Soul of the Outdoors - by Dave Greschner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

It takes years to learn the art of seeing, of expecting to see nature's gifts. In Soul of the Outdoors, Dave Greschner passes that art along. He tells how little that chickadee at the feeder weighs, how tree buds survive in winter, how far a fisher leaps, and what the six blobs of shadows are on the creek bed below a water strider. He traces the cycle of seasons, immersing us in spring hikes to the marshes of emerging frogs and returning birds, summer's coolness along the trout stream, a forgotten apple tree in autumn, and a full moon snowshoe hike in winter. With humor and heart, Soul of the Outdoors treks along the trails of one's outdoor adventures and, ultimately, the trails of our lives.

Review Quotes

"In the tradition of Aldo Leopold and Annie Dillard, Dave Greschner employs both microscope and telescope in describing the world's minor miracles. For Greschner, no story is too small-not the ruby-throated hummingbird on its plastic perch or the bobolinks in the field. On the page, as in life, every bird and bug has meaning. Every bloom and blossom, too. Greschner writes of the world in the way I wish to see it: with knowledge, authenticity, and reverence most of all."

-B.J. Hollars, author of Flock Together: A Love Affair with Extinct Birds

"Soul of the Outdoors is part field guide, part almanac. Whether we join Dave Greschner while he's road hunting for firewood or cradling a saw whet owl on his snowshoe trail, we're right there with him every step of the way: from watching mulberry-tinged sunsets to discovering the first horned lark in the melt of winter. "

-Patti See, author of Here on Lake Hallie

"Dave Greschner writes prose with lyrical poetry, helping the reader reconnect with the simple joys of childhood-times of playing outside until dark, exploring the natural world, letting that world be our first and best teacher. This is not just about remembering glory days of childhood. Through his writing, I connect with the natural world as a hectic and busy adult. This can provide the reader with moments of calm and grace."

-Timothy Goodwin, author of Within These Woods

"At a time when our lives seem dominated by computer screens, Dave Greschner demonstrates in this collection of essays that it is still possible to unplug and live in the moment. We follow him on a moonlight snowshoe hike, enjoy the awakening of the marshes in spring, stay up on a clear August night to watch the Perseids meteor shower, and venture into the woods in the fall with a shotgun or deer rifle or chainsaw. Although we never hear specifically about him coming back with game in the bag or a load of firewood, his 'harvests' are the sights and sounds of the natural world. Greschner reminds us that every season has its own delights if we are only willing to slow down a little and pay attention. "

-Joe Knight, author of Frozen Assets

"Dave Greschner's keen awareness of nature's rhythms-beginnings, growing, endings-fill the essays in Soul of the Outdoors. He serves up knowledge spiced with curiosity and a sense of wonder, and he tells each tale with humor, wisdom and heart. When you finish this book, you'll want to go outside and explore."

-Dan Lyksett, awarding winning journalist/columnist, Eau Claire, Wisconsin