Notes from the Shore

Rating:
Summary: A cautiously insightful blend of science and literature
Review: Ackerman delivers a series of short, easy-to-read essays on life on the Delaware shore. In exploring nature's finely tuned patterns in the shore's flora and fauna, the author finds insight into the human existence. The science presented is often intriguing and her perceptions moving. However, the book is ambitious in the breadth of its focus and seems to only skim the surface of a subject matter in which Ackerman has only begun to show her mastery. I would have been more satisfied with deeper detail and exposition on the science behind and insights drawn from a narrower scope of observations and events. It must be confessed, though, that Ackerman's essays have whetted my enchantment with and interest in the world around me and this alone makes the book well worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: A cautiously insightful blend of science and literature
Review: Ackerman delivers a series of short, easy-to-read essays on life on the Delaware shore. In exploring nature's finely tuned patterns in the shore's flora and fauna, the author finds insight into the human existence. The science presented is often intriguing and her perceptions moving. However, the book is ambitious in the breadth of its focus and seems to only skim the surface of a subject matter in which Ackerman has only begun to show her mastery. I would have been more satisfied with deeper detail and exposition on the science behind and insights drawn from a narrower scope of observations and events. It must be confessed, though, that Ackerman's essays have whetted my enchantment with and interest in the world around me and this alone makes the book well worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: A lyrical, interweaving of the human & natural worlds
Review: In Notes From the Shore, Jenny Ackerman makes her mark as an important young writer. Her educated and imaginative relationship with nature makes this a unique and lovely book. The language is lyrical and sometimes startling ("stamps mate shamelessly"). Anyone with an appreciation of the natural world or fine writing will enjoy Notes from the Shore.

Rating:
Summary: A superb piece of nature writing--and more.
Review: Jennifer Ackerman's Notes from the Shore is a superb piece of nature writing--and more. It is filled with personal insights, calm (but nonetheless alarming) explications of what we are doing to damage our environment, and an obvious love for its subject. Shore lovers around the world will find reading this book an enjoyable experience

Rating:
Summary: Lyrical, evocative, moving and...educational!
Review: This is what a nonfiction book should be--thoughtful but packed with info. The author doesn't just give you a laundry list of flora and fauna--she adds her own layer of meaning. I loved it. Cried at the bit with her dad, and would like to know more, but it's probably just as well she didn't dwell on it. Recommended for a blustery day at the shore...or even for inlanders who wish they were there!