Why I'm Against It All: Rants and Reflections

Rating:
Summary: Why small publishers are essential
Review: Self-described Colorado "wild man" Ken Wright's second book, "Why I'm Against It All," is a glowing example of why small publishers are increasingly essential in these hard-sell times of corporate media conglomerations interested only in fast profit. "Why" is a rare gem of a book that's far more informed, insightful, entertaining and important than most of what comes out of the New York "big house" profit mills these sickly days. As a long-time Rocky Mountain, small-town, edge dweller--ski bum, river guide, desert rat, bus driver, construction worker, teacher, newspaper columnist, environmental and social activist and more--Wright has his thumb on the political, cultural and spiritual life of small Rocky Mountain tourist towns like no other writer I know. While heavily influenced by Edward Abbey, Wright's "rants" are his own, in no way an imitation of anyone else. And best of all, like Abbey, Ken Wright has the sense of humor essential to make his ranting not only bearable, but brilliant. If New York had any true book sense or any social and literary conscience--and if American readers had a bit more intelligence and open-minded curiosity--the big houses would be competing to sign writers like Wright and books like "Why I'm Against it All." But they don't, and they won't. Nor will you likely see such small-publisher titles by "regional" writers prominently displayed in the big chain bookstores, if they carry them at all. That's why local independent booksellers and Amazon.com are absolutely essential to the future of free speech, creativity, new talent and truth in America today. We must support them all.

Rating:
Summary: Provides insights on new ways of observing nature
Review: Why I'm Against It All is difficult to quickly categorize: it's a blend of social commentary, spiritual and environmental/ethical insights which reflects on ethics in environmental management. Ken Wright's essay form provides insights on new ways of observing nature, and new methods of understanding human nature. His interactions with others on his journey take the form of vignettes which blend interpersonal interaction with environmental reflections.