Rating: 
Summary: Nature Writer Discovers Human Nature
Review: We've heard the stories about youth who die in therapeutic wilderness programs. We also hear about young men and women dying during military basic training, in senseless automobile accidents, and from their involvement in various unlawful activities. The negative stories get the public exposure...and persist. How much do we hear about therapeutic wilderness programs that have turned youth around, literally saved their lives? How many stories do we see in the papers about the thousands of fine men and women who complete military basic training with pride and perform so well protecting our country? A very small percentage of students are ever involved in automobile accidents or unlawful activity. There is good news, and we need to listen and spread the word. Gary Ferguson heard about the powerful work done by Aspen Achievement Academy, a highly reputed outdoor program designed to turn around troubled youth. Based in Loa, Utah, several hours south of Salt Lake City, the Academy runs a program that reaches deep inside the young men and women who are sent there--often against their will. These troubled teens have acted out their anger and confusion by doing drugs or alcohol, harming others or themselves, and engaging in other extremely anti-social behaviors. They are sent to Loa by parents at the end of their rope, therapists and counselors, and sometimes legal situations. They don't want to go, yet they are transformed in spite of their initial resistance. A couple of months in the desert and the woods, under the close supervision of trained counselors who care about them produces incredible turnaround results. The young people experience a wide range of insights, surrounded by caring and loving people whose job it is to keep them safe and give them an environment where they can find themselves and grow. Curious, and perhaps a bit suspicions, nature writer Gary Ferguson made arrangements to become trained as a counselor and experience what the teens--and their staff support people--go through every day. Shouting at the Sky is a beautifully crafted story about journeys. Spending time with a girls' group and a boys' group, Ferguson observes, listens, participates, and creates a moving journal of the experience. Readers will share the life-changing shifts of troubled teens, the dedication and stress of staff, and Ferguson's personal transformation as he is influenced by troubled youth practically fighting for their lives. The nature writer comes out-in the flowerly language that feeds the reader's imagination--and in the appreciation of the environments in which the young people function. Sometimes the depth of the writer's ability to use the English language to paint pictures gets in the way of the message, but the message burns its way through. Ferguson learned about human nature in the weeks that he actually spent with the youth and the staff counselors. The stories are often gripping, moving, and heart-warming. I was inspired to keep reading, didn't want to put the book down. If you have children who might be described as troubled youth, read this book. If you're a teacher, counselor, or therapist working with youth, read this book. Having spent some time in Loa learning more about Aspen Achievement Academy, I can tell you that this book is accurate and well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Look at the Healing Power of Nature
Review: What a wonderful, moving book! A beautifully written, tender and sometimes gritty look at a group of teens learning self-sufficiency and self-worth in the deserts of Utah. By focusing on a handful of kids, Mr. Ferguson brings to life the young people and their instructors who are forever changed by their time in the wilderness. Poetic at times, and sprinkled with wry humor, this book makes one appreciate the healing power of nature and the dedication of those who make it possible.
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