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Noticing: Intimate Encounters with the Natural World
The internationally bestselling author of Last Child in the Woods seeks a deeper personal connection to nature during this time of ecoanxiety and upheaval by exploring his own backyard
Long beloved for his insightful, inspiring nature writing, Richard Louv returns with his most personal book yet. Noticing is about discovering who you are by exploring the natural world. Louv shows how, by tapping into the thirty or more human senses we have, readers can develop skills––sensory, scientific, artistic, and spiritual––to see and experience the otherworlds of nature.
Through personal essays, rich with descriptions of the California wilderness around his home in the most biodiverse county in the nation, Louv draws on wisdom from influences as far-reaching as neuroscience, nature photography, Indigenous traditions, and mindfulness to foster what he calls "bioenchantment.” He offers a new, deeper understanding of what it means to see a tree, know a fox, and to become fully human.
Long beloved for his insightful, inspiring nature writing, Richard Louv returns with his most personal book yet. Noticing is about discovering who you are by exploring the natural world. Louv shows how, by tapping into the thirty or more human senses we have, readers can develop skills––sensory, scientific, artistic, and spiritual––to see and experience the otherworlds of nature.
Through personal essays, rich with descriptions of the California wilderness around his home in the most biodiverse county in the nation, Louv draws on wisdom from influences as far-reaching as neuroscience, nature photography, Indigenous traditions, and mindfulness to foster what he calls "bioenchantment.” He offers a new, deeper understanding of what it means to see a tree, know a fox, and to become fully human.
- GenresNatureNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Richard Louv
34 books299 followersRichard Louv, recipient of the 2008 Audubon Medal, is the author of seven books, including Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle. The chairman of the Children & Nature Network (www.cnaturenet.org), he is also honorary co-chair of the National Forum on Children and Nature. He has written for the San Diego Union-Tribune, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Christian Science Monitor, and other newspapers and magazines. He has appeared on The Early Show, Good Morning America, Today, CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, NPRs Morning Edition, Fresh Air, Talk of the Nation, and many other programs. For more information, visit www.lastchildinthewoods.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 24, 2026
“The earth tells us stories. Sometimes it tells us our story. Other times, we impose our own.”
I didn’t know what to expect when I entered the pages of this book. What I discovered were a series of moments—opportunities to consider the questions, thoughts, observations, black-and-white photographs, and contemplations of the author.
Moments where we can sit with his words and truly wonder…
What if?
This review will not be typical for me.
Because what happened as I turned these pages was a series of moments that left me in a state of enchantment and wonder.
And in that state, I found myself pondering what the author wanted us to consider. So, that is what you will find here.
His thoughts.
And me.
Reflecting. Ruminating. Considering. Musing.
Maybe even understanding.
What comes to mind as we read…
I believe in the beauty of natural stories that speak of personal experiences and share observations.
Can we relate?
Do they take us outside ourselves?
Are we willing to look within and find a greater appreciation for what surrounds us?
Maybe breaking down walls through feelings of hope?
“For imaginative hope, we only need to ask, What if? And then, Why not?”
Opening these pages, I offer readers what touched me most. Not simply to repeat the author’s words, but because they became part of my own experience with this book.
And if these quotes are too many to read or contemplate right now, consider picking up the book and experiencing them for yourself.
I think readers will find a story worth reading.
“Noticing is the beginning of wonder.”
What might happen if we simply noticed more?
“You are a part of me I do not yet know.”
Perhaps there is still so much of ourselves—and the natural world—we have yet to discover.
“The forest is the therapist, not me. I’m the guide. Your guide only opens the door.”
Sometimes we only need someone—or something—to help us open the door.
“We always give the earth the first cup.”
A simple gesture. But one that made me pause and think about gratitude.
“Find a sit spot in the natural environment. Go there often, sit still, open your senses, and notice who or what shows up.”
When was the last time we sat quietly long enough to truly notice?
“Walk, talk, and THINK quietly.”
How different might our thoughts become when the noise fades?
“The little girl was beside herself with excitement and joy. I caught her spirit. It was wonderful.”
Joy can be contagious when we are willing to catch it.
“In the natural world, we see with different eyes and hear with different ears.”
Maybe we have forgotten how to use them.
“The din of our culture is destructive to life, but we still have time to notice and be inspired by natural soundscapes.”
Perhaps silence has more to teach us than we realize.
“Nature is beautiful but not always pretty.”
Neither, I suppose, are we.
“So, are we humans or are we spiders? We sit in our webs waiting for some action. As humans, we think we’re the action.”
And perhaps we need to ask ourselves how often we mistake movement for meaning.
“Making peace with nature depends on another question: Can we make peace with each other?”
Maybe we cannot separate one from the other.
“We face four threats that have become one: the climate crises, biodiversity collapse, alienation from the rest of nature, and human loneliness.”
What happens when we stop seeing these as separate problems and begin understanding how deeply connected they are?
This book made me Stop. 🛑
Pause.
Think.
Feel.
