hidden in the High Sierra is a captivating and inspiring read that truly ignites my wanderlust! I’m eager to discover all the fantastic places this book highlights. If you’re contemplating an adventure in the Sierras or want to enjoy a cozy evening journey, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Lisa Michelle offers more hidden gems in her newsletter, where you can sign up to receive insider tips and trip information. She also has an excellent website and a QR code, making this book interactive and fun. It’s an easy five-star rating for me! I sincerely hope she continues her journeys, sharing more of her experiences with us in the future. Let’s join her on this incredible ride!
June 19, 2025
Engaging and Emotional. It had me laughing, crying and digging out old maps to locate the hidden gems she is writing about.
A True to life story of one women's passion driven stumble through a life of exploration and experience. And the voices that touched her and transformed her in her journey of discovery.
A True to life story of one women's passion driven stumble through a life of exploration and experience. And the voices that touched her and transformed her in her journey of discovery.
September 30, 2025
Note: I received advance review copy of True Nature.
Have you ever been on vacation and see those books by local authors about the area your visiting? That is what this True Nature is.
So let me first say that those books hit different in when you are "there." Sadly. I was not in or near the Sierra Nevada. Then only briefly did True Nature entice me into adventuring to go to visit there either.
True Nature is a collection of anecdotes that barely manages to deliver on its purpose to share the secrets of the Sierra Nevada, though when it does it does it well. Some of the earlier anecdotes about the Machado Postpile and Hungalelti Ridge are great. These parts are well written and give you what sound like amazing reasons to visit the Sierra Nevada. However, that is all in the first third of the book, after that I found myself less impressed as the writing meandered through some vaguely interesting stories.
The latter two thirds of the book is where the book really started to lose me. There was a handful of elements that caused me to wonder if this was coming from a reliable narrator to these events, and if I am questioning the narrator of a book like True Nature then you have really lost me.
Baseline here is that while the book is well written it also lacks much real substance. There are a total of two stories that absolutely captured my attention, the aforementioned Machado Postpile and the final story about Bob. Those two stories would make amazing articles, but the rest of the book did not accomplish anything.
Overall, I would say give this book a pass. UNLESS you are a hiker or are either traveling to or thinking about traveling to Sierra Nevada, then I imagine you would quite enjoy this book.
Have you ever been on vacation and see those books by local authors about the area your visiting? That is what this True Nature is.
So let me first say that those books hit different in when you are "there." Sadly. I was not in or near the Sierra Nevada. Then only briefly did True Nature entice me into adventuring to go to visit there either.
True Nature is a collection of anecdotes that barely manages to deliver on its purpose to share the secrets of the Sierra Nevada, though when it does it does it well. Some of the earlier anecdotes about the Machado Postpile and Hungalelti Ridge are great. These parts are well written and give you what sound like amazing reasons to visit the Sierra Nevada. However, that is all in the first third of the book, after that I found myself less impressed as the writing meandered through some vaguely interesting stories.
The latter two thirds of the book is where the book really started to lose me. There was a handful of elements that caused me to wonder if this was coming from a reliable narrator to these events, and if I am questioning the narrator of a book like True Nature then you have really lost me.
Baseline here is that while the book is well written it also lacks much real substance. There are a total of two stories that absolutely captured my attention, the aforementioned Machado Postpile and the final story about Bob. Those two stories would make amazing articles, but the rest of the book did not accomplish anything.
Overall, I would say give this book a pass. UNLESS you are a hiker or are either traveling to or thinking about traveling to Sierra Nevada, then I imagine you would quite enjoy this book.
September 17, 2025
I expected interesting stories about interesting places in the Sierras, and certainly got that. What was a delight to also get was the added depth from a unique storyteller who told these stories with engaging wit and heart. These stories paint compelling word pictures of natural beauty in the Sierras, more than a few that are now on MY bucket list. But they also capture how these places connect with the human heart, often when we need it most. This is a gem of a book, perfect for a quick read at the beach or next to a cozy fire.
December 3, 2025
I absolutely loved this book...not is it the perfect pocket size, it's raw, authentic, made me laugh, kind of cry, was awe-inspiring and motivating. Lisa Michelle is so brave and relatable; I'm glad she survived these crazy Sierra Nevada adventures to be able to share these stories with the world.
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June 12, 2025 Lessons learned in A life well lived
This story was a breath of fresh air. The Sierras were once my old stomping grounds in which I cherished then and now. This book reawakened my own memories and brought to me laughter, joy, and peace.
I can no longer hike the mountains due to new life challenges thrown my way but your book reminded me of the beauty and graciousness of the Sierras.
Thank you Lisa Michelle for sharing your stories and reminding me of how lucky I am to have been able to experience some of your adventures along with the reawakening of my own.
This story was a breath of fresh air. The Sierras were once my old stomping grounds in which I cherished then and now. This book reawakened my own memories and brought to me laughter, joy, and peace.
I can no longer hike the mountains due to new life challenges thrown my way but your book reminded me of the beauty and graciousness of the Sierras.
Thank you Lisa Michelle for sharing your stories and reminding me of how lucky I am to have been able to experience some of your adventures along with the reawakening of my own.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews