Shadow Cat: Encountering the American Mountain Lion

I have recently become intrigued by the Cougar and found this book. In general, the essays were not too political or preachy, but filled instead with a shared love of this predator and its place in our imagination. I could do with a little less of the "I am part of the esoteric tiny society of humans special enough to enjoy this spot on earth..since I'm here first I will smugly vilify anyone else who thinks their SUV belongs here" sentiment. Of course, this sentiment is a natural reaction to polulation explosion and necessary, but it was little thick in spots.

A sleek, golden mountain lion sizes up the reader from the cover of "Shadow Cat". Intelligent, probing eyes pierce your soul. This is an anthology of cougar lore: natural history, cat encounters, and conflicts. Do you want something different? Sample David Quammen's description of a meal preparation. The main course: cougar flesh. Shadow cat offers the perspectives of hunters and conservationists, ephemeral recollections and sensation. Variety it has.

Some anthologies are glued together, others are woven. This text is a wonderful tapestry of insightful, well written essays that address a controversial topic without relying on platitudes. There is one strand that is out of place, however, and while I normally think bad literature is best left ignored, I have to inquire why Pam Houston was included here? Her fiction is shallow, and when put to the test here, in essay form, it is apparent that she cannot write one honest line, cannot turn an original phrase that does not rely on her own substantial ego. The real meditations here are from Elizabeth Marshall, David Quammen, Rick Bass. Here is contemporary nature writing at its best.