It doesn’t take much to get me to add something to my TBR (which is why I will never run out of books to read). I was at a nature journaling class this summer and someone mentioned they were reading Wild in Seattle by David B. Williams. I thought it sounded good, so when I saw a copy at a local bookstore, I picked it up. And because it fit some reading challenge prompts, I actually got around to reading it shortly thereafter.
Wild in Seattle is a series of essays previously published in Williams’ newsletter, accompanied by illustrations from local artist Elizabeth Person. I frequently see Person at local craft markets and have even purchased her art as gifts before, so I really liked seeing her work in this book. It gives it even more of a local connection.
Essays are grouped together in three categories: Geology, Fauna, and Flora and Habitat. Each examines some bit of nature in the general Seattle area. All are urban and suburban features, such as the stone buildings are made out of, neighborhood trees, and the critters who thrive in or at the edge of our cities. Williams shows just how much wilderness is in our developed areas, and how to better observe and appreciate it.
Something I love about living in the Seattle area is that you don’t have to make a big effort to “get outdoors.” In my suburb, I only have to drive five minutes to get to a park with forested hiking trails. Even for people in the middle of the city, seasonal shuttle busses will take you to popular hiking trails. We’ve got shorelines everywhere. There’s a lot of opportunity to enjoy nature, even on a work day.
Williams has a clear love for this part of the world. And while many people focus on our majestic trees and diverse wildlife, he starts his book off with his passion for geology. Because each essay is a manageable length, he doesn’t get too bogged down into the details and gives just enough information for you to appreciate the ground that we’re standing on and the forces that shaped it.
Person’s watercolor illustrations add extra personality, especially when she’s depicting animals. As such, I’d recommend picking up a physical copy of the book so you can fully enjoy the artwork. I imagine it loses something in audio, so I’d only go that route if it’s the most accessible way for you to read.
All in all, this is a pleasant and informative book.
Source and Format: I picked up a paperback copy at Edmonds Bookshop, and it was signed by the author! Bonus!
TWs and CWs: This is a pretty mild book, but there is some animal death and of course the reminder of the fact that we live near volcanoes, which could set off your existential dread. Oh also, an accessibility note: There are cool helpful sidebars that explain vocabulary words, but they’re printed in black on a medium dark green. Really poor contrast which may be difficult for many people to read.
Reading Challenge Prompts
Nook & Cranny (Card 1): PNW Voices. This is a book about the PNW, by a PNW writer, with illustrations by a PNW artist.
SAL/SPL/KCLS: PNW Nature. This was harder than you might expect for me to fill, because I’d already read several PNW nature books by the time the Adult Summer Reading challenge started, so I had to go out and buy more!
Reading Challenge Progress
Nook & Cranny (Card 1): 14 of 25, no bingos.
Nook & Cranny (Card 2): 20 of 25, 2 bingos.
Book Riot: 15 of 25.
Physical TBR: 8 of 12.
World of Whimm: 20 of 24, 5 bingos.
SAL/SPL/KCLS: 21 of 23, 7 bingos.