Build Me an Ark: A Life With Animals

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In this unusual and captivating memoir, we find a woman who grew up in the wilderness as the daughter of a forest service ranger. From an early age Brenda Peterson built intimate relationships with wild animals, forest floors, and even old growth elder trees. As a result, she has adventures aplenty, but she does not follow the swashbuckling, high-risk male model of nature writing. Whether writing about looking into the eyes of a gray wolf or spying on a clan of dancing grizzly bears, readers see a new, more feminine model for living with and protecting animals--one that is built upon the connective tissue of wonderment and compassion.

The upshot is a nature writer who manages to present great spirit within great stories. She imagines animals having afterlives and speaks to the shape-shifting myths that link two endangered predators--the orca whale and the gray wolf. When Peterson finds herself in the most dangerous place possible--between a mother bear and her cubs--she survives the encounter by standing tall in her power as well as her reverence. "Ever so slowly, my heart pounding, I stood up to my tallest height," she writes. "Our eyes met. 'It's just me,' I said in a soft voice, not the bold declaration I'd been grilled to do by instinct whenever faced with a wild bear. 'And you.'" Like a solidly built ark, it is Peterson's respect for the animal kingdom that carries this hopeful and globally inspiring memoir. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

This is the story of a life and spirit guided by animals. Brenda Peterson was raised in the High Sierras on a national forest lookout station, and wildlife had a daily, defining influence on her life. Peterson explores her deep connection with animals, from watching grizzlies in Montana's Rockies, to keeping Siberian huskies as pets in New York City, to her work for the restoration of wild wolves. Her lively storytelling bridges the worlds of human and animal, as she fascinates us with intimate stories of her studies of wild dolphins, whales, and orcas. Peterson reveals how animal bonds have enriched her life and led her toward a wider epiphany: As a species we cannot live without other animals.

Customer Reviews:

Worth reading, but leaves room for improvement........2004-01-03

This book contains a series of vignettes that form author Brenda Peterson's memoir. She takes us from her early childhood to present day through stories of her interactions with animals, beginning with her father's hunting trophies - her first animal "companions," and ending with the story of a sea lion that visited her beachfront property the day before she finished writing the book. Intermediate topics include Smokey the Bear, wild wolves, her pet dogs and cats, both captive and wild whales, her struggle to reconcile the world of animals and religion, and others.

The first third of the book turned me off a little. The stories of her childhood seem overly embellished with an abundance of flowery adjectives that strain the writing. These early stories don't have the same impact as the vignettes describing Peterson's experiences as an adult. The stories from her adulthood show more understanding of the world and are easier to relate to. My two favorites where the tale of a captive beluga female who exhibited profound mourning behavior after the death of her newborn calf, and the painful account of the effects of Navy sonar experiments on wild whales. The latter of these was quite heart-wrenching.

The book is dragged down, however, by poor editting. In addition to the superflous writing style that permeates the first several chapters, the entire work is riddled with typos (i.e. "Alaksa") and spelling errors (i.e. "decibals"). There are also a few punctuations errors. In addition, Peterson displays a lack of scientific background. She is a journalist, not a biologist. While she refers to the work of biologist acquaintances and is by no means ignorant, the impact of her writing would be enhanced if she herself had a more thorough scientific understanding.

On the whole, however, this memoir is worth reading, though I'd recommend borrowing it from the library or a friend that already has it rather than purchasing it for yourself. It does bring awareness to some critical environmental issues - aerial wolf killings, the detrimental effects of pollution and sonar testing on marine animals, the general public's misconceptions about certain wild species, etc. Hopefully it will inspire readers to do further research on these subjects for themselves and make them more conscious of the effects human lifestyles have on the environment.

Fascinating Life Between the Worlds of Animals and Humans.......2001-06-02

When you read Brenda Peterson's memoir or any of her books, be prepared to abandon your human assumptions and pre-conceived notions of how animals and the natural world "really are." If you are willing, Peterson will lead you down long forgotten paths that still connect the human and the natural worlds. Through her own stories, you will re-member and discover your own life stories with animals, both wild and domesticated, and the essential joy of a shared world.

