Review Title: Experience Nature Fully Wherever You Live (review of Connecting With Life by Martin Summer)

Reviewer: Janice S. Garey

***** 5 Stars

Thank you, Martin Summer, for writing this book for nature lovers, no matter where they live, to learn new ways to soak in the benefits of the natural environment. Many people live, work, and play in cityscapes and feel an absence of opportunities to connect with nature in their day to day lives. Martin Summer has a heart for those people and gives good guidance to overcome obstacles in the way of realizing all that is available when the details are known.

The author shares his wisdom gained through traveling and living in numerous areas of the earth. His friendly manner works well as he discusses his beloved topic with enthusiasm. Depending on the depth of a reader's previous knowledge and experience regarding the natural world, there may be some parts of the discussion that seem basic, but this makes the book inclusive to all ages and stages. I was able to share parts of the book with my husband, once a thru- hiker of the Appalachian Trail, and he gained new knowledge.

Many books I review are authored by Christian writers. This book is not written from a Christian point of view. The author casually mentions living with his girlfriend and views nature from a secular platform. Other than that, the Christian community should find this book contains worthy information about how to be intentional in getting more involved with the natural world (what we consider as God's Creation).

The book is inspiring and motivating for a reader endeavoring to view nature through all the senses. The parts about noise pollution and light pollution were fascinating. Barefoot Parks, located in a few areas of the world, are a fairly new offering that some readers will learn about first in this book.

I received an Advance Reader's Copy ebook from #Netgalley for review purposes. I am under no obligation to give a favorable review. My honest opinion is that this would be a good book for most readers interested in pursuing greater knowledge of the natural world.

Thank you Martin Summer and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of this thought provoking, realist book. I have always loved being around and being in nature. There is just something about the calmness, being away from the noise of the hustle and bustle of every day life.
Martin Summer has some truly wonderful ideas for even connecting to nature when you think there is nothing close you as far as nature. From the simplest thing of having some indoor plants, or flowers. They even have plants for those who do not have a green thumb, and trust me, I am one those people. Sometimes even having a bouquet of flowers in your place makes a world of difference.
Nature is very vital to us, for our health, for our spirit and for everything else.
Thank you Martin Summer for this meaningful, insightful, and wonderful book.

This book is great! I have read some fascinating facts and found them interesting indeed! CONNECTING WITH LIFE, by Martin Summer, is exactly what the title is telling us. It brought a few things to my attention. For instance, in chapter 5, I read about indoor and outdoor air quality and why it is so important we should get outdoors more often. And, further into the book I also found this great site with real time air pollution map that shows air quality and how good or bad it is in my area. I also found other interesting sites. I love the outdoors and I especially love sitting on the front porch in the summertime and just looking out at nature. But in the wintertime it isn't as easy to sit outside. Although I do go outside and take some pictures of the falling snow from time to time. I guess you might say I am connecting with life that way, right?

I like the way Mr. Summer started talking in the beginning of this book. He kept my attention as though he were talking directly to me in his description of things. Especially when he talked about how our ancestors had to live. By today's standards though,we have it made. But has it also made us a bit lazy? in comparison to the way they had to live? This also got me to thinking about this one question he asked: "Is fresh air a thing of the past?" Then I read about that part in the book, which gave me a better understanding about that question. This made a good deal of sense to me. So air pollution isn't just an urban issue, it effects everyone, right? There are also some interesting facts about the ways we use our senses, too. And, as I read through those facts, I was propelled back to my childhood and could actually picture looking around me, hearing nature while outside, along with the different smells and touch. I also found out that we have at least five more senses. That is so good to know. This book made me think a lot about things going on around us in this big wide wonderful world. I want to thank the author for taking me back in time to my childhood and letting me relive those times again through my memories; and for writing this book. I realize that in the city people are so busy with their every day lives that it is hard for them to slow down and look at things around them, and there is more noise polution to deal with. That is why I love country life so well. I can enjoy looking at and hearing nature more; and people do move at a slower pace. I throughly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it!

