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.