This memoir is a pleasure to read, written by an informed nature writer who also knows how to write engaging, lyrical prose that often reads like poetry or a novel. Peterson also is a witty observer of life's ironies and odd, often contradictory human behavior. Rare is the nature writer who can skillfully weave together the talent of a seasoned storyteller, the reportage of an informed environmentalist, the visionary perspective of a literary writer, and the honesty to admit passionate feelings for animals. Brenda Peterson does all of this consistently.

In her memoir, Peterson admits, "My first people and family were animals," and then tells us numerous stories from the first 50 years of her life living "in between the worlds of animals and humans." There were times while reading this book when I would have to pause, put the book down, and simply savor the story at hand. I could easily spend days reflecting on a story, digesting its impact, feeling full and satisfied. Warning: This is rich, gourmet reading!

Peterson also tells of the many disillusionments and the grief she has had over how humans treat animals. In particular, she writes about Smokey the Bear, Peterson's childhood animal hero and an American icon dubbed the Protector of the Forest, who, in reality was a depressed and isolated bear living in Washington National Zoo. When Peterson was 13, she and her father, a Forest Service executive who would one day head up the National Forest Service, visited Smokey the Bear at the zoo. "Any child could see that it was this bear who himself needed protection," observed Peterson. "...we stood watching Smokey huddled in a corner, eyes lowered, turning away Goldie Bear [a potential mate]...."

Every chapter reveals a life with animals, whether they are animal companions or whales, wolves and bears. Peterson writes with emotional honesty that is refreshing. It is Peterson's willingness to talk about her own feelings in relationship to the natural world that makes her so appealing as a nature writer. She is not afraid to admit such things as emotions...a courageous act in a modern world filled with scientists and "objective writers" who purport to be beyond such sentimental or "anthropomorphic" notions. In truth, ancient peoples worldwide have always known that animals have spirits and feelings and an integral purpose on Earth beyond serving human needs. There was a time when humans respected and blessed and thanked the animals for their partnership---even when they became our food and clothing. Sadly, most humans have bought the civilized lies about the "wild and nature and animals," and dismiss any serious discussion of spiritual connections and animal families and animal cultures. "Unscientific," declare the naysayers and skeptics.

However, Brenda Peterson is a contemporary nature writer who remembers many of those ancient ties and truths about animals and the natural world, and unabashedly writes about them. I do believe that Peterson is on the cutting edge of the paradigm shift in which humans will once again acknowledge and accept that we are in partnership with animals and the natural world---NOT in dominion over.

This memoir helped me remember and gives me hope. I am grateful to Brenda Peterson for writing it!

a good read which lacks accuracy.......2001-05-24

Although I did enjoy this book, little niggling errors cropped up here and there to irk. Poor editing (numerous misspellings) and bad information here and there result in a 4 star rating rather than a 5. For example, the author 'tried out' Siberian Huskies at one point and even produced a mixed breed litter (gasp), but some of her assumptions were patently untrue. For example, the author claims that "Siberian huskies (sic) were the last canine breed to be domesticated". In fact, the Siberian Husky originated over 2000 years ago with the Siberian Chukchi tribe (see Demidoff/Jennings "The Complete Siberian Husky"). The author dabbles in various wild critter commitments:Tursiops in Florida, belugas in Tacoma and eastern Canada, wolves across the US, humpback whales and spinner dolphins in Hawaii but I kept wondering how much more she could have understood if she had taken the path of biology rather than journalism. She claims to have taken up the mantle of wild critter advocacy but to be honest, I think she falls into the category of 'talk is cheap'-type advocacy. But then, we have real biologists like Ken Balcomb to fight against Navy sonar experiments etc. All in all, an interesting read....but remember the salt shaker (take with a grain of salt).

