Soul of Nowhere

by Craig Childs

Book Overview

A naturalist's physical and philosophical exploration of the American southwest considers such regions as the Sierra Madre Mountains, the canyons of Utah, the White Mountain Apache Reservation, and a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316735884
• ISBN13: 9780316735889
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Back Bay Books
• Length: 231 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.7" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A fascinating book! Demonstrates values which would be good for all to possess.

Having grown up in the southwest, I appreciate the qualities that can be found in the solitude of nature. This writer conveys these feelings better than any other writer with which I am familiar. w. The search for ancient trails that lead, for example, to ways to cross the Grand canyon are particularly fascinating. I particularly appreciate the fact that he reburies the artifacts that he finds.

Loved the book, the concept and writing

I read this book with a highlighter pen, marking passages about the places, and comments about humans relating to their inner soul and to nature. I found it deeply personal and, therefore, may not be everyone's "cup of tea". The writing at times was amazing and then just good. This is a collection of the author's experiences, both interior and exterior. It is called the Soul of Nowhere! and documents his exploration of places, the soul of such places and his own soul in relation to the Soul of Nowhere. This is not really a travelogue or a documented adventure. It is a man's journey, spiritually and physically.

Stories of the Spirit

I loved this book not so much because of the difficulties and delights Childs experienced in the wild but because of the journey of his spirit as he bonded with the wild places. I've read many books of true adventure written by people who were brave and sensitive and articulate, but this book goes far beyond anything I've come across. It speaks to my soul, so evocative, so intense that I feel I have journeyed with him. It's almost frightening to be drawn so far into the mind of another human being I don't even know. He is undoubtedly brave as a lion in his explorations, but his true bravery is revealed in the opening and dissection of his own soul. His eloquent words describe the feelings I could not articulate for myself in my travels in the southwest deserts. Now I know why I went back to them time after time.

wow!

Craig Childs is an excellent writer, and the prices for used books of his were great. I could buy copies for all my friends.

Fascinating, Absorbing, Well Written

I read a lot of outdoor books, and I have to say this is one of the best that I have read in ages. Craig Childs lives, breaths, eats "wild." He writes with a clarity that makes me feel like I am alongside him -- and with a passion that is contagious. I am already planning a trip to visit some of the places he writes about. In the meantime, I'll nurse my desires by trying some of his other books.

a great book about the desert southwest

I heard about this book on NPR and living in the area decided to read it. I have read several books about this area and the desert, in general and this is one of the best. Up there with Edward Abbey's books, but nowhere near as acidic. I have not yet read Child's other books, but he gives a great insight into the vastness of this area, both phyiscally and mentally. From someone who came to this area from back east, I recommend this book to anyone who would wonder why people would want to come to this area to live and work.