Closer to the Ground by Dylan Tomine

My Thoughts:

The whole time I was reading Closer to the Ground I kept thinking, "I can't wait for my Dad to read this."  And then, "I can't wait for my husband to read this."  As a matter of fact, the book is so beautifully written, with humor and honesty, that I can't think of one person that wouldn't enjoy this family's adventure.  Dylan Tomine is a masterful storyteller and through his memoir shares how his family immersed themselves in nature.  They lived by the seasons, enjoying the harvest as the weather and tides dictated.  Being a self proclaimed "indoor girl" I was amazed at how much I wanted to join in their journey!  Chanterelles (ie. tres expensive mushrooms), Geoduck Clams, Prawns, and more are foods unfamiliar to my table, but after reading of the quest to discover them and the mouthwatering way they are prepared for the palate (Mr. Tomine almost had me in tears describing the bounty!) I was more than ready to join the feast.  I gained quite an education while reading Closer to the Ground.  The tides, trees, birds, the seasons, sea life, weather, conservation, friendship and family are some of the subjects presented for consideration.  You may not be ready for living independently off the land, but Closer to the Ground will inspire you to live your life more intentionally and joyfully.  This book would make a wonderful gift for the friend or family member that has everything.  Absolutely delightful!

Closer to the Ground is the deeply personal story of a father learning to share his love of nature with his children, not through the indoor lens of words or pictures, but directly, palpably, by exploring the natural world as they forage, cook and eat from the woods and sea. With illustrations by Nikki McClure.

This compelling, masterfully written tale follows Dylan Tomine and his family through four seasons as they hunt chanterelles, fish for salmon, dig clams and gather at the kitchen table, mouths watering, to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Closer to the Ground captures the beauty and surprise of the natural world—and the ways it teaches us how to live—with humor, gratitude and a nose for adventure as keen as a child’s. It is a book filled with weather, natural history and many delicious meals.

*I was given a copy of Closer to the Ground from PR by the Book in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*