Something in the Woods Loves You

Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K. Anderson is the epitome of reading a book that was not the one you expected but the one you needed. It is a book that I could deeply empathise with, a book that provides solidarity through shared experience

I have been exploring the benefits of forest bathing and returing to nature walks of the type I had as a child, (which is at a different level of immersion than walking with the dogs) and this was just the book to exemplify the benefits to mental health that are readily available in our natural world

Anderson writes in a vulnerable, raw and honest way, with a sheen of wonder and grace that is deeply compelling. Juxtaposing their mental health journey with the experiences they have on their walks and the things they come across, using these things as prompts for reflection (I was in absolute pieces throughout the chapter of the Red-Tailed Hawk)

I would recommend this book to anyone who is on a journey right now and who needs some grounding on the metaphorical and literal level. This is an anecdotal book, a shared experience, but so beautifully written that it is highly inspirational. I will be buying a physical copy of this book as it is a keeper

Thank you to Netgalley, Timber Press and the author Jarod K Anderson for this highly emotive ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

This is my first book that has just about left me speechless. I am trying to decide what to say that would make everyone want to read this book.
The author shares his journey through the darkness of depression. But this is not a depressing book. It is filled with love of nature, animals and family. To help pull himself out of sadness, the author begins walking nature trials and he remembers that the natural world was once his beloved friend. It is almost as if nature was waiting for him to come back outside. His attention is drawn away from himself and to the trees, flowers and animals he sees. This is just a first step, as there is plenty to conquer. This is not an easily won battle, as the backsliding into old emotions is addressed. This is an honest book about how depression paints everything and every day. And how hard a fight it is to hold on. At the same time, it is beautifully written.
The author speaks to all of us through this book. Some of us may not have experienced melancholy the way he has, but each of us has been sad at some point. His writing about the feelings he has for the world touches your soul. That in itself is reason to read this book.
I thank NetGalley and Timber Press for the advance read.

The cover art is for this book is stunning! I love how this book is broken into seasons. This makes it easier to read and much more appealing to me as well. Each section is well written and genuinely beautiful.

An interesting read of nature during the seasons. Reflections of depression were a bit difficult to read at times, but otherwise well written and would recommend.

While this was a challenging book to read, due to my own mental health struggles, I found a lot of comfort in its pages. I could relate a lot to Anderson's fight with depression, solace in nature, and desire for meaning-making. I think this book is for anyone who has similar struggles or those who enjoyed Braiding Sweetgrass but wanted less textbook biology.

Beautifully lyical, speaks to the pain in one's soul. I read this in the evenings so I could mull it over in the quiet hours before the world gets too busy.

I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected to.

First, just look at the cover! It is absolutely delightful. If I could acquire a copy of the front cover art, I would frame it and hang it in my living room. Seriously! I love it! The artist is Tuesday Riddell from England - you can find more of her work online.

The book is just as good as its cover art. It is mostly a memoir, but each chapter is linked to a plant or animal that has captured the attention of the author in some way. Mr Anderson has suffered from episodes of major depression and suicidal thoughts all his life and he writes about his efforts to overcome this corrosive illness, using all means available to him. These include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and reconnecting with the natural world. I found the work to be thoughtful, peaceful and insightful. He gradually comes to realize how we (humans and all other species) are so closely interdependent and related. His sickness recedes although he does experience relapses. Nothing in life is easy. But he learns methods to cope and comes to realize that life is amazing if we approach it with a mind of gratitude and hope.

Here are three sentences that caught my mind, but of course you should read the whole book. It is very worth it.

“It is beyond amazing that you are here reading this. You should be impossible.”
“Do you realize what an adventure you are on right now?”
“If a stray dog chases you up a tree be grateful for the tree rather than pissed that dogs exist.”

I was not familiar with the author’s previous work - his poetry or his podcast (The Cryptonaturalist) - but I will certainly be investigating both in future.

Thank you to both NetGalley and Timber Press for this eARC in return for my honest opinion.

A book full of the joy of nature and tempered with the struggles and achievements of managing depression. The author’s writing is bewitching, he is also a poet. A joyful book, thank you. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.