Making Nature by Peter Timms

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Genre - Non-Fiction


Take a walk with Peter Timms, or actually six walks, as he meanders off in six different directions from his charming little mudbrick house in Tallarook (where "things are occasionally crook", but more often wonderous; including magical encounters with wombats, with an echidna, with silence, or when closely observing his dog Max.

While walking with Timms through the bush, we are privy to his reflections on the environment, ecology, spirituality, history and on "seeing".

This last observation is prompted by strolling with a friend who has no visual sight, rather relying on some sixth sense.

I found this erudite story a delightful and thought-provoking read.

---- Reviewed by Clare, Guest

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard

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Genre - Nature writing


Annie Dillard's writing is not to everyone's taste. She is primarily a "nature" writer, however her works are rendered more seductive by her philosophical meanderings, including ethical dilemmas, and intriguing God-problems. For instance, she asks if God is perhaps downright malevolent.

Dillard's close observations of nature sometimes result in troubling thoughts. Nature is not all beauty.- It is , as she says, a "chomp-chomp world". However her great joy and wonderment at the Pilgrim Creek happenings enthuse the reader.

"Pilgrim" is a book in which, according to your proclivity, nothing happens, or a great deal happens.

I found it quite inspiring and have since been searching out creeks and ponds and looking with a more observant eye.

---- Reviewed by Clare, Mooroolbark library