Letters From The Woods: Looking At Life Through The Window Of Wilderness

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Summary: the wholesomeness and inspiration of nature
Review: Like all good nature writing, Hurley's reaches for more than simple narration and description of moments with nature; although these serve as the grounds for the deeper meditations. For Hurley, nature draws out reflections on God's Creation and one's place in the greater scheme of things. But Hurley does not only look beyond himself to see a grandeur nature is the threshold for; he also looks inward to explore how his attachment to nature shaped him throughout his life and instilled in him an sense of closeness to others. "Through these essays I wanted to express to [readers] something of the hidden, eternal meaning of the wilderness through my experiences of it as a child and later as a husband and father." The 33 essays are collected from the author's periodical "Paddle & Portage" which was discontinued when he turned his attention to his law business to support his growing family. Many hazy-edged photographs intermixed with the text put the reader in the mood of the author's writing and evoke experiences with nature.


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Summary: BEST canoe tripping stories!
Review: Excellent writing of canoeing, camping and family. Great read!

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Summary: Letters from the Woods
Review: As a long times recipient of Michael Hurley's quarterly journal, I have taken great pleasure in revisiting the essays he has compiled in this book. His prose flows like the waters that pass beneath my own canoe. Anyone who escapes the stress of modern life by pointing the bow of a canoe toward the wilderness will also be overcome with a relaxing feeling while reading these essays.

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Summary: Backwoods and life
Review: Excellent stories! Makes me think of my childhood (and adulthood). Tom Sawyer meets Baltimore city life. Makes you want to get out and think about things. Very interesting family and life topics. Watch kids grow and appreciate the woods, rivers and family!!!

Oh yeah, excellent pictures too.

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Summary: Experience the Outdoors
Review: Having had over 30 years of experience in the woods, hiking, camping, and canoeing,I find this book a great read. Mr. Hurley has accomplished putting into words what you see and feel in the wilderness.

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Summary: Review of Letters from the Woods
Review: Letters from the Woods author, Michael C. Hurley, captures the nuances and essences of life that is the realm of the poet. He offers poignant insights, philosophies and perceptions that are entwined with the flow of each river and lake that he plies from the stern of his canoe. A unique blend is exposed as his personal passions, love of the natural world, woodman's integrity, and depth of character weave together to create a truly captivating series of stories about the man and his life's journey that touches each of us in those deeper places.

J. Dana McCarron

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Summary: Letters from the Woods
Review: Letters from the Woods brings one back to the quiet side of canoeing. With today's emphasis on extreme sports and wilderness experiences, this book is instead a pleasant journey through life, family and personal growth as seen from the seat of a canoe. The author takes us on a variety of wilderness canoe trips while sharing thoughts and discoveries about life and what it means to be a part of this earth. The book is thought provoking and enjoyable to read. Although I had previously read much of the material through a monthly publication, I found it difficult to put the book down once I started reading it. I leave the book close at hand and continually go back to different passages and it never ceases to bring quiet joy. I would readily offer this book to anyone to read, whether a paddler, or not. I certainly will be giving copies as gifts to the people I cherish.


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Summary: A memoir consisting of thirty-one vignettes
Review: Letters from the Woods: Looking at Life through the Window of Wilderness is a memoir consisting of thirty-one vignettes about life, faith, family, and the joy of experiencing the wilds. Written in the tradition of Thoreau's reflections, Letters from the Woods contemplates loving and obeying God as purpose of one's existence; the splendor of solitude; and the joy that comes from simplicity. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, Letters from the Woods is a restful and inspirational insight into the beauty and wonder that is life itself.


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Summary: Unexpected Treasure
Review: Michael Hurley is a man with a gift. Like the wisp of an inspiration that is found in the most unexpected place that then turns into a life changing moment. That is the feeling I had after reading Letters From the Woods. As an outdoor person and paddling/camping enthusiast I was ready for a book chocked full of outdoor adventures, but this compilation took a decidedly different turn. Using his trips as a backdrop, Michael causes the reader to contemplate the true things in life - family, love, duty and perhaps even the meaning of life, or at the very least, the truth behind a life well lived. At times I found myself entertained, amused, engaged and at others challenged. But challenged in a good way, to look at my relationships with my family and the real bonds that we have built. For as much time as I have spent in the wilderness with my family, Michael's storytelling really inspires me to spend more. All in all, this book is an unexpected treasure, one that I am sure can be read over and over again, and each time the passages will touch a different part of who we are, or who we are becoming. I am giving copies of this book to my friends and am sure it will provide both entertainment and inspiration, whichever they need at the moment.

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Summary: Great Reading
Review: Once I started reading Letters from the Woods I couldn't put it down. The book is very pleasant and relaxing to read. Mr. Hurley's stories and insights are very enjoyable and refreshing in today's day and age. I will encourage as many people as I can to read this book.