I have enjoyed reading this series of short essays. They are arranged to follow the months, so it's like a diary, though the incidents might have occurred over a few years.
Nature seems to be all around at times, yet many people find nature only when they make an effort to go outdoors. Looking at the rich and delicate tapestry noticed by the author, we can see that simple presence in nature and learning to observe are good for people. We become less self-focused, more understanding of natural processes and seasons, we are entertained and gain a sense of wonder. We also become more healthy through activity outdoors.
The downside for me is that the author is reciting bird names and some plant and tree names which I don't have here in Ireland, so they start to blur. Some sketches or photos would have been helpful. People in America should get more out of the book, so I have rated it accordingly.

I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

I really enjoyed this collection of nature essays. Each one was short and sweet but packed with a good balance of scientific information, natural history, and personal observations. Although they were based on the author's own experience in New York state, there was plenty to make them feel relevant to me which I appreciated. Also, the layout of this book was perfect. I read it all at once, but it would make a perfect coffee table book to pick up once or twice a month to read the corresponding essays. This book will appeal to nature enthusiasts, science lovers, or those looking for the inspiration to get outdoors.

An interesting book showing the myriad intricacies of the natural world. Each study spun delicately as a spider web. I enjoyed this book very much, nature writing remains a favorite genre. Yet I must say I do think that there were a few places where the book may have been more intricate. I think the writing of the book excels in the essays of diversity, what I mean is that it works best when the nature writing is interweaved with personal and cultural history. This shows how integral the natural world is to our living rather than something we have to go out to get to know and study, I found the science utterly compelling but I do wonder how other readers may cope with the often undiluted density. Yet it must be said the book is fundamentally compelling to read. I look forward to future work of Angela E Douglas


(p.s. the paperback would work wonderfully with a few apt photographs dotted about)

A detailed and chronological account of nature through the year in upstate New York. Well researched and full of interesting observations and natural history. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.