WANDERING HOME

Bill McKibben is a nature writer who doesn't dwell on the ecological and biological minutia of plants and animals. For him, a walk through the woods is simply a chance to enjoy nature, even if he doesn't always remember which plant is which and the scientific names of birds. That sense of joy is reflected in his writing. This book chronicles a three-week walk from his current home in Vermont to his former home in the Adirondacks. Along the way, he talks about the natural world, man's influence on that world, and the potential path for both to follow. He describes encounters with dozens of interesting people, giving the book the feel of a good travelogue. Michael Prichard's crisp, clear diction is easy to understand. He varies the pacing effectively and uses pauses dramatically to enhance the author's points. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]