Comeback Wolves: Western Writers Welcome the Wolf Home

by Gary Wockner (Editor), Gregory McNamee (Editor), SueEllen Campbell (Editor)

Delves into the spirit of the wolf dilemma through a collection of essays and poems from some of the Rocky Mountain region's most prolific writers. Authors such as Susan J. Tweit, Craig Childs, Pam Houston, John Nichols, Kent Nelson, Rick Bass, Stephen Trimble, and Laura Pritchett have contributed works specifically written for this compilation, which creates a forum for writers to voice their opinions, hopes, and concerns for the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado. Forward by Mark Udall, U.S. Representative, Colorado's 2nd Congressional District.

Genres: Nonfiction

207 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2005

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having witnessed wolves firsthand during a visit to Yellowstone this summer, I was inspired to read this tribute to these beautiful,amazing animals - the ancestor of "man's best friend." Once hunted to extinction in this country, their future is still uncertain, but the success (and dispersal) of packs reintroduced in areas out West brings hope that they will again thrive as one of our country's top predators. Without them, entire ecosystems suffer. Wolves, elk, trees, songbirds, wildflowers, insects -- every species plays a part in a healthy environment. Like these writers, I hope to see the day when wolves will regain their rightful place in the American landscape.

[Ashlie McDiarmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a stunning appeal to wolf 293F, the one found dead highway I-70. Her death is an individual tragedy, but a hope for the species because she had traveled miles to potentially find a mate and create a pack in the Rocky Mountains. This is what wolves do, and her presence shows a return to instinctual tides. Written by many authors, this anthology shows the levels of connection wolves have on us, and the world.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 5 stars simply for what it stands for. To me personally it is a reminder that people still care, people are still fighting, trying to right a wrong. It instills hope.

The essays and poems within this collection cover a range of topics, as was the intent. Some people write with fiery passion, others are more melancholy and timidly optimistic. And some are downright hopeful, bless them. But they all had something beautiful to say about the wolf, and a shared emotion between all of them was a sense of wonder and a longing for wildness. The wolf is an amazing creature that for too long has been demonized by humans.

Though hard to get through at times because of the emotions it stirred up, I would say this is a valuable read for any lover of nature writing, environmentalist, and of course, wolf lover.