Reviews for Our National Parks

The average rating for Our National Parks based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-12-30 00:00:00 Laura Heikkinen This is my first Muir book and it shan't be my past! He is such a talented writer and so passionate about his subject. There were a few times when I got a bit bogged down in his lists of measurements and even some of his seemingly endless lists of different types of flowers or trees. Those could easily be skimmed if you also get bogged down by them, but the majority of the book is delightful! "The regular trips ' from 3 to 5 days - are too short. Nothing can be done well at a speed of 40 miles a day. The multitude of mixed, novel impressions rapidly piled on one another make only a dreamy, bewildering, swirling blur, most of which is unredeemable. Far more time should be taken. Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the Mountaineer. Camp out among the grass and gentians of the glacier Meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of Nature's darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as the sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

Review # 2 was written on 2020-07-31 00:00:00 Volvert Daniel Our National Parks is a collection of essays that John Muir wrote for The Atlantic. I agree with many reviewers who have described Muir as "verbose." However, hidden among the pages of botanical descriptions are delightful stories about his encounters with bears, hermits, earthquakes, avalanches, and even a tired mule. My favorite story, when Muir tried to convince Ralph Waldo Emerson to camp with him in Yosemite, is the source of his famous quote, "The mountains are calling." Anyone who has visited---or plans to visit---Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, or Sequoia would enjoy reading these essays.