Travel to United States

Desert Solitaire

Format: Mass Market Paperback
Author: Edward Abbey
ReleaseDate: 12 January, 1985
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Rating:

If you love the desert, you need to read this book
I read this book afterwards and was captivated by every word Abbey wrote. The first time I went to Moab, UT, I fell in love with the desert. That being said, I have spoken with other people who have never been to the Moab area who just couldn't get into the book. I guess maybe it takes a deep love of the environment and appreciation of the beauty of the desert to really understand this book. Abbey adds in so many interesting stories as well that keep the book flowing. I would defintely recommend this to anyone who loves the desert. .

Get lost in the desert
It offers a compelling story, interesting history of our country's struggles between preservation and population expansion, and thrilling prose contrasting the peacefulness and dangerous natural wonders of the West. This book succeeds in taking me away from the everyday stresses of life and helping me appreciate the West's natural beauty, as well as its inherent danger. I may actually have to read it again!.

I try to imagine a ride along the river...
A poet when describing the wonders of the desert and the joys of solitude; then he becomes a strident critic of his fellow man if they have the audacity to disagree with him. Edward Abbey is a contradiction. There is a definite will and intelligence driving the prose, but it is partially spoiled by the rants that Abbey goes on. The book has a split personality; celebrating the wilderness, but using a voice that often becomes so disagreeable that you might want to take asphalt to the park yourself. Finally though the poet wins out and you go along for the ride. I try to think of this book as rafting down the river, enjoying the wonders and trying to avoid the jagged rocks. A little white water is fine; just don't hold me underwater for hours at a time.

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