Includes bibliographical references (pages 211-217).
Summary:
"Have you ever wondered about society's desire to cultivate the perfect lawn, why we view some animals as "good" and some as "bad," or even thought about the bits of nature inside everyday items-toothbrushes, cell phones, and coffee mugs? In this fresh and introspective collection of essays, Julia Corbett examines nature in our lives with all of its ironies and contradictions by seamlessly integrating personal narratives with morsels of highly digestible science and research. Each story delves into an overlooked aspect of our relationship with nature--insects, garbage, backyards, noise, open doors, animals, and language--and how we cover our tracks. With a keen sense of irony and humor and an awareness of the miraculous in the mundane, Julia recognizes the contradictions of contemporary life. She confronts the owner of a high-end market who insists on keeping his doors open in all temperatures. Takes us on a trip to a new mall with a replica of a trout stream that once flowed nearby. The phrase "out of the woods" guides us through layers of meaning to a contemplation of grief, remembrance, and resilience"-- Publisher description.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.