Tristan Gooley

This is both informative and entertaining. Here is a book which I shall buy - I have a library copy just now - because I can see myself reading and re-reading sections of it to build on what I've learnt. Mainly, Gooley's intent on developing the reader's powers of observation. A little knowledge and a lot of looking will reveal all kinds of secrets to the intelligent and well-informed observer. I'm now better placed to things about the woodland, the stands of trees, the single trees in my life. A walk through the woods will become a trip of discovery with Gooley's observations at my disposal.… (mere)

"How to Read Water" and "The Natural Navigator" are both what I would rate as 5 stars. "How to Read Nature" itself, I would rate 4 stars. Since two out of 3 were 5 stars, I gave it an overall rating of 5 stars.

Tristan Gooley does an excellent job of presenting you with many scenarios you would have found yourself in growing up or even as adults to show you how those things told you a lot more than you could ever guess. I love how Gooley presented these situations in the books. You could relive those events and give you all the tools to explain how nature was telling you something about which direction you should head, what plants to avoid eating, or even what the weather will be soon.

Our ancient ancestors needed to know these things in order to survive. I am a firm believer that if you don't use it, you will lose it. In this case, it is even more true. We should all practice reading nature, even if we're not lost. Our senses seem to wane in age and it would be great to keep making it as natural as possible to retain as much of our senses as we can.

Gooley also sprinkles many of his own experiences in the books and tells you what he learned from each one of them. It makes you feel better than you didn't know these things. I had never heard of Gooley but I am so happy that these books were bought for my Mother's Day present. They are awesome! I highly recommend reading these books for anyone, including teenagers. Start them even younger if possible. These are skills everyone should possess. It also gives people a deeper appreciation of nature. It is amazing how interconnected this entire world is.… (mere)