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Displaying 1 - 10 of 39 reviews
August 9, 2017
This is a thoughtful, kind, humble, lovely collection of writings and illustrations. Now that I've finished reading it through once, I'm ready to start again at the beginning.
July 6, 2008
I was so engrossed in this book, I read this book in one day. It was so beautifully written, even though I have never visited the Appalachians, I felt I was there.
Ms. Zickfoose's writing made me calm and introspective. I missed my own childhood home in the woods very much after reading this book.
It would be nice if there was a companion audiobook CD to this book, so you could look at the lovely illustrations Ms. Zickfoose has made while listening to her tell her own stories. She is a frequent commentator on NPR's All Things Considered and I've gotten used to her voice.
This is probably the best book purchase I've made this year (and since I rarely buy books, that is a big honor).
Ms. Zickfoose's writing made me calm and introspective. I missed my own childhood home in the woods very much after reading this book.
It would be nice if there was a companion audiobook CD to this book, so you could look at the lovely illustrations Ms. Zickfoose has made while listening to her tell her own stories. She is a frequent commentator on NPR's All Things Considered and I've gotten used to her voice.
This is probably the best book purchase I've made this year (and since I rarely buy books, that is a big honor).
August 22, 2013
I give a lot of five star ratings if a book is excellent and meets my needs. The problem is that then it's hard to decipher which are the truly amazing books. This is one such. I have not personally met Julie, but I've heard her speak (never pass up the chance) and my son attended a birding camp with her this summer. She's an amazing naturalist, artist and bird lover. I hope to read all of her books.
December 5, 2018
Oh, how I loved this book! Julie Zickefoose’s nature writing is succinct simplicity at its finest, and Letters from Eden is the perfect bedside book; it begins with winter—when I began to read it—and ends with autumn, taking the reader through all of the seasons, with titles like “January Thaw”, “Six Gifts of April”, “Summer Pleasures”, and “Letting It Go”.
Although much of the book is devoted to the beauty and pleasures of nature, Zickefoose does not shy away from its dark side; the illness running through a population of chipping sparrows living near her home—and how Zickefoose handles the beloved birds—is treated with compassion, but reminded me (as if I needed reminding) that nature and animals undergo changes, and sometimes those changes give me a lump in my throat.
And if the various topics and gorgeous writing aren’t enough, Zickefoose’s illustrations push this book even further to the level of “amazing”. Although I’m not an expert on artistic media, I think I know pencil sketches when I see them; the ones in this book range from half-completed drawings to intricate pieces of art. Her colorful watercolors—of animals, of landscapes—are wonderful, and there are some works—like the cover painting of Paul the song sparrow (it’s a long story; read the book)—that are in a medium of which I’m unsure (oils? pastels?). They are all delightful.
Fortunately, I have at least one other Julie Zickefoose book in my bookcases; after reading Letters from Eden, though, I may have to start hunting for her others in order to (I hope) duplicate this reading experience.
Although much of the book is devoted to the beauty and pleasures of nature, Zickefoose does not shy away from its dark side; the illness running through a population of chipping sparrows living near her home—and how Zickefoose handles the beloved birds—is treated with compassion, but reminded me (as if I needed reminding) that nature and animals undergo changes, and sometimes those changes give me a lump in my throat.
And if the various topics and gorgeous writing aren’t enough, Zickefoose’s illustrations push this book even further to the level of “amazing”. Although I’m not an expert on artistic media, I think I know pencil sketches when I see them; the ones in this book range from half-completed drawings to intricate pieces of art. Her colorful watercolors—of animals, of landscapes—are wonderful, and there are some works—like the cover painting of Paul the song sparrow (it’s a long story; read the book)—that are in a medium of which I’m unsure (oils? pastels?). They are all delightful.
Fortunately, I have at least one other Julie Zickefoose book in my bookcases; after reading Letters from Eden, though, I may have to start hunting for her others in order to (I hope) duplicate this reading experience.
October 1, 2022
I loved every page of this book. Although I disagree with her dislike for starlings, house sparrows and other non-native bird species, after all its not their fault, still I need my own copy of this book. I could so relate to many if these essays ❤️
October 30, 2021
I loved this naturalist's book and didn't want it to end.
May 21, 2013
This is a series of relatively short, simple, wonderfully illustrated, nature-related, generally homey essays about life and the author's relationships with nature in Southeastern Ohio. The essays are easily digestible and fun to share aloud with others. JZ brings different scenes to life, from climbing a ladder to return birds to nests or hiking through the chill air to find wonders in the Appalachian hills near her home.
This collection takes us through the natural world by seasons, much like Aldo Leopold's classic A Sand County Almanac. Also like Leopold's work though 70 years later, Letters from Eden illustrates the connection between humanity and nature.
This collection takes us through the natural world by seasons, much like Aldo Leopold's classic A Sand County Almanac. Also like Leopold's work though 70 years later, Letters from Eden illustrates the connection between humanity and nature.
September 16, 2007
Zickefoose is a watercolorist who leads an enviable life in Southern Ohio. She's got 80 acres which she roams and sketches. She's a birder, so most of her anecdotes and paintings concern either birds or her young kids or both. She's a bit more anthropomorphic than I'm comfortable with, but a here crafts a solid set of interesting essays just the same. Zickefoose is a keen observer and a good writer as well.
February 19, 2011
Really nice to read a book which affirms my feelings for the woods and my daily surrounds. This gal sees nature as one who's fully immersed and part of it, and with a heart that truly cares for every single creepy crawly, four-footed and winged beasties. Thank you, Mz Zickefoose - you've written and illustrated a natural history treasure.
January 22, 2015
This is a delightful book. Julie Zickefoose is not only a talented nature artist, but a talented storyteller and writer, as well. This book is a series of short essays of her observations and interactions with birds and the other creatures she encounters on her large property in Ohio.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 39 reviews