The Paradise Notebooks: 90 Miles across the Sierra Nevada

The Paradise Notebooks is a collection of short essays that explore the natural history and mystical wonder of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It reconsiders the Sierra Nevada as both earthly matter and transcendental offering, rekindling our relationship with the living world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In The Paradise Notebooks, Richard J. Nevle and Steven Nightingale transport us across the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountain range, illuminating our journey with incandescent poetry and fascinating facts. Spanning twenty-one pairs of short essays, Nevle and Nightingale delve into the natural wonders found within the Sierra Nevada. From the granite peaks to the aspen forests, to the flames of fire and the elusive, endemic butterfly species, these essay pairs explore the rich natural history and mystical enchantment of each element with a balanced and captivating touch. As they weave in vignettes from their ninety-mile backpacking trip across the range, Nevle and Nightingale redefine the Sierra Nevada as both earthly matter and a transcendental offering, inviting us into a reality where nature holds equal spiritual significance as it does physicality.

In a world plagued by rapid environmental degradation, The Paradise Notebooks emerges as a beacon of hope—a profound, informed, and compassionate appreciation for the natural world that rekindles our deep connection with the living world. Through their meticulous exploration and thoughtful narratives, Nevle and Nightingale invite us to rediscover the beauty, wonder, and spiritual significance of our surroundings, urging us to embrace a more holistic and sustainable approach to our relationship with the Earth.

This captivating book serves as a reminder that we are not separate from nature but rather an integral part of it. It encourages us to slow down, observe, and appreciate the intricate details of the world around us, fostering a sense of wonder and awe that can inspire us to take action and protect the environment for future generations.

The Paradise Notebooks is not just a book about nature; it is a call to action. It reminds us that our actions have a profound impact on the world and that we have the power to create positive change. By adopting sustainable practices, reducing our carbon footprint, and supporting conservation efforts, we can contribute to the preservation of the natural world and ensure a brighter future for ourselves and our planet.

In conclusion, The Paradise Notebooks is a must-read for anyone who seeks to deepen their understanding of the natural world, cultivate a sense of wonder, and inspire action for a more sustainable future. By exploring the Sierra Nevada through the lens of poetry and science, Nevle and Nightingale offer us a glimpse into the incredible diversity and resilience of the Earth, reminding us of our responsibility to protect and preserve it for generations to come.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501762697