"Connecting with Life" is an interesting book. Much of the information in parts 1 and 2 of the book will be familiar to many readers, although readers will likely learn some new information. I was somewhat surprised to learn that indoor houseplants really are not an effective way to filter the air in a home, as I had heard the opposite and as stores often market indoor plants for their supposed air-filtering properties. The author, Mr. Summer, does note other benefits that houseplants do provide. A fact that I found particularly interesting is that urban living may be causing an increase in myopia. I knew that myopia was on the rise because people tend to spend so much time indoors, often looking at electronic devices or other things relatively close up. However, Mr. Summer notes that in urban areas, especially with all the tall buildings, we often look at distances no longer than perhaps 20 feet away. He references biomechanist and author Katy Bowman, who points out in her book (Movement Matters), that assuming the human eye can focus on an object up to a mile away (and studies suggest the theoretical number is closer to 1.6 miles), "city dwellers limit the use of their eyes to less than a half of a percent of their ocular range of focus."

One of the things I liked about the book was that Mr. Summer identifies a problem, such as noise pollution or light pollution, and then he provides suggestions for how to combat it on an individual or small group level. None of us can solve these worldwide problems on our own, but we can all take steps to address the issues on a local and personal level. Mr. Summer's goal with the book is to emphasize the importance of connecting with nature, especially for the increasing percentage of the world population living in urban areas, and to provide advice and resources for doing so. His passion for this subject is evident throughout the book. Mr. Summer has made the book very relatable by identifying a variety of resources that people can utilize, ranging from books on various topics addressed in his book, to websites and apps that he utilizes to help him find green space in urban areas, identify flora and fauna, plan trips, etc., and to organizations one might find in their city/state/country that can provide information, resources, or opportunities to get involved. He provides a variety of tips for how we can connect with nature and how we can infuse our homes and everyday lives with nature. He gives examples of the things he does to connect with nature, but also acknowledges the various trade-offs involved, including limitations imposed by financial constraints, housing situation, and location, and gives tips for what can be done even in a seemingly sub-optimal situation. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

The amount of research Martin Summer compiled for this book was impressive. My family and I are quite "green," yet Summer presents data that is too often lost under the obvious. It is obvious that we should drink clean water, breathe clean air, and get at least a moderate amount of exercise. But when do we consider what light pollution and blue light do to our ability to function well during the day and sleep well at night? And noise pollution: are we unknowingly stressed by the agitating din of the world around us? I now ask myself, what am I doing to contribute to the noise of the world? Summer's book is full of reminders that each individual makes up the whole, and each is responsible for their own actions, but also responsible to a multitude of humans around us. Be quiet, be clean, be helpful to wildlife. Make good health choices for yourself. Get outside and let nature calm you. Bring nature into your home when possible.

Connecting With Life is a short, relatively straightforward guide on how to connect with nature more. It seems particularly aimed a city-dwellers who already have an interest in spending more time in nature. I suppose that makes me the target audience. Overall, I felt the book did what it set out to do. I did enjoy the structure where a problem is discussed, followed by some simple suggestions on where to start to improve it.

Overall, I liked the book, but hoped to see a deeper analysis. While there were some allusions to class divides on the ability to prioritize time in nature, I felt that this was not discussed enough. I wanted more information, more analysis, more substance to the issues. That said, the book functions well in what it set out to provide, which is a quick starter on connecting better with nature when you live in an urban environment.

A timely guide - how to cure our “nature deficit disorder” even if we don’t live on a farm or adjacent to a nation al park. The author presents a well-researched analysis on how humans began to view ourselves as something apart from nature and provides guidance on how we can mindfully reconnect with it.

