6+ Favorite Books About Bears and Wildlife (So Far!)
Here is a roundup of my favorite books about bears and wildlife (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.
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$12.11In Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey shares his reflections as a park ranger in Arches National Park, passionately advocating for the preservation of America’s untouched wilderness. The book beautifully captures the contrast between nature and mainstream culture, urging readers to appreciate the wild and its essential role in our lives. I found Abbey's writing to be both poetic and striking; he really nails the need for less urban sprawl and more connection to nature. However, he can come off a bit rough around the edges, and while he understands conservation deeply, he seems to overlook the political compromises involved. Overall, it's a compelling read for nature lovers.Pros:
- Beautiful and lyrical writing
- Strong defense of wilderness preservation
- Rich metaphorical imagery throughout the text
Cons:- The author is rough around the edges
- Lacks understanding of political compromises in conservation
- No other cons.
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09/05/2025 05:01 am GMT -
$12.80In Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future, Gloria Dickie takes us on an insightful journey through the lives of the world's eight bear species. I found this book to be a standout read of 2023, showcasing Dickie's extensive research and personal stories from her travels. She highlights each bear's unique challenges, especially how climate change and human activity threaten their habitats. Her engaging writing mixes science with anecdotes, making it relatable. Overall, it’s a fast-paced, enlightening book that left me with a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals—definitely a must-read!Pros:
- Compelling exploration of bear species and their challenges
- Rich in scientific insight and personal anecdotes
- Fast-paced and well-edited, making it an engaging read
Cons:- Nothing - A++ read.
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09/05/2025 01:04 pm GMT -
$17.23In The Naturalist's Companion, Dave Hall shares practical insights on how to truly observe and understand wildlife. I appreciated his balanced approach, offering clear frameworks and specific tactics to find animals, while also stressing the importance of ethics and self-awareness in these interactions. However, I found myself agreeing with critics who argue that actively seeking wildlife can lead to negative outcomes. Despite this, Hall’s book encourages us to be better stewards of nature, reminding us that we can appreciate wildlife without direct interaction. Overall, it’s an engaging read that sparks thoughtful reflection on our relationship with the natural world.Pros:
- The author is knowledgeable and experienced in wildlife observation.
- The book provides a useful framework and specific tactics for observing wildlife.
- The format is engaging, mixing narrative with useful sidebars.
- It emphasizes ethics and self-awareness in wildlife interactions.
- The book encourages understanding wildlife without intrusive interaction.
Cons:- There are ethical concerns about seeking out wildlife interaction.
- The argument exists that the book's premise might not justify its publication.
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09/05/2025 02:02 pm GMT -
$11.97
In The New Birder’s Guide to Birds of North America, Bill Thompson offers a solid introduction for beginners eager to explore birding. The book covers everything from identification tips to essential gear and even dispels some common bird myths. I appreciated how the content is simplified, making it easier to grasp the essentials without feeling overwhelmed. While I found it mostly straightforward, I realized I might be expecting too much from a book when real learning often happens in the field. Overall, it’s a great resource for anyone starting their birding journey!
Pros:- The book is comprehensive and systematic for new birders.
- It simplifies critical information for easier access.
- It includes useful tips for improving birding skills.
Cons:- Not a whole lot - the book is pretty self-explanatory.
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09/05/2025 09:01 am GMT -
$19.29The Book of Nature Poetry by National Geographic is a delightful collection that makes poetry approachable for everyone, not just kids. I really appreciated the beautiful presentation and the carefully chosen poems by former U.S. Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis. This book is perfect for anyone who finds poetry intimidating; it helped me finally connect with the art form at 36! While I wish it were longer, it’s easily accessible at libraries and worth owning for multiple reads. If you're curious about poetry, I highly recommend checking it out!Pros:
- High-quality selection of poems and beautiful presentation
- Published by National Geographic, ensuring high publishing standards
- Accessible poetry that serves as a great introduction for beginners
Cons:- I wish it was longer.
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09/05/2025 07:00 pm GMT -
$9.12
National Birds of the World is a brilliant book that combines two of my favorite things - birds and human geography. It's a pretty straightforward coffee table book with lots of pictures and written in alphabetical order. Each excerpt provides a little bit of background from the country and the bird. But honestly the most interesting part of the book is simply the concept.
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09/05/2025 07:04 pm GMT