Wolf Girl: Finding Myself in the Wild

by Doniga Markegard

Through the Pacific Northwest forests and along the rugged coastal shores of California, a young environmentalist’s coming-of-age story about learning, discovery, and survival


Wolf Girl takes readers on Doniga’s from the wilderness immersion school where she was taught by Indigenous elders and wildlife trackers, to hitchhiking across the Pacific Northwest, to Alaska, where she fell in love with tracking wolves.

These experiences shaped and inspired Doniga to become the leader in the regenerative agricultural movement that she is today. Today’s youth are at the forefront of climate change activism, and will see themselves in Doniga’s story, in the message that you can find yourself by finding—and fighting for—your place within the world at large.

Youth aren’t just the activists of tomorrow—they’re the activists of today. Wolf Girl is an inspiring memoir of a young girl’s quest to save the planet. —-Michelle Roehm McCann, author of Enough is How Students Can Join the Fight for Gun Safety and the Girls Who Rocked the World series


Wolf Girl makes a great gift for any young person wanting to make a difference.


Publisher’s This is a young adult adaptation of Doniga Markegard’s Dawn Again.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Memoir

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2020

About the author

Doniga Markegard, author and regenerative rancher, has a background in nature and permaculture. This has given her a perspective on the real risks that we are facing as a species. In her youth she was mentored by some of the leading wildlife trackers, naturalists and Native spiritual elders. She spent years alone and with a small group of passionate youth in the Western Washington Wilderness learning the ways of the ancestors, immersing in nature, bird language, survival skills and wildlife tracking.

Along with her husband and four children, Doniga owns and operates Markegard Family Grass-Fed LLC raising grass-fed beef, lamb, pastured pork, chicken and dairy supplying the Bay Area with local, nutrient dense foods. The family ranch leases land through out the Bay Area spanning over 10,000 acres.

She is dedicated to finding ways to regenerate lands and community through ranching practices that build soil, sequester carbon, capture and purify water and enhance habitat.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Wolf Girl: Finding Myself in the Wild is a memoir by Doniga Markegard. Released 1st April 2020 by Propriometrics Press, it's 264 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.

There are physicians and therapists who are increasingly likely to prescribe nature walks for depression and other mental illness as part of a therapy regimen. Kindergartens and primary schools have incorporated nature walks, gardening, and outdoors activities as an integral part of their curriculum. We are inextricably tied to nature and people who live completely divorced from the outdoor environment are much more likely to have chronic illness and suffer from anxiety and depression.

Doniga Markegard explores the necessity of nature in our lives through her autobiography. Moving through a troubled adolescence, she finds her way by becoming immersed in the wild through a nature school (for non-traditional learners). Her writing style is simple and direct and sometimes uncomfortably straightforward.

Ostensibly aimed at young girls/women, I think this book could be a good fit for any age. There are potential triggers: drug use, sexual assault, teenaged runaways, rebellion, depression, amongst others. It makes for sometimes uncomfortable reading, but on the whole, worthwhile.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Star Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entire review can be found at In Pursuit of My Own Library

Wolf Girl is a story about nature and how we fit in with nature. Doniga tells her story of falling from her horse and going to that place only those in near fatal accidents can experience. This left a hole inside of her. I wanted to read her story because my husband has the similar hole that is only filled when he experiences nature. I want to understand that place better, but I'm limited with my inexperience.

This book was beautifully written. Doniga carries us through her troubled teens with explicit examples of bad decisions and depression without bogging us down with the emotions. We can share in her struggle through learning and healing. She shows us the start of a family and teaching the new generation how to be aware of the nature that surrounds us, of something far older and longer lived than us.

I also really appreciated the inclusion of some diary entries along with the idyllic prose. At times the story can get a little hippy-dippy, but mostly natural realism takes the center stage.

As with all things in life, there are sections I could leave on the editing floor and find the book more pleasant, but as it is, it remains an excellent book that I will highly recommend everyone read.

[Heather Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected in a couple of ways. First, I expected that it would be more heavily focused on wolves, but it’s much broader than that in scope. Second, though I knew this was a memoir, I didn’t expect to feel myself prickle so much at how the author describes her early life. There was almost a sense of privilege conveyed in the earliest part of the story, which I found off putting and hard to relate to.
However, it’s a necessary part of the story in order to understand the author’s roots and her transformation into an activist and in finding her place in helping the natural world. I am astonished by how much she learned, almost intuitively, in such a short period of time and I’m grateful that she shared her story, especially pieces that were less flattering of her.
This was a moving, relatable and important book, one that inspires us to listen and try to do better. Highly recommended for someone who might be feeling directionless when knowing how to help improve the climate for all life and a little despairing on whether or not you can truly make a difference. This writer is proof that you can. We just need to listen.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doniga's story is both relatable and inspirational—and incredibly timely! Now that so many young people are (rightfully!) concerned about the future of our planet, they need role models now more than ever that can show them ways that they can help the environment and everything living on this planet. Doniga's dedication and connection to the natural world is incredible, and her prose is very lyrical and beautiful. This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn more about 1) wildlife tracking, 2) nature immersion schools, 3) conservation, and 4) eco-friendly agricultural practices, as well as anyone who enjoys a good nature/adventure memoir—and there's a touch of love story in here as well!

[Clazzzer C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so relevant to today's media stories- Greta Thunberg, Luisa Neubauer, Rose Whipple, Kisha Erah Muaña and Arshak Makichyan are making sure their voices are being heard, just like Doninga Markegard. We have one life, one planet and just one chance to use them both for the betterment of ourselves and those around us. Markegard's is an unusual read taking her from a troubled childhood to tracking wolves, and becoming a lover of all things nature related. It is an interesting and though provoking read, one that will awaken your senses and open you mind to what could happen if we don't all wake up, listen and beware.

[Lucy Anne Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting and unique book! The blurb instantly snagged my attention since this is a subject I am very passionate about. It was captivating to read about this lifestyle from another’s perspective and on top of that, I had the chance to learn more about wildlife and sustainable living. I also loved how Doniga found herself through connecting with nature. The author did an excellent job of telling us about her troubled teens, but not lingering there, and spending more time in her beautiful journey of growth.
One thing I will say, though, is that the pacing was rather slow. This is not a bad thing, but I am used to (and prefer) something a little brisker.

[Laura Flett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book starts off really well, at times it lends itself to be too much of a random person recounting their memories. The author is not a well known individual and an autobiographical style as such seems selfish and inadequate to portray the overall messages of the book. I did however enjoy the stories on permaculture and wildlife tracking. The conclusion seems not well connected to the rest of the book, as the author leaves the wolf portion of the story after the middle of the book. Perhaps some structural and content changes would make this book a much better read. Still a decent book, however.

[Dani Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful life full of adventure and deep connection to the earth. I read this almost entirely by firelight while owls hooted and coyote lurked. It's that kind of book.

Great for young people, especially young women, who want to feel a strong connection to nature.

[Shari Johnson]

Very thought provoking love the idea of turning the prairie back into Prairie Land with original native plants

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the YA version of Dawn Again by Doniga Markegard. Both books are similar. Dawn Again is more detailed and descriptive. Choose one :)

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so inspired and reawakened by this book and author. I delayed finishing it because I simply didn’t want it to end! That was incredible