Dwellings: A Spiritual History of the Living World

received book in timely manner and in great condition as expected.

Linda Hogan, a Chickasaw novelist, essayist, and poet, writes some of the most beautiful prose of any living Americxan writer. When she writes nature essays, as in this collection, her style is not that of the journalist (like, say, John McPhee) or even the activist (Rick Bass). Instead, her words are imbued with beauty and wisdom and spirituality. While I hesitate to use the term "Native American writer" to describe Hogan because I believe any such terminology to be limiting, in her case it is necessary because her Chickasaw background informs so much of her work. The plains of Oklahoma, snakes, dreams, a suspicion of technology, and bats all feature prominently in her writing. Hogan doesn't always deal well with the specifics of ecology--she suggests, for example, that wolves never predate on livestock, which of course is an oversimplification of lupine behavior--but she writes extremely well about the importance of human beings seeking a spiritual connection with the natural world. I highly recommend this book, particularly to anyone wishing to teach high school students about the spirituality of nature.

This book is amazing in its multitude of ideas about life! Practically every sentence makes an amazing statement that causes you to stop and think. Plus, Hogan is obviously an avid reader for her book is stuffed with other readers, scholars, and scientist's words and thoughts. If you're interested in the mysteries of life, this is a book you can't afford to pass up!

Linda Hogan melds wonderful descriptions of the environment with poignant reflections on humans' place in the world and our relation with other beings in nature. Amazing, humbling, inspiring. I highly recommend it!

Linda Hogan melds wonderful descriptions of the environment with poignant reflections on humans' place in the world and our relation with other beings in nature. Amazing, humbling, inspiring. Chapters on Caves, Wolves, "What holds the water, what holds the light," Bats, Creations, Walking. I highly recommend this book.