When the Wild Comes Leaping Up: Personal Encounters with Nature

by David Suzuki (Editor)

In this eloquent collection, writers from the United States, Canada, the U.K., and Australia describe a personal encounter with the natural world that moved them, enhanced their understanding of nature, changed them, or was in some other way of prime importance to them. These essays describe childhood memories, everyday walks transformed into life-changing events, being in the grip of a great force, and startling encounters with wild animals. They are funny, sad, reflective, exciting, nostalgic, and outlandish. Each one presents a singular experience, and all are beautifully written and deeply felt. Personal encounters with the natural world written by award-winning authors. Some of the award-winning contributors include Margaret Atwood, Diane Ackerman, David Quammen, Rick Bass, and Wade Davis.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Essays

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

David Suzuki is a Canadian science broadcaster and environmental activist. A long time activist to reverse global climate change, Suzuki co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation in 1990, to work "to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us." The Foundation's priorities are: oceans and sustainable fishing, climate change and clean energy, sustainability, and David Suzuki's Nature Challenge. He also served as a director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association from 1982-1987.

Reviews

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

More wildly uneven than I expect from an anthology. I expected much more nature and much less spirituality from the cover blurbs, and I was somewhat disappointed by the relentless navel-gazing herein. I can't recommend this one.

[Emily Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think if I hadn't just finished Kathleen Dean Moore's fantastic collection of essays, I might have liked this more. As it was, too many of these didn't strike a chord with me. Disappointing.

[Lisa Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really moved by this series of essays. And it is so rare to find a collection where there is only 1 essay that I didn't enjoy. This comes highly recommended!