What I've been reading

[sarahmichigan]

"Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey, considered a classic of nature writing, with spectacular pen and ink illustrations. Abbey was known as a novelist and nature writer, primarily with an emphasis on the American southwest. This book came from his experience as a park ranger in Utah's Arches National Monument park. I loved his rhapsodic prose about the rock formations, plants and animals of the desert and the changing of the seasons in the desert, and the kooky stories he told about treks he took by himself or with a friend. I liked it better when he stuck to personal anecdotes and observations about nature and enjoyed his political rants less, though I do agree that a balance has to be struck between making the parks accessible to citizens and protecting our natural assets and that the park system doesn't always get it right. Recommended, but be prepared to be offended by some of his views, whether you're on the left or right ends of the political spectrum.

and

"The Invisible History of the Human Race: How DNA and History Shape Our Identities and Our Futures" by Christine Kenneally, as an audiobook. The book is about genealogy and DNA and how DNA is informing genealogy. I learned a LOT of cool stuff, including more about Australia's criminal past, the tri-racial Melungeon's of Appalachia, and how our understanding of DNA and inheritance has become more nuanced over time. I recommend this highly.

My full comments on both books here.