There are physicians and therapists who are increasingly likely to prescribe nature walks for depression and other mental illness as part of a therapy regimen. Kindergartens and primary schools have incorporated nature walks, gardening, and outdoors activities as an integral part of their curriculum. We are inextricably tied to nature and people who live completely divorced from the outdoor environment are much more likely to have chronic illness and suffer from anxiety and depression.
Doniga Markegard explores the necessity of nature in our lives through her autobiography. Moving through a troubled adolescence, she finds her way by becoming immersed in the wild through a nature school (for non-traditional learners). Her writing style is simple and direct and sometimes uncomfortably straightforward.
Ostensibly aimed at young girls/women, I think this book could be a good fit for any age. There are potential triggers: drug use, sexual assault, teenaged runaways, rebellion, depression, amongst others. It makes for sometimes uncomfortable reading, but on the whole, worthwhile.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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