Fox World: 500 Miles of Walks and Talks with an Old Fox

by Jack Russell

Fox World, based on true events, takes the reader under the canopy of an urban forest on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. for a year-long walk with a weary sales executive and his muse, a wild red fox. Aged, ill and injured, both fox and man seek healing in their journey, not only for themselves, but for the ecologically stressed forest which is under siege. They are joined on their five-hundred-mile walkabout by the fox’s forest friends – owl, buck deer, hawk, blue heron, and raccoon, and each animal’s story illustrates why this small forest is so soothing and majestic in its allure. Starting in brutally cold winter, followed by the wettest summer on record, fox and man face daunting life challenges on their walks, from heart arrhythmia which ends the executive’s career to a coyote attack and critical illnesses faced by the elderly fox. And through these traumatic events, the two bond for survival, and the fox’s wild perspective teaches his human friend unforgettable lessons about healing, coping, serenity, wonderment, mindfulness, and simple treasures (e.g., the sun setting atop the great oaks, an owl serenade under moon beams, a shared cup of bison bone broth on an icy day). Drawn in by the plight of the fox’s forest as destruction looms, the man decides to take a stand and help the fox and his animal friends. Richly graced with gorgeous nature photos and infused with insights that can only be imparted by those who have come to genuinely appreciate life, Fox World is an exhilarating walk in the woods that you’ll never forget.

Genres: Nonfiction

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2021

Reviews

[Nicole Fye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very pleasant and relaxing book to read. It dragged on a bit at times, and the timeline in the beginning was a little confusing, but once you get into the actual 500 mile walk it flies by. If you want something uplifting and calm to read, this is the book for you.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and insightful book. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Jack Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animal stories with happy endings RULE !!! 😀

[Rebecca Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me through a full range of emotions from sadness to delight in the first few pages.

[Sophy H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh man, I am so sad to say I didn't finish this. I had to DNF for my own sanity.

Foxes are one of my favourite creatures on this earth and I love them so much. So I should have been buzzing with this book. Far from it. I think Russell's decision to write from the perspective of "Old Man" and "Mr Fox" was the the nail in the coffin for me. The writing felt twee, kitsch and overly soppy when it could have have been much more entertaining and educational.

Don't get me wrong I'm totally jealous of Russell's vulpine experience; I'd be shitting my knickers in excitement if that was me! But the whimsical writing style just ruined it for me and I couldn't get into it at all.

The photos are lovely however.

[Doreen Montis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox World is a heartwarming and captivating book. I could not put it down. I was immediately transported to the urban forest where Old Man and Mr. Fox met and continued on a journey of discovery and growth.

In a world faced with challenges for both, it is a story of love, determination and resilience. Old Man and Mr. Fox saved each other. It is a wonderful and an all time favorite book that I have also given to others as gifts. It will make one think about the story long after it is finished.

[Cricket Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fan of foxes I grabbed this book as I passed the new book shelf. Although it is marked nonfiction it reads more like a story and that is where it failed for me.

The narrator takes on the persona of N. Oldman and finds a friend in Mr. Fox. The story is curiously omniscient with the animals of Fox World lending their thoughts now and then.

A wonderful tale of a corporate man who survives a heart attack and finds respite in his friendship with a wild fox.

The story has something to share about finding solace through nature; however, the storytelling style did not work for me.

[Adelaide Dippolito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read

I !ove foxes, especially red foxes. I was getting really worried this would have a sad ending so I almost didn't finish. Great relief to see it didn't.

[Sara Darr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!!! The relationship between the fox and "n oldman" and the oldman's growth is a powerful lesson for all.