Circling Home

John Lane's book has made me think of how I view the neighborhood around me (history, old buildings, railroad tracks to nowhere). I can identify with John when he flashes back to the time that he is adrift in his personal and professional life. In the summer, he hits the road in his 4X4 truck and kayak seeking adventure (or just a good time) in white water spread throughout the country. He does this as his peers are settling down and becoming tenure professors. John, unlike mot of us, slows down and takes the time to connect to his natural surroundings (specifically those around his home). By learning the history, ecology, and smells around him he is able to refloect and learn so much about life. At 33 I struggle between wanting to travel the world and growing roots in my present community. Here in Chicago there is a steep distinction between urban and suburban life. John's book speaks to this in a smaller scale but with all the same issues. I recommend this book to everyone because there is every life stage represented within it.