The title says it all "Connecting with Life: Finding Nature in an Urban World." Such an important topic, and one easily overlooked in today's hectic and over digitized and urbanized world. Without even realizing how out of touch we are with nature, many of us feel disconnected from ourselves without even knowing why. So much research out there now showing the importance for our overall well-being and health — mental, emotional and physical — of being in nature.

This is at times a startling book to read ... filled with lots of statistics and evidence of how our health and well-being has been declining, as our natural environment is becoming increasingly polluted, our time outdoors increasingly decreased, and for some, the natural world is barely evident in their day to day lives. The author gives good and simple suggestions on how to reverse this trend and once again find and foster connection with nature, the world around us and ultimately ourselves. Highly recommended.

I think that this book is great for parents and teachers who are looking for ways to share the wonder of nature with children and students. They can read a part of the book, experience awe of nature and ideas for themselves, then pass on some of those ideas and love of nature to the kids. Everyone benefits from thinking about things like the sounds we hear when it is "quiet," urban birdwatching, and what big trees have witnessed. It gave me many ideas about how to incorporate nature more in my family's life (without going camping).

**I was given a free copy (Netgalley) in exchange for an honest review**

I am an outdoor enthusiast, so I was excited at the prospect of learning new ways to find nature.

The introduction to the book is an anecdote about having to travel an extensive distance to find a piece of pristine, nearly-untouched natural wonder. The journal-like writing in the intro does not prepare the reader for the research paper that follows. I personally spend a lot of time in Central Europe for work and found it very odd that someone from Poland says that nature is not part of everyday life and wondered to whom the book was actually written.

When I reached the first section, I wondered if I had accidentally closed out the book and opened one of the many scientific journal articles I keep on hand (I'm an archaeologist getting another graduate degree in public health). The rest of the book reads like a thesis; a good thesis, but academic, nonetheless. It provides no "aha" ideas but is thoroughly researched.

Bottom line: I was not the target demographic for this book, so, I feel my review is a little less than flattering. I would recommend this for new adults seeking to improve their relationship with the world around them and/or ways to practice mindfulness.

I'm not typically a reader of non-fiction, but I found Martin Summer's Connecting With Life an informative and enjoyable read. His passion for nature and the environment is evident. I liked how the layout of the book, in 4 parts, made it easy to hone in on areas that I thought I might need better understanding and tips of how to rebalance my urban life with nature. I live in Colorado which provides for some of the best incentives for getting back to nature, but we can all use some of the practical tips the author provides.

When I began this book, I was not sure what to expect. Honestly, I liked the cover. However, by the end of the book, I was pleasantly surprised by all the things I learned, as well as confirming my thoughts concerning topics I think about.

The book starts with a little history of when the first humans shared the Earth with animals, plant life, insects, etc. We were “equals” and did not have dominion over the other species. As time went on, man learned new things, like making fire and crafting tools – which took man to the next level. A place where he could better control nature instead of being equal with the other species.

The author explains the things that keep us from enjoying nature as we might like – through noise pollution, light pollution (two hot topics for me), fresh air, having space for yourself. He also talks about using all five senses to experience nature – and to experience it wherever you may be – whether it is outside in the great open spaces – or in an urban area with lots of people and buildings, but no open space to speak of.

He recommends slowing down – getting outside – mindfulness, and more.

One of my friends called me when I was in the middle of reading the book. I don’t think I realized how much I was enjoying until I was excitedly telling her about light pollution and how we can’t see stars the way you could if you were away from city lights.

Martin does a nice job of “taking” you around the world as he’s talking about different spots he knows about or has been. Bottom line, it made me want to run outside of my house and enjoy the sunshine – and plan a camping trip as soon as possible!

I received this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion. Happy reading!

Thank you to the author, Martin Summer, for providing me with arc of his book via netGalley in exchange for my honest review. Summer says he aims to answer the question of whether we can have it all--the convenience and excitement of living in the city but still experience the pleasures and joys of being in nature--and I think he does a good job of doing that with his many ideas and suggestions.

