A Personal Nature

There is nothing quite as engrossing as a story of nature. From the popular “Planet Earth” TV series and the film March of the Penguins, to Henry David Thoreau's journals and Jack London's adventures, and far further back, we have sought through nature some personal experience of our inexpressible selves — and what nature gives us in return is rarely what we expect.

Godine contributes to this long tradition with Robert Leonard Reid's brand-new memoir, Arctic Circle: Birth & Rebirth in the Land of the Caribou. Donna Seaman at Booklist writes, “As Reid recounts his Arctic sojourns with awe, lyricism, and bemusement, he subtly interlaces inner and outer worlds and traces the circles of struggle and understanding, life and death. Spectacular descriptions, charming wit, and forthright reflections on what makes a place sacred become striking testimony to the importance of the Arctic wild and the need to preserve it.”

Now, in honor of the book’s long-awaited arrival, we’re inviting readers to share their own tales of the out-of-doors, and offering up a chance to win Arctic Circle for free in return. For the next week, we'd like to hear your own nature stories in the comment section here — funny, poignant, quirky, astonishing, etc. Just be honest. At the end of the week, we'll choose one lucky writer, at random, to win a free copy of Arctic Circle. Don't forget to check back on Tuesday!

Can't wait to hear from you, and good luck!