Audiobook: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
It’s inescapable. Anytime someone creates a work about one’s life and thoughts derived from a place in nature, the comparisons to Thoreau’s classic, Walden
As Dillard points out, it really makes no sense to lay ten thousand eggs with the hope that a couple will survive. From a creationist standpoint, why are parasites a good idea?
I find that take and her perspectives in general refreshing. This book is what happens when a generalist decides to think about her surroundings. She draws upon history, mythology, religious works, and scientific studies to craft her chapters. My main objection to her approach would be her fondness for insects. Yes, they are interesting, but hearing her describe their habits and anatomies still made my flesh crawl.
Annie Dillard has published poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Had I known all this, I may have rather taken on this work in book form. Dillard is capable of very rich language and sometimes that density makes listening that much harder. This is a long work, and I couldn’t help but have my mind wander during portions of the audio. But I dare you to listen to the story of the deflating frog and not be intrigued.
Audiobook Challenge: five down, seven to go.
New Author Challenge: twelve completed, three to go.
What’s In A Name Challenge: two down, four to go.