Book Review – Closer To The Ground By Dylan Tomine
Sometimes, I am truly surprised by a book. I begin reading it and expect to find nothing more than another good read, only to realize I have actually begun on a fantastic journey that I can’t stand to take a break from. Closer to the Ground was one of these books.
Closer to the Ground is the story of a family making a concentrated effort to have a closer relationship to nature than most of us do these days. From harvesting their own vegetables and fruit, to picking chantrelles in the forest, catching salmon for dinner, and various crabbing expeditions, this family knows more about its food than I likely ever will, and it gives them a greater appreciation for what they have.
The book is not about leaving the modern world behind, and it’s not about ultimate survival – the grocery store is always available. As Dylan Tomine explains, “it’s more about living and raising our children in a way that keeps us in touch with our surroundings.” That’s really what makes this book such an excellent read. The weather actually matters to Dylan and his wife, Stacy – misreading the tide charts can put the kibosh on an entire oyster collecting expedition. Not enough sun, too much or too little rain, all have an impact on the yield from the garden. Windy weather means downed trees and a chance to increase the firewood inventory.
And speaking of firewood, I have a whole new appreciation for those that heat their house this way. Not having a wood stove, or even a fireplace, I have been sheltered from the effort that goes into collecting, drying, and maintaining the inventory. If ever you wanted to know what it all entails, and the benefits on your heating bill, Closer to the Ground is the ideal read for you.
Aside from the outlines of how to live more connected to the natural world, Closer to the Ground is just a fantastically well-written book full of emotion and wonderful stories. I found myself laughing out loud several times. For me, it seems to really be about living a more fulfilling life. The children, Skyla and Weston, embrace this lifestyle without qualm. They love eating healthy food and spending time outdoors. If ever there was a recipe for keeping your children healthy and involved with nature and their family, this book shares it. The children have learned lessons that I am only now learning, such as Skyla telling her father while on a tough fishing trip, “we just have to put in our time”.
Closer to the Ground is a wonderful read for the outdoors-loving soul. Whether you are looking for a beautifully written and engaging tale, or looking for something to inspire you to live a closer connection to the land, this book will be a welcome addition to your collection. I could barely put this book down, and it was made more difficult by the fact that I read the eBook version on my iPhone, which is rarely out of my reach. As a bibliophile, I prefer buying hard copies of books. However, the eBook version meant I was reading this book while eating breakfast, when being a passenger in the car on the way to a fishing spot, while laying in bed, pretty much anywhere I could.
Closer to the Ground is published by Patagonia Books and the eBook format is a recent addition to their lineup. Not only is the eBook format better for the environment, but it makes it easy to read the book anywhere, especially if you’re an iPhone addict incapable of being without your electronic device.
As part of the Patagonia Blog Tour Giveaway, Patagonia Books is letting me giveaway a coupon for one of their eBooks. You can check out the full lineup here. To enter, simply leave a comment below saying “I’m in”. If you know which book you’d like to read, leave that in the comment as well. This is a great Christmas gift for the outdoors person on your life, or a great gift for yourself! The giveaway will close Thursday, December 20th, at 10pm EST so get your comments in soon.
Happy reading!
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Disclaimer – This review is my opinion and I received this book for free in exchange for giving said opinion and participating in Patagonia’s Blog Tour Giveaway. I have no association with Patagonia Books and was not reimbursed or paid for this review.
argosgirl
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I’m in!
Closer to the Ground
I’m in! Thanks! Closer to the Ground is the next book on my list!
I’m in!
Closer to the Ground
I’m just curious in your reading of the book if Dylan included recipes for the food items they collected? Or is it just the story of the collecting? Thanks for the review.
He does not include the traditional ingredient list/directions for recipes, but the stories do explain how he prepares the food, what he mixes with it, and how he cooks it. Hope that helps 🙂
I’m in! I already ordered one – come on postman 😉 but this would be the perfect present for a best friend. Thanks for the great review. Looking forward.
I’m in!
I’m in!! Closer to the Ground sounds like a great read – pick me, pick me!!