Nature Swagger contains an abundance of natural experiences. In many forms, the stories relate to personal triumph, overcoming adversity, expressing creativity, and celebrating diversity through unique storytelling. Personal elements characterized by memoir and reflection illuminate the benefits of forging relationships with nature. Each person with their preferred activity states why nature helps their well-being and empowers their cultural identity. Black people have a long tradition of celebrating nature. Now they can recount how world travel opens opportunities to find more sanctuaries. Rue Mapp does an excellent job of compiling stories. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

A beautiful collection of essays and a few poems of Black people in nature. Loosely collected by themes, it is a good book for traveler aficionados.

Quick Summary: Inspirational and educational

My Review: Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors by Rue Mapp is an incredible resource. Not only does this book do much to educate, but it also does much to inspire. I love that it encourages readers to find the beauty, wonder, and joy that comes from communing with the environment. I appreciate that it joyfully promotes community and cheerfully supports individualized exploration. With personalized stories of adventures, heartfelt words of wisdom gained from experience, and candid photographs from a collection of empowered nature enthusiasts, Nature Swagger does an incredible job of attracting would be outdoors persons.

My Final Say: Nature Swagger would be an excellent addition to any family library. It would be also be a wonderful resource for nature programs, schools, and public libraries.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: All
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.

* A Goodreads review has been posted.

This is an inspiring and accessible overview of a movement to create a community of Black outdoor enthusiasts. I loved the highly readable text interspersed with high quality photos. It inspired me to get my small kids into the wild more to build these foundational memories with them.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Great, intimate stories about being black and enjoying nature.

This is a great collection of essays and photographs of Black folks enjoying nature in all different ways. I enjoyed the stories and the photos, especially the ones of the authors growing up and the many ways they experienced the outdoors. There are all different kinds of experiences, each from a different person with a different viewpoint. A great book.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

Filled mostly with outdoor photography, Rue Mapp’s book Nature Swagger celebrates Black voices in the outdoors. Rue Mapp’s book does a brilliant job of explaining why Black people need to reconnect with the great outdoors. Rue Mapp traces her personal history of connecting with the outdoors and weaves in different profiles of Outdoor Afro community members. Rue provides resources for people who want to get involved with conservation and outdoor activities.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC!