CAMPFIRE STORIES

Cozy Readings, Best Read Fireside (or otherwise!)

If you’re anything like me, your relationship with reading may be a bit sporadic. Filled with all the best intentions we dutifully pack at least one book to read or book in progress into our travel things, with romanticized notions of having cozy lazy days to read and relax. Then, the trip takes flight, with so much to do and see and explore, our adventurous days are filled to the brim and evenings are spent relaxing around a fire sharing stories of our own with friends and family. The book goes untouched, unopened, possibly never even removed from our pack.

With fall in the air, cooler days and earlier sunsets mean more of a chance to dedicate time to the books we’ve been meaning to read. September is Love Your Library month, and to celebrate, I’m sharing a few favorites that I’ve read and really enjoyed. Libraries are a great community asset providing free materials (yes, beyond just books) for limitless topics and interests. The only downfall to some of these books that I borrowed from the library is that I loved them so much I wish I owned them for my home bookshelf!

The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light - Paul Bogard

One of my favorite reads in recent years, Bogard’s book explores the importance of the few remaining naturally dark places and the impact that increased exposure to artificial light has on humans and wildlife. I am fascinated by dark, starry skies, always seeking them out when I travel. In fact, in 2017, my Dad and I got a flat tire on our way to view the dark skies at Snoopy Rock outside Sedona, AZ! This meant we got about two seconds to gaze up at the sky and say, “Wow!” before heading back towards town.

Written in a series of essay-like chapters, this book follows Bogard in his travels to some of the darkest (and not so dark) places on Earth. It introduced me to the Bortle scale for measuring the darkness of a night sky, and the designation of Dark Sky Communities (like Flagstaff, AZ), and what that means. I recommend this book to anyone interested in stargazing, dark places, and purposeful lighting design.

Our National Parks - John Muir

Definitely the coolest book I have ever borrowed from a library, I read this in September of 2016, and the edition the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh gave me was a tenth impression copy, printed in 1904. The original publication was in 1901. Reading this book, in this format, was like stepping back through time. John Muir played such an important role in the creation of the National Parks, and his writings show his passion for these places. I’ll admit to skimming through some passages, but in this book I found quote after quote that reflected my own experiences in nature.

“Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grass and gentians of glacier meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of Nature’s darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” - John Muir, Our National Parks, pg. 56

The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern

My favorite novel, having nothing to do with outdoor adventure, but instead a magical world of an enchanted circus where warring magicians compete in an elaborate tournament. Morganstern’s unique and descriptive style of writing brings life to her characters, painting vibrant visual sets that her readers can picture down to fine detail. I’ve read this book a few times and it has yet to lose its magic. If you’re into circuses, magic, or just really great writing, pick this up -- you won’t be able to put it down. I’m currently reading her second novel, The Starless Sea.

Wildwood (Wildwood Chronicles) - Colin Meloy

Family reading? Here’s another fiction novel (trilogy) for lighthearted nights by the fire. Written by The Decemberists’ Colin Meloy and illustrated by his wife Carson Ellis, these tales of adventure in the Pacific Northwest forests outside Portland, OR, are fun for adults and kiddos alike. I loved these books when I read them a few years ago, with human and human-like animal characters, following the perilous adventure of a young girl and her infant brother. These stories are filled with natural elements, celebrating the creativity and inspiration that comes from exploring the forest.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

- Cheryl Strayed

I can’t not mention this book. When I first saw it on a coworkers desk many years ago, a hiking boot on the cover, I knew I had to read it. Today, Wild is such a popular, well known book with a movie adaptation, that I almost hate to list it here for you to “discover,” but it’s important. For me, it is filled with so many wonderful things - a woman’s solo journey as a thru-hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). At the time that I read the book, I didn’t know much (if anything) about the PCT. I would love to complete a thru-hike of a long distance trail at some point, but the idea of hiking it alone is still pretty unimaginable to me. Strayed’s story is filled with grit and not always an easy read or a pretty picture, but that is what is so unique, brave, and inspiring about the story she shares. That is why it has to be listed and shared and talked about. Cheryl Strayed’s other books are on my reading list.

Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks

- Dave and Ilyssa Kyu

This is a collection of stories that I am still working my way through (after lending to several family members), the stories are in various formats - essays, poems and diary entries, by writers unknown and well known. They are stories assembled by a common thread, inspired by the National Parks. I have loved what I have read of this book because the content is so diverse. Some of the stories I enjoyed while others were not what I would typically read or seek out. I love the idea of campfire stories. Stories shared by many different voices from many different backgrounds. I can’t wait to continue reading this one next to a warm, crackling fire.

You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life - Jen Sincero

This book deserves honorable mention for most time spent on my nightstand. It is loaded with good advice, but books that I read before bed take a long time to get through. Zzzzz. I’ll definitely pick it back up one of these days, starting back at page one. I recommend this book to anyone feeling stuck or like they are not living up to being their best self. Stoke the fire. There’s a supersized dose of self love, empowerment, and a few hard truths inside.

Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts? Do you have a favorite book that you think I (and others) should read? Let’s start a conversation and fill our fall and winter reading lists! Comment below or on social media -- I can’t wait to hear your favorite stories! Until next time, Live Wildly.

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