It asks all of us to consider what the future might be like if we thought about the welfare of all species.
A future in which humans recognize that we are part of nature.
That all of nature is within us.
That perhaps we are part of a much larger family.
And if we truly understood that, would we do what we can to protect it?
And, in doing so, protect ourselves?
Maybe this book wasn’t so much a book to be read as one to sit with and feel.
One to contemplate.
One to return to.
One that asks something of us.
And if that is what readers need right now, open these pages and explore.
I think you may find yourself wondering…
What if?
And then…
Why not?
I didn’t know what to expect when I entered the pages of this book. What I discovered were a series of moments—opportunities to consider the questions, thoughts, observations, black-and-white photographs, and contemplations of the author.
Moments where we can sit with his words and truly wonder…
What if?
This review will not be typical for me.
Because what happened as I turned these pages was a series of moments that left me in a state of enchantment and wonder.
And in that state, I found myself pondering what the author wanted us to consider. So, that is what you will find here.
His thoughts.
And me.
Reflecting. Ruminating. Considering. Musing.
Maybe even understanding.
What comes to mind as we read…
I believe in the beauty of natural stories that speak of personal experiences and share observations.
Can we relate?
Do they take us outside ourselves?
Are we willing to look within and find a greater appreciation for what surrounds us?
Maybe breaking down walls through feelings of hope?
“For imaginative hope, we only need to ask, What if? And then, Why not?”
Opening these pages, I offer readers what touched me most. Not simply to repeat the author’s words, but because they became part of my own experience with this book.
And if these quotes are too many to read or contemplate right now, consider picking up the book and experiencing them for yourself.
I think readers will find a story worth reading.
“Noticing is the beginning of wonder.”
What might happen if we simply noticed more?
“You are a part of me I do not yet know.”
Perhaps there is still so much of ourselves—and the natural world—we have yet to discover.
“The forest is the therapist, not me. I’m the guide. Your guide only opens the door.”
Sometimes we only need someone—or something—to help us open the door.
“We always give the earth the first cup.”
A simple gesture. But one that made me pause and think about gratitude.
“Find a sit spot in the natural environment. Go there often, sit still, open your senses, and notice who or what shows up.”
When was the last time we sat quietly long enough to truly notice?
“Walk, talk, and THINK quietly.”
How different might our thoughts become when the noise fades?
“The little girl was beside herself with excitement and joy. I caught her spirit. It was wonderful.”
Joy can be contagious when we are willing to catch it.
“In the natural world, we see with different eyes and hear with different ears.”
Maybe we have forgotten how to use them.
“The din of our culture is destructive to life, but we still have time to notice and be inspired by natural soundscapes.”
Perhaps silence has more to teach us than we realize.
“Nature is beautiful but not always pretty.”
Neither, I suppose, are we.
“So, are we humans or are we spiders? We sit in our webs waiting for some action. As humans, we think we’re the action.”
And perhaps we need to ask ourselves how often we mistake movement for meaning.
“Making peace with nature depends on another question: Can we make peace with each other?”
Maybe we cannot separate one from the other.
“We face four threats that have become one: the climate crises, biodiversity collapse, alienation from the rest of nature, and human loneliness.”
What happens when we stop seeing these as separate problems and begin understanding how deeply connected they are?
This book made me Stop. 🛑
Pause.
Think.
Feel.
It asks all of us to consider what the future might be like if we thought about the welfare of all species.
A future in which humans recognize that we are part of nature.
That all of nature is within us.
That perhaps we are part of a much larger family.
And if we truly understood that, would we do what we can to protect it?
And, in doing so, protect ourselves?
Maybe this book wasn’t so much a book to be read as one to sit with and feel.
One to contemplate.
One to return to.
One that asks something of us.
And if that is what readers need right now, open these pages and explore.
I think you may find yourself wondering…
What if?
And then…
Why not?
Did Not Finish
August 20, 2026I gave it 40 pages and couldn't get into it at all. Very rambling and no obvious sign of where the book was going.
August 9, 2026
"If you're not watchful, the wonderful is made mundane. But on a good day, the mundane can be made miraculous." - Shigeru Watanabe as quoted in Noticing. In Noticing, Louv explores the concept of what he calls deep noticing - the idea of the connection we can form when we use all our senses to connect with the natural world. It goes beyond just seeing or hearing into the full scope of the ways we can experience the natural world. "Noticing is the beginning of wonder." Louv emphasizes the importance of children experiencing and connecting with the natural world - but also gives so many ways that these connections can be forged as adults as well. The importance of nature to children is a pretty foundational perspective for me - but I appreciated not only the case he makes but the ways in which he suggests that we ensure this happens - and the importance of finding a path to deep noticing even if the wonder if the natural world isn't something you grew up with.
August 26, 2026
4 out of 5 ⭐️
I found this book to be deeply, inspiring and cerebral. Sometimes it read a bit too much like a textbook but other than that for those who enjoy the outdoors and taking things a little slow, this would be perfect for you.
