The Book of Nature

by Ruskin Bond

BOOKS

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Indian Literature, India, Memoir

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2008

About the author

Ruskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.

Reviews

[Apoorva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruskin Bond and his books!! Aren't they just AMAZING!! Unfortunately, this book is my very first, and I can't wait to dive in for more of his books. I was checking on GoodReads for the books written by him and the list is endless. I am clearly going to have an excellent time reading them. There is a famous Bollywood movie adaptation on his book 'Susanna's Seven Husbands.'

Favorite Nature Stories is a collection of all of Ruskin Bond's favorite write-ups on Nature. This book was released as a tribute to Ruskin Bond by his Publisher 'Rupa Publications' on his 82nd birthday. He expresses his gratitude that he could never receive a more perfect gift. Reading Ruskin Bond stories is like unleashing that creative part in you that you never imagined could exist.

This book is full of short stories where he shares his experience; when he was surrounded by nature, be it in the laps of the Himalayas, his old rental stay in Mussoorie, or London. Nature never stopped surprising him nor do his stories. He explains in detail his rendezvous with the different species of flowers, trees, birds, animals, mountains and people circling him. Right from his stay in Maplewood Lodge to his stay in London, which lasted just for a couple of years, he makes sure all the details are precise and descriptive, to spark that imaginative frame of your mind and go explore the wilderness as he does so himself.

"Once you have lived with mountains, there is no escape. You belong to them." This is so very true; by the end of the book, I had wished the book never ended. Even with the scorching heat around me, I could feel the coolness of the mountains, the refreshing breeze circulating in his cottage, the insects and birds making noise when it starts raining and the beauty of nature. You are simply transported to his world and forget all the realities encircling you. Isn't that something that a book should perpetually do.

As you venture deeper into the book, you cannot help but notice the depth to which he has explained about each and every insect, flower, animal, unlike his claims of being immature in this field; it takes in a great deal of effort to research and then explain it to the reader in a simple language and make sure the reader is on the same emotional level as his. His works are totally effortless and mind-boggling. I would recommend this book to each and everyone to be transported to Ruskin Bond's nature world minus the concrete jungle.

[Namratha]

‘Nature doesn’t promise you anything - an after life, rewards for good behaviour, protection from enemies, wealth, happiness, progeny, all the things that humans desire and pray for. No, nature does not promise any of these things. Nature is a reward in itself.’

And with that fitting introduction, Ruskin Bond takes you into his private paradise. He talks about his formative years and the influence that nature has had in shaping his thoughts and work. The book is interesting in bits and parts.

I enjoyed his memories of a childhood spent at his grandfather’s house in Dehra. Building a makeshift platform on the Banyan tree…curling up with dog-eared books…and stealthily observing the antics of animal life in the overgrown garden below; all struck a nostalgic chord with me.

The sojourn in the Himalayas was also engrossing. He captures the stark beauty of the mountains with all the fondness of a native. Especially poignant is the account of The Leopard. Read it and feel the elemental connection.

I revelled in the chapter on ‘Rains’…more so because I read the book during the monsoon. I have always had a specialty affinity for this particular season and over the years have made quite a few jottings of my own. Some of his notes mirrored mine and all I wanted to do was snuggle up and read on...and on.


On the downside…I didn’t much take to the tedious descriptions of plant-life. It was too reminiscent of a college-lecture to hold my interest.

While the book didn’t match the wit and sheer charm of ‘My Family and Other Animals' …it does resonate with all who have spent many a hazy summer day in their native places…soaking in nature and never ever realising the treasures surrounding them.

[Rizowana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is anything that has helped in my early morning and late evening metro commute to and from work, it is this. Pure bliss. As someone who reveres and finds spirituality in nature the same way as this man, reading this book was like finding an old friend talking to me. The enthusiasm and thrill with which Bond chooses his words to talk about this space that he attaches such deep meaning to resonated with my heart. I am so very glad I picked this up to read.

If you liked my review, do feel free to stop by my Instagram here!

[Raksha Bhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have learned so much from this book, a review will never do justice to the feeling! :-)

[Omkar Joshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The topics in the book go literally. When we think of Nature, what would come to our minds, at a broader level - trees, forests, animals, birds mountains, flowers, different seasons. The book has chapters covering these entities. Each chapter has Bond's findings and notes about the entities, sprinkled with his philosophy. If I may summarize the learning/take-away:
1. One need not be a botanist/zoologist to understand about Nature. If we are patient, observant and keep our notes, we can, at least, scratch the surface of animal/plant kingdom. This tiny treasure of findings will definitely help in enriching our experiences amidst Nature and be more humble towards it
2. I believe what Mr. Bond believes - child/young/adult fiction focusing on Nature and idyllic life is increasingly becoming rare. It's essential that not only the relevant classics are revived but also new literature comes up.

I guess post-2000, all the Bond books are riddled with repetition/reproduction of stories, which is a bit of dampener for bibliophiles like me! 'Rain' section, 'Leopard in the Tunnel', 'Flames in the Forest/Romi and the Wildfire' are some examples that are already present in other books.

