Caught in Fading Light: Mountain Lions, Zen Masters, and Wild Nature

Cats are very dear to me, having lived with house cats all my life and being fascinated by the great cats. So when I saw the subtitle of this book "Mountain Lions, Zen Masters, and Wild Nature" I just knew I had to read it. And I wasn't disappointed, not once. The whole book just sparkles with simple, direct writing that could be used as an exemplar of superb prose in any class. But I was especially struck by how many interesting twists and turns Mr. Thorp throws at us, even at the very end, the last 4 paragraphs, which I won't give away. I am sure I will reread this book several times!

This is a fabulous exploration of what it means to search for something, and how searching for one thing can change your perspective on everything else you do. The book explores metaphysical, natural and personal phenomena in journal entries that are mesmerizingly trim and poetic without being presumptuous. Lots of "Zen journals" and "books of exploration" aim for this mark and don't come close. Read one that gets it all right, and leaves you feeling grateful to Gary Thorp for taking us with him.

Reviews of Caught in Fading Light "...The pursuit of one thing invariably leads him to discover many others: The tracks of a solitary mountain lion, for example, evoke a marvelous world of photographic imagery, literary events, dancing foxes, ocean voyages, and blind poets, all gathered together just beyond the limits of human vision. Thorp explores what it means to seek something you might not find and ponders the difference between seeing only darkness and being blind, offering as well bright glimpses into the Zen tradition. Combining an elusive and challenging pursuit with a centuries-old way of uncovering life's ultimate answers, Caught in Fading Light will give readers a new way of seeing, and will captivate nature lovers and Zen practitioners alike." Walker and Company (publisher)"Thorp's character-and the character of the mountain lions-are expertly interwoven through this wonderfully skillful journal, which manages to be both meditative and suspenseful at the same time. As much as we relish Thorp's search, the question of whether or not he will find his lion soon becomes immaterial. For the central lesson of his book, we are led to realize, is the one expressed by our own St. Francis: 'What you are looking for is who is looking."-The San Francisco Chronicle "In this small but rich book, Thorp takes us with him on a journey through the Marin hills, on solitary hikes day and night, stationary vigils, and extended drives, all the while sharing with us his growing knowledge of mountain lions and his Zen-influenced reflections on the meaning of journal." -Bay Nature"Thorp studies himself as much as he does the elusive cat, embracing the world as he narrows his focus, all the while weaving his reflections on the nature of life through this satisfying journal of yearning, learning and observing."-Publishers Weekly "An artful quest-curious, full of misgivings, humble"-Kirkus Reviews