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Drew Villeneuve's avatar

I recently read Underland and was similarly enthralled with it - Macfarlane does an incredible job weaving science, history, culture, and personal observations across multiple threads. Thanks for writing up your meditations.

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Jason Anthony's avatar

Thank you, Drew. Macfarlane really is one of the best nonfiction writers working today, and thankfully he's putting his talents to work on helping us repair some of what we've broken.

And - having read your bio - thanks for doing your modelling work related to marine heat waves. That is, sadly, increasingly important work.

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Lor's avatar

Thank you for the very well thought out book review. I have listed it on my reading wish list . Have you ever thought about publishing it? You might have heard of the Northland Woodlands magazine. I just ordered a free sample copy, which they offer on the website . It is an outdated mag. but still, new to me , I enjoyed it. They also take submissions, such as stories and book reviews. In case you’re interested, below, I have attached their website. They even list prices for submissions.

“Life continues with us,

for us, and despite us.”

“…we are always anchored to the Earth”.

A perfect photograph , for the ending.

My husband and I have rented an extremely remote camp in the ADKs for many years, before we ended up finding our own place. We have always said; Camp is a state of mind. I think you will agree.

If you are heading back to the cabin , have a wonderful time. Or, where ever you choose to experience July. Enjoy! https://northernwoodlands.org//issues/writers-photographers

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Jason Anthony's avatar

Thank you, Lor. Northern Woodlands is excellent. We subscribed for a while and really enjoyed their deep naturalist/ecologist perspective.

We're heading to MT for a wedding and then a little time in Yellowstone. Not as remote or quiet as we'd like, but should be wonderful anyway.

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Barbara Schwartzbach's avatar

Heartfelt and Beautiful post.

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Elle Griffin's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing my work. This was beautiful!

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Jason Anthony's avatar

Of course, Elle. You're doing interesting work at The Elysian. Thank you for that.

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Jill Carpenter's avatar

Thanks so much. I am old and remember the first Earth Day, and the admonition to "Love Your Mother." We've taken so many wrong turns. I mourn for the other species.

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Jason Anthony's avatar

That first Earth Day is far more amazing than people realize today. The largest one-day protest in US history, about 10% of the entire population out on the street. And yes, so many wrong turns, on the wrong road, with roadkill wherever we've been. There is so much good work being done to right the wrongs, but it's not enough, not yet.

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Rebecca M's avatar

Beautiful essay and review. Definitely on my TBR list now. Thank you!

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Sandy's avatar

Beautiful essay, I’m very inspired to read Underland.

Thoreau may have said, if asked, that the forest’s underland speaks in silence, and that all else is a bad translation…

Sometimes just listening to the more than human world is more than enough.

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Jason Anthony's avatar

That's beautifully said, Sandy, and so true. Thank you.

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Michael's avatar

Lovely essay. I don't remember it so I must not have come on board yet. ,,(I think I subscribed in 2022?). The book sounds wonderful and lyrically evocative. bot my reaction is of great sadness for our damaged world and pity for our foolish species that so damaged its own home.

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Jason Anthony's avatar

Anything by Macfarlane is worth reading, Michael. I'm excited to read his new book on rivers, even amid my grief and anger at all that is being lost. Poetry in the dark times is about the dark times, as Brecht said.

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