I was interested to read this book about connecting with nature in our urban world because of my five-year-old grandson. He and his family live in the city of Chicago in a 3-story condominium building with no backyard to speak of, other than a shared courtyard where there is just a tiny bit of garden space. His parents give him as many opportunities to explore nature as possible but it certainly isn't the childhood his mother had when she and her sister were growing up, spending hours exploring our backyard with its many trees, slow-moving creek and opportunities to observe wild animals. Our grandson is quite resistant to being out in nature when he's taken to farms or other less populated places like a cabin in the woods in upper Michigan. It's too hot! Or he'd rather go back inside to read or play. How sad! Is this the new normal for his generation?

Being able to spend time outside this summer has saved my sanity during these months of isolation due to the pandemic. I purchased three hummingbird feeders and have enjoyed watching their antics and hearing their chittering song while quietly reading nearby. Watching the sunrise and set, talking early morning walks, gardening and dining al fresco have helped too.

I liked Summer's suggestions for what changes one can make inside the home to bring nature inside as well. I may start looking around my home to see what we might be able to do.

I highly recommend this book for those looking for ways to make some real connections with nature whether it be through travel, sports, hiking or just eating your lunch in a park, or treating yourself to a bouquet of flowers. Summer gives us lots of reasons why it's important to do just that. Make a small commitment today! Maybe it would be life-changing.

Thanks again to the author for sharing his book with me! I look forward to exploring his website for more inspiration.

I really enjoyed Martin's style of writing, which is both scientific and easygoing, as if he has a chat with the reader over a cup of coffee.

His book explores the ways in which humans are disconnected from nature, because of urbanization, industrialization, and globalization effects, which have caused many of us to live in cities with little access to green space. I liked how he was able to combine philosophy with science, in order to explain the importance of human's being in and around nature, which results in better functioning physiologically and psychologically.

A great read for anyone looking to understand the importance of environmentalism, as it's not just an issue of land and animals, but also of human health.

A n excellent inspiring guide to how to connect with nature.I will be using this guide to get me out of my house and explore the areas around me areas where I will enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.#netgalley#connectingwithlife

ConnecConnecting with Life
by Martin Summer
The idea that we need nature to be a whole person. the idea that modern life separates us from nature. With discussions of human development from archaeological evidence, to the statistical movement of man from hunters and gathers to city dwellers, this four part discussion shows the reader his ideology that humans need nature, and promotes changing the way we live causing more natural events in their lives. ting with Life
by Martin Summer

What a lovely book. Made me take the time to look around me much more often, and relax and enjoy nature where I can find it.

I enjoyed reading Martin Summer's Connecting to Life about how humans are connected to nature. The story about using fire to cook food is a well known aspect of the history of progress. Many of the stories are already well known.

His style is very laid back. We still depend on farms for providing the food that we eat.

Thank you to Net Galley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for my digital copy!

I’m giving this book 4 stars...and here’s why: This book is one I’ll refer back to over time for inspiration and grounding. I like to think of myself as a hippie born in the wrong generation, so this book is right up my alley!

To the lovers of Mother Earth, read this!

I finished Connecting with Life by Martin Summer and honestly I have NEVER felt so inspired by a book in my entire life.
This is a nonfiction that is set to be released on August 24th. For a nonfiction, this book really doesn’t read like a textbook. The great thing about this book is that not only does it educate, but it supports a great cause. A portion of the royalties of this book will go to support various environmental causes around the world.

Connecting with Life is separated into four sections; the history of human relationship with nature, how to compromise between our modern/urban lifestyles and nature, simple everyday tools to reconnect with nature, and then a plan to create a balance with urban life and nature in our modern society.

Honestly I’ve never annotated a book so heavily in my life. This book is really well-researched and is full of great information. If you’re not into nonfictions, I would still highly recommend this book. It is a great book for those who are looking to reconnect with nature.