Tom Brown, Jr. (1950–2024)

Reread this for the second time and it reawakened the original impact the book had on my when I read it in my early 20s. I'm already the hiker / camper / outdoorsy type, so this book moved my reverence for the woods a step deeper. Towards a spiritual yearning of understanding of ecological cycles and connections.[return][return]Also makes me want to dig into native american culture a bit more. Anyone have any suggestions for books about the spirit that moves through all things?

I almost didn't read this book, the printing job is so bad. But it's the only edition available, and it was worth the eyestrain.

It is more than an account of being in nature, or of observing nature. It is about being one with nature. From the age of 8, the author has been that, and his collaborator has translated the experience into fine prose,

I've seen reviews that try to debunk Brown's experience and deny the existence of the Native American "grandfather" from whom he learned. But the show more woman I'm working with on healing has worked extensively with him. He is the real thing, and his story is compelling show less

3.5 From the title one can easily discern what this book is about and it's timely nature. Climate crisis is often on the news, in documentaries and the many books we read warning us of its dire effects. This book is divided into chapters each deals with a subject that is necessary to our lives. Shelter, water, fire, food etc.

With each subject the author explains how he was taught to view each of these items, and the ways we are basically ruining them. What makes this book different is that show more at the end of each chapter he tells us what we can do now to effect change. No action is too small, but the object is to start and keep going. At books end there are exercises and stories from students at his school.

"The third choice is to take actions small and collective, to be aware of the environments you move through, interacting and caring for them as a caretaker and a healer of our Earth mother."

"Indigenous people know that the wood we burn in our fires is much more than a piece of firewood. They view the wood they burn as a combination of solid sunshine, rainwater and air. Tress and plants are the future soils of life. As the wood decays, it not only provides fresh nutrients to our soil, but is used by animals and insects as their homes and shelters."

As one can see everything on Earth is connected, and we haven't been very good caretakers. We have taken a great many things for granted, not mindfully considering the choices we make. show less

This book is awsome!!!!: I obtained thid book from my local library when they got rid of it, because I was the only person who would ever check it out. I think it is a great book for anyone who wants to or is trying to regain their ancestrial roots. It vividly explains how to build shelters, tan hides, and even make arrowheads. Personally I love it and I think others will probably feel the same way.