I found this book to be deeply, inspiring and cerebral. Sometimes it read a bit too much like a textbook but other than that for those who enjoy the outdoors and taking things a little slow, this would be perfect for you.
September 19, 2026
Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Richard Louv and consider him to be one of the primary influences on my life and career. I loved Last Child in the Woods and Vitamin N.
I wish I could give this book a higher rating. The only way I can describe it is to say it was not edited well. There’s some great insights but it’s very choppy. It skips from one topic to the next within a single paragraph.
I wish I could give this book a higher rating. The only way I can describe it is to say it was not edited well. There’s some great insights but it’s very choppy. It skips from one topic to the next within a single paragraph.
July 17, 2026
Much of Noticing is set around Volcan Mountain, northwest of San Diego. Richard Louv brings together an array of people to explore our relationship with nature. It begins with “deep noticing”…, “an accumulation of old, new, and still developing skills - sensory, scientific, artistic, and spiritual.” He invites people representing these skills and others on his adventure in noticing - “the beginning of wonder.” His guests included a number of artists, writers, naturalists, ecologists, folks who seem to be highly tuned into our natural environment. Many of us are probably limiting our ability to interact with nature, either intentionally or unintentionally, a theme addressed in his earlier book, “Last Child in the Woods”. Many of the people featured in the book display a high level of sensitivity to nature, employing not only the five senses we usually recognize, but others as well like balance, temperature, pain, and proprioception (awareness of body in space), and chronoception (the subjective experience of time passing). How do we apply these senses to the natural world and how do plants and animals experience them? While I enjoy experiencing nature with all of my senses (at least the 5 most of us recognize), I admit, some of the observations stretched my levels of appreciation. “Can slime molds think?” Slime molds can be kept as pets. “Physarum poloycephalum is very easy to keep, it’s harmless and undemanding…” And cheap to feed and no vet bills. “Noticing” is a very touchy-feely book and I suppose that’s part of the message. You don’t have to live near Volcano Mountain to “deep notice” nature. We are lucky here in Colorado to be so close to such a wide array of flora and fauna, but one can commune with nature anywhere. Just unleash your senses and enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What do you notice when you're in nature?
The natural world has much to teach us, if we only slow down long enough to pay attention. We can notice seasonal variations, patterns, and so much more.
Throughout this book, Louv interweaves his experiences with parts of the natural world with those of others. He encourages all to slow down, spend time in nature, wonder about what we see, and more. Take time to marvel at the way an insect molts. Watch a butterfly emerge from a cocoon. Listen to the loud chirps of tiny tree frogs.
I love spending time in nature, and this book inspired me. I've been a fan of the author since I read Last Child in the Woods nearly two decades ago.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who values nature, and especially to those who don't.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC!
The natural world has much to teach us, if we only slow down long enough to pay attention. We can notice seasonal variations, patterns, and so much more.
Throughout this book, Louv interweaves his experiences with parts of the natural world with those of others. He encourages all to slow down, spend time in nature, wonder about what we see, and more. Take time to marvel at the way an insect molts. Watch a butterfly emerge from a cocoon. Listen to the loud chirps of tiny tree frogs.
I love spending time in nature, and this book inspired me. I've been a fan of the author since I read Last Child in the Woods nearly two decades ago.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who values nature, and especially to those who don't.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC!
June 26, 2026
If you're looking for ways to connect with nature, Louv shares many great ones in this book. Through both personal stories and practical tips, he shows readers different paths to develop a deeper connection with nature - and to learn more about yourself along the way. It's guidance that's so valuable in this disconnected, digital age and I think many readers will gain something from it (and feel inspired to go meet a tree).
July 2, 2026
As a self-described tree hugging Forest bather, a certified sylvotherapist, and a lover of nature.. I knew I would enjoy this book! It really is all about slowing down and paying attention. I use the phrase wander and wonder. Throughout the book the author shares personal anecdotes, hints and tips. It can get a little technical at times but overall I very much enjoyed this book!
October 4, 2026
3.5- It was fine, but I never got fully into. Kind of trying to do too much. A lot of anecdotes from his neighbors and not enough data. Took me forever to finish because it just didn't quite have what I was looking for. The chapter about 'thin places' and how scientists are expanding the definition of the '5' senses was cool though .
July 8, 2026
A beautiful journey that reframes the way in which we see the world around us, and in turn, ourselves. I was moved to tears at the ending...sadness and hope co-mingling with a renewed commitment to being a good steward of our natural world. What a gift!
June 26, 2026
5 stars bc I'm finished and I want to read it again but there is a hold on it (Libby audiobook).
July 3, 2026
3.5⭐️
July 22, 2026
3.5 stars. would consider re listening at some point. essays on noticing what is around you and connecting with nature. a bit heavy on references to other work but a good collection.
August 3, 2026
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I enjoyed this book. It is a good reminder to go out into nature and appreciate all we have access to.
August 8, 2026
Wise, inspiring and good for the soul.
September 6, 2026
A lovely antidote to everything that is happening today with a reminder to care for and cherish our natural world.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews