The Mountains Next Door

by Janice Emily Bowers

The Rincon Mountains east of Tucson are a small and seemingly undistinguished range; rounded and arid, they are more a site for foothill walks than serious exploring. Yet these unassuming mountains disclose many wonders and curiosities upon close inspection, as Janice Emily Bowers discovered while conducting a botanical study there. Over the course of two years she made 38 excursions into the Rincons—some for two or three days at a time—and garnered not only plant specimens but thoughts along the way. The Mountains Next Door is the first book to describe and celebrate the natural history of these mountains that even longtime Arizonans may often take for granted. "I watched the seasons march through the canyons," writes Bowers, "followed the wildflower parade from February through November, and throughout it all realized that I could travel in the Rincon Mountains forever and never learn all they contained." It is also a book of meditations, as Bowers reflects upon the meaning of nature, the similarities between the scientific and creative processes, the value of wilderness in the face of urban encroachment, and other ideas. Participating in the long tradition of reflective natural history writing, she has produced a memorable book that depicts the delights and dilemmas of field botany as it explores the perennial struggle between science and mysticism that tugs at every naturalist's heart.

Genres: Nonfiction

147 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1991

Reviews

[Marieta Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently visited Saguaro National Park, both units, I could relate to this botanists' home territory. The book is fascinating and filled with interesting detail about the flora. For example, I had no idea a mature saguaro could weigh six or seven tons and be 90 percent water or that neighboring mountains would not have the same kinds of plants.

However, I think a significant strength of this book is the inclusion of many universal truths. A couple examples are, "You see, you learn, and learning more, you see better." And, "We learn to love the tools that serve us well, in part because we give the best of ourselves to them." Perhaps my favorite is, "it is the process, not the product, that brings the most satisfaction."

Thank goodness, the attendant at the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center directed me to this book. Since I own this copy, I could underline! My copy is full of lines, and other markings!

[Benjamin Felser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely was enamored with Boyer’s rich portrayal of the Rincon Mountains and her experiences charting the botanical diversity abounding among them. I read this book in a day when ill near the mountain’s summit, and had the joy of exploring the plants and places about which she writes.

While I loved her personal narratives, I found her philosophizing to be quite lacking, mainly through her negation of native communities and indigenous knowledge systems regarding the Rincon’s plants, ecosystems, and histories embedded within the landscape. She focuses on the natural history, but neglects to mention how white settlers violently displaced the Apaches and O’odham in ways which have created the disturbed ecosystems rife with fire-prone invasives like buffer grass, and overcrowded, burn-prone stands of fir and pine.

Still recommend, with the large above caveat.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re always looking for a new nature writer (broadly defined) I would suggest Janice Bowers. I really enjoyed this book which is a collection of essays about a humble scientific project but more encompassing of thoughts about science, botany, the nature of scientists, the down-to-earth (pun intended) experience of a specific place for a botanist who is attempting to produce a compendium of all the plants in a particular defined area, and reflections on many related ideas. Easy to pick up, put down, and pick up again, but a quick read if you want to devour it in a couple sittings. Enjoyable.

[Bonnye Reed]

Gifted from Kellye

[Mike Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super great! Wonderful writing and a truly inspirational perspective on science!!

[Kyle F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for every young botanist/biologist. Beautiful stuff.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, an author who writes about the outdoors and about plants with whom I can identify. (I am one of the few who do not like Annie Dillard or most of the philosophical nature canon.)

Bowers chapter, “Science with a Capital S”, could stand alone and should be read in lots of science classes.

I loved the chapter where she and her husband Steve just happen to stop and end up seeing an incredible hummingbird show (It reminded me of a time Roy and I stopped to adjust something in the car and spent an hour watching snow geese).

My favorite part was her talking about watching a beautiful scene at the Grand Canyon (I think) and instead of waxing philosophical, she reports thinking about what she has to do for dinner.

She has several other books and flora. I can’t wait to read them. I also fear that the other books will disappoint. Dilemma of microscopic proportions.

[Elly Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this little treasure buried in a used bookstore. I love Arizona and have lived here 26 years and continue to be in awe of it's diverse landscape. As the author says looking at the Rincon Mountains you would not be awestruck but there are many amazing things to be found when taking the time to look. I like her way of writing and would have loved her as a botany teacher. She even gave me new respect for that freaking black beetle, the "Stink Bug" that's always trying to crawl into our house. This book just added to my love of the natural world.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book about the Rincon Mountains outside of Tucson, AZ. I learned a few things from it, but the subject matter was rather dry and wasn't quite what I was expecting.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for any Tucson plant people. The writing was incredible and thought provoking. Reminded me of a sand county almanac.