Category: Recommended

[Supriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always feel the same when amidst the nature. But could really never express in those exact words. The way Ruskin Bond describes is just fantabulous.

[Pradeep Kumbhashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

sure to bring a smile on your face...light read

[Keerthi Dasala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a metaphor for bliss. Honestly, I just wished this book never ended and all I wanted is to snuggle up and read on... and on. As I progressed deep into the book, I am transported into the wonderland of Ruskin Bond's world of nature and the depth with which he explains every animal, bird, insect, plant, flowers .. in such a deceptively simple yet clear language is absolutely wonderful. It's like an old friend having a conversation with me and narrating experiences with such enthusiasm and thrill by choosing words to talk about the nature attached with such deep meaning struck a nostalgic chord with me. I can't help but reread the same chapters over and over again, the chapter I especially reveled was on Rains. Overall, this book is a nature lovers retreat.

[Pratheeksha (nirvana_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature gives. And takes away. And gives again.
Ruskin Bond's Book of Nature is a soothing balm to one's soul. This book is like petrichor on a summer's day- pleasant and comforting.
My heart was pounding while reading 'Big-cat tales' as I was expecting a tragic end. The ending came as a total surprise. But as Ruskin Bond says, " The tiger is the very soul of India, and when the last tiger has gone, so will the soul of the country". Let's hope that our country would never descend to that level! May there always be tigers.

[Sandeep · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Book of Nature - Ruskin Bond
Rating 3.25/5

I was very much keen on reading nature stories written by Ruskin Bond, but it turned out a indifferent episode rather. The book dealt too much with nature and a little less on the stories aspect. Few stories were repeated from other books but many parts of the book remains dedicated to plants, trees, birds and few animals and animal stories.

I do enjoy reading about flora and fauna. Over here the only constraint I faced here is the depth of information being dealt with. The plants, trees, birds and animals together written in their natural environment calls for better awareness and visualization.

I failed to visualize every other specie mentioned here, owing to my lack of knowledge. I felt this book could have been much better had it been illustrated, if there were possibly drawings which could tell me which plant, tree, bird looked like what.

Ravines, gorges, valleys, hills, coupled with streams, rivers, sunrise and sunset lead to lots of permutations and combinations. To get a complete picture the reader needs to have a fair grasp of plant life and animal life.

The descriptions of the behaviors or birdlife, animals, plants and seasons are rich not to be missed, but, I felt myself not at home, owing to my own n00b self with limited knowledge, found the going tough. I really cannot imagine myself being on the same page as Mr Bond, so I have to admit, I did not enjoy the book.

Though, I wish to look for an illustrated version of this book, just to satisfy my own curiosity. But then again, it won't be any time soon!

Cheers,

PS - Again, the rating is because of me being a n00b, may be a reader with better awareness can appreciate it more!

[Ahad said · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now have a spiritual connection with this book, it is a sweet and gentle novel that you can escape away reading it, my best part is the wildness and flowers section it describes the small details I had planned in my mind as my future garden, every sentence just keeps me continue reading because you can never get enough until flipping the last page☹️

[Sneha Hiremath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Mr. Ruskin Bond for making me fall in love with nature over and over again. This book has the power to make us stop and take cognizance of the smallest things happening in nature around us. Nature is the greatest reward to the mankind and must be respected.

[Prachi Pednekar]

nature always tends to act in a simplest way...

[S P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! Was perfect therapy to give peace to my heart ... a pleasant and peace-giving book!

[Sathwik Shankar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super good read.

[Bookashbutterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Ruskin Bond's Book Of Nature
📖 𝐛𝐲 Ruskin Bond.
🌹"Red roses for young lovers. French beans for longstanding relationships!"🌹

#CelebratingIndianAuthors Readathon begins with this gem of a book 📚📖
Also participating in the #tbrpilereadathon hosted by @theoldbookbarn and @letstalkbooksandmore
Fulfilling the prompt:
✨Book published more than 5 years ago.
🔖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Indian literature | Short stories
🔖 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: Short stories where he shares his experience; when he was surrounded by nature, be it in the laps of the Himalayas, his old rental stay in Mussoorie, or London. Nature never stopped surprising him nor do his stories. He explains in detail his rendezvous with the different species of flowers, trees, birds, animals, mountains and people circling him. Right from his stay in Maplewood Lodge to his stay in London, which lasted just for a couple of years, he makes sure all the details are precise and descriptive, to spark that imaginative frame of your mind and go explore the wilderness as he does so himself.

