Almost every line is quotable

Would you listen to My First Summer in the Sierra again? Why?

I read this after returning from a backpacking trip in the Sierras, and it was great to hear what was different for a traveler in Muir's time compared to now (not to mention how different it must have been for a risk-taker like Muir compared to me). Muir's writing style is so old-timey and reverent, the story almost sounds like a religious text.

The author refers to plant and animal species, as well as geographic locations, very specifically.

10 people found this helpful

Terrific Listen!

I think anyone listening to this has some clue about John Muir. It is certainly worth listening to and a really enjoyable story. It gives some wonderful details about California geography. The narrator was very clear and pleasant. I have listened to hundreds of audio books and think this is one of the best deals I have come across in terms of story, narration and price.

9 people found this helpful

Trail runner

Being trapped in a desert for months on end in service to a country that mostly disrespects the grandeur of nature and slowly leads to the destruction of the beauty that we enjoy. This book is an oasis to this semi-solitude of no trees, no water, no mountains. The vividness of his book, specifically on audio book, made my long treadmill runs drift away into the high sierras. I felt as if it were me climbing the trees and smelling the fresh cones and flowers. I could even pretend my sweat was making the same grand rumble of the high falls. I can't wait to be home and to hit the trails to fill my lungs with the mountain air and be amongst the greatest of Gods creations, nature. I recommend this book for those trapped by work, concrete jungles, deserts and adulthood. Read and run.

5 people found this helpful

Scattered Rare Gems

The narrator, Brett Barry, spoke clearly and paused at the right time to indicate section breaks. Amazingly, he pronounced the place names correctly, and as far as I know, the scientific names too. It was easy to imagine it was John Muir reading his journal out loud.

Some of the gems come from Muir's detailed observations, such as how differently two types of squirrels get the seeds out of pine cones.

Other gems come from his description of God's design and care shown in the Sierras. It's a perspective that you don't find much in literature or every day life - which is what makes it interesting. He offers different ways to see and experience nature.

His enthusiasm seems over the top at times, but I just took it as having someone read their journal out loud. You get their story - and you get their personality at the same time.

5 people found this helpful

My first summer in Shanghai

Listening to this audiobook took me to a different world from my day to day life in Shanghai. The author's passion and enthusiasm for the natural world comes through in his detailed descriptions of his surrounds and the reader puts in a solid performance (although I felt at times I needed a picture book to match with the Latin names). This book definitely made me want to return to California!

4 people found this helpful

My Sierra Soundtrack

Listened on my drive up the Owens Valley to the eastern entrance of Yosemite — my first visit to the eastern side of the range. Really enjoyed the descriptions of the geology, people and geography at the apex of Muir’s trek. Narrator was easy and light on the ears and did justice to the descriptive old-time language of the book. Highly recommend.

2 people found this helpful

A classic

A classic everyone should read, the narrator was exceptional, made it good to listen to

2 people found this helpful

Pure poetry brings dreams of CA wilderness

For anyone whose soul sings to the rhythms of nature, listening to John Muir's prose is pure joy.

2 people found this helpful

Escape to Yosemite and marvel at its wonders

Loved it and found myself lost in the story with descriptions of places I have been lucky enough to experience.

1 person found this helpful

altogether wonderful

great narrator. relaxing.takes you on a wonderful journey. it is so good to hear and understand the heart of John Muir.

1 person found this helpful