Cover Image: Canoeing in the Wilderness

Canoeing in the Wilderness

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Member Reviews

A short (just under 100 pages) but wonderfully rich account of 2 weeks in the wilds of Maine with Thoreau, one of his friends and a Native American guide. As they navigate waterways in a canoe, and the land on foot, this is a hark back to simpler times imbued with Thoreau's passion for the natural world. His vivid prose transports you to the water - you can see the paddle breaking the water's surface in your mind's eye.
Maybe because I'm reading this while confined to the house, but it effortlessly transported me far away, to the woods and waters of Maine. Essential reading.

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Not sure why I decided to give this one a try, as in general I did not like reading Walden either. Thought I would see if it was him, but wasn't thrilled with this one either. A little dry at times, and the bias (historical time, but still) shown didn't help. I usually enjoy nature books, and thought this one sounded interesting, but skimmed after awhile and overall was not my favorite. Would recommend if you like HDT.

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FTC disclosure: I would like to thank Dover Publications for providing me with an advance reader copy via access to the galley for free through the NetGalley program.

Loved it.

I'd recommend this to anyone. I found it to be an incredibly relaxing read especially during these moments in time, the perfect novella, palette cleanser, reflective, a great way to gain perspective and become grounded and mindful of the lovely things in life.

I loved how soothing the writing rhythm was, both poetic and philosophical, yet easily attainable and enjoyable without being overly complicated. It read with ease as if I was sitting around a campfire listening to the master tell stories of great adventure and oral tradition.

Stories centered on depicting appreciation for and observations of the natural world including adventure trails to canoe running, surrounding forest environment, woodland animals, and relationships with the Indians.

Thoreau's stylistically simple, yet deeply personal and thought-provoking journal entries never fail to refresh my mind.

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An interesting insight into one of Thoreau's adventures going paddling in the wilderness. He has a travel companion and an Indian guide. You can really notice it's an 1800-era adventure and no modern day outing. Even though I was interested, it did not really grip me as the writing was very descriptive. It's more of a day to day sum up of things that happened instead of a flowing story. But that's okay, it's a product of time long gone.

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What is there better to read during self-quarantine than Henry David Thoreau? This work of his is so comforting to read in a time in history like this. Reading through his diary while he canoed through Maine made me feel like I was on the adventure with him. Thoareau's writing is so descriptive and pulling that you feel as though you've been there. This is a short read, you could probably finish it in one sitting with your morning cup of coffee. I enjoyed the illustration of this particular edition - the beautiful cover is what made me want to read it! I recommend this for any adventurers, Thoreau fans, nature lovers - anyone who is missing the great outdoors while stuck in quarantine. This is a great escape!

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