🔖𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔖𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞:✨Pure Bliss✨
🦋Nature gives. And takes away. And gives again. 🦋
Ruskin Bond's Book of Nature is a soothing balm to one's soul. This book is like petrichor on a summer's day- pleasant and comforting.
Sitting in my chair reading this book, I'm transported to Mussoorie, Shillong, The Himalayas and many more exotic places in North India instantly. This book is truly an honest tribute to the Nature and particularly The flora and fauna of Indian lands, such exotic and vibrant! 🦋
Travelling to the picturesque wonderlands in india, Strolling through the woods with this book in hand and Ruskin Bond's magical, detailed description of mere bee to the tallest and grandest tree will be an experience in my bucket list to cherish! 🦋

[Vikas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5
I really liked the last 30% of the book, and would have loved the book if I hadn't read Gerald durrell books before. Compared to his, this feels just jumping from one subject to other not giving enough attention to each, and just endless poetic metaphors.... (We get it poets, things are like other things ).
That said it has authors childhood memories growing up in dehradun, his encounters with himalayan flora-faouna, I did learn a lot about himalayan trees and flowers

[Rahul Dubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a person who feel happy around nature and plants, animals and birds make you cheerful, this book is for you. Even a plant, a crow, a Tiger can be a protagonist in Bond's stories. Loved this book.

[Aparna S · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to fall in love with nature, this is where you should start. Though you've to look for every flower and bird on the internet, it's still the best way to get introduced to nature and appreciate true happiness.

[Chatura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bible for nature lovers. Take a bow, Ruskin Bond.

[Hiran Sasidharan · Rating 3 out of 5]

His childhood memories will make you yearn for such a beautiful one..

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful tribute to Nature!

[Sreeparvathy]

good

[Pratibha Baveja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Documented experiences of living with elements of nature are becoming increasingly rare just as we are losing natural landscapes to urbanization.

A treasure to cherish!

[Mushisho Azhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A calming read

[Krishna · Rating 5 out of 5]

well this was my first book which was kind of say like this book.and honestly as a wanted-to-be-artist and a somewhat nature lover i bought this book for the impression created by the cover.it happens long ago that when usually go for browsing books in a famous book shop near the city to have a change of atmosphere my eyes caught this brilliant green book and when i lifted it for curiosity i felt the texture on the cover and fell in love with that.

a typical bibliophile.i bought it few months or a year ago but never quiet had chance to read and since I am out of job now my favorite pastime are reading books,watching tv and along with other so-called wasteful things to my father.

and when i saw this book lying before me on the shelf i thought why shouldn't i give it a try to read.hence i went on a what seemed like a long journey but in short life.the author who was an indian born english man has a great knowledge of his mother tongue.i went along with him to beautiful places.like himalays,Delhi,Assam,Punjab,Mussoorie and to many forests and adventures alike.

i heard the tales of tiger,leopard and other felines.then it was time for music of birds and insects,their life styles.forset fires,elephants,trophy huntings etc.from forst fires to hill tops and earthquakes to cyclone storms.flowes and trees even weeds.frogs to the tiny firefly which happens to be the tiniest.wow.

what a writing.i thought how it would feel being like the author himself able to explain our day-to-day life in an extraordinary way and to live the same.wonderfull and again i praise his works.this was just the beginning and in time i will read more of his works,i hope.

[Ridhima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always had this constant urge to be closer to nature. To live near a rackety dusty path full of huge trees, to be close to mountains, the jungles nearby and some lone river flowing through.
Himalayas - to give you the exact expression.
I revere them, it brings a feeling of awe to me. But, somehow I never felt it as home. I feel little intimidated, like a visitor from the outside world, who longs for the nature to adopt her & be called as nature's own.

After this book, things would change a little I feel. It is like a grandfather introducing the kid in me, to the nature and making me shake hands to a new friend. We may not become buddies overnight, but would greet each other with a shy smile.

Even my instinct reaction to snakes, crocodiles & family would change from fear to a fascinating glance.
I would let go of annoyance at mosquito's, bees, spiders & family, and they would be accepted to share space with me.
I feel more attentive towards leaves flutter, bird calls & dragon flies air flights.

[Saraf Mahnaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟
“ The tiger was too quick and strong, and the deer did not struggle much. It was a violent end for so gentle a creature. But you must not imagine that in the jungle the deer live in permanent fear of death. It is only man, with his imagination and his fear of the hereafter, who is afraid of dying.”

The author takes you on a journey through his childhood and adult life in Dehradun and Mussoorie. The stories are fun and short, yet adventurous to say the least, a few fictional and most from his real life. Sometimes it can feel like you are reading an encyclopedia on Flora and Fauna of the Himalayan foothills. It truly is a book of nature full of stories about his grandfather’s unusual pets and his frequent meetings with trees, flowers, birds, insects and wild animals.

[Siddhi Sane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live in a city, complete with polluting cars and concrete jungles. And to mess things up even my career doesn't allow me the much wanted escape to the hills and raw nature. This might be the exact same profile of most of the city youngsters. So what do u do when u still want to relive the purest forms of mother nature?.. read this book, because its the closest you can virtually get to the real tranquility. Recommended for all nature lovers....

[Suraj B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biology lessons disguised in the form of a story :)

As usual, this book is very Ruskin. Except for the few chapters which were too dragging for me (or academic should I say?), the book had different stories - all connected to nature.

That being said, so far this would be one of Ruskin's books that I felt as a bit less interesting - purely because I was mainly looking for a fiction and this was not just the book I wanted to read at this time.