My favorite Brenda Peterson book so far..........2001-03-13

I didn't think it possible I could love a Brenda Peterson book more than Living By Water, but Build Me an Ark has become my new favorite. This book, even more than any of her others, positively SINGS with her lovely spirit and knowledge about the animals around us. She has woven animals and people together with honesty and tenderness, and her father! I LOVE the stories involving her father! It is soothing to have my concerns about the health and welfare of this earth and all her creatures addressed with compassion, hope, and a quiet power. Write ON, Brenda Peterson.

An Important Work of Prose from a Modern Day St. Francis.......2001-03-01

I sit here quietly at my desk having just completed Brenda Peterson's "Build Me an Ark". My fingers fan the pages repeatedly as if refusing to believe that the last and final chapter of this book is over. I am rendered speechless and my thoughts turn inward as I hear the voice of the author over and over again in my head unlocking those childhood mysteries that I long ago safeguarded in the back recesses of my mind.

I have been instantly reminded that at my entry into this world some forty years ago I was born remembering a universal responsibility to protect those kindred spirits whose voices cannot be heard or understood. In this book, Peterson acutely finds that place in the reader's heart that unlocks those forgotten memories and reminds us of our contract with the earth to serve and protect, with uncompromising compassion, all of its noble creatures that walk on this planet. If the planet earth is in fact a classroom - "Build Me an Ark" should be required reading for the human race.

Peterson writes from two distinct places: She is first and foremost a visionary healer connecting our souls and our memories with the rest of the animal kingdom and in the same moment she is an incredible writer - every paragraph, every page each in its own right beautiful prose and lilting poetry. From whales and dolphins to cats and dogs, through her eyes, we find the connection to God in all living creatures and are reminded that our souls are all connected by this same source. Peterson asks us to remember, realize and understand our connection to other species, through compassion. "This is the best of all possible worlds," she writes. "This is embracing more than our own kind and assuring that more than we alone survive. For if humans only survive without the company of other animals, then we will be more alone than any of our ancestors could ever have imagined. To one day find ourselves on this ocean planet alone with only our own kind would be perhaps the beginning of the end of our species."

With a soft voice and deft hand, she takes the reader down the path of transformation from sympathetic observer to fierce protector. I would have to caution anyone wanting to read this book to be prepared to face your failure at not having done enough for our animal planet. Be prepared to endure incredible rage at the abject carelessness by the hand of man and be prepared to have your life changed as your own memories are unlocked and as that quiet voice in your throat rises now to a load roar. We finish the book and we know in an instant that we have not done enough to protect nature. We know that there is much more work to do for the conservation of the planet. The author dares you to remember that contract you made with self and God and the planet upon birth and reach out now to make a difference.

Brenda Peterson is a modern-day Moses and the St. Francis of our times. Thank you for reaching out to my hand and bringing me back to the path I was meant to walk on. Maybe life does start at 40. I hope to see you out there on the front line, sleeves rolled up, check book in hand, ready to work at building an ark, saving our planet-ourselves.

Average customer rating:
Build Me an Ark a Life With Animals
Brenda Peterson
Manufacturer: UNSPECIFIED VENDOR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Animal Ark | Animals | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UPFKNW

Average customer rating:
Build Me an Ark: A Life with Animals
Brenda Peterson
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Animal Ark | Animals | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000MC4D40

Book Description

FUN WITH THE FAMILY CONNECTICUT, 7th edition
Doe Boyle is a writer and lifelong Connecticut resident. She lives in Madison, Connecticut.

Average customer rating:

Skip it
Not Comprehensive - A Dreamer
A "must" for all Connecticut homes
An excellent guide to Connecticut for the whole family

Fun with the Family in Connecticut
Doe Boyle
Manufacturer: Globe Pequot
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0762706198

Book Description

Here's the inside information on all the family-friendly fun to be had in the Nutmeg State. Fun with the Family in Connecticut leads the way to amusement parks, hiking trails, zoos and aquariums, children's museums, festivals, parks, and much more. Written by a parent for parents, this opinionated, personal, and easy-to-use guide has the best things to see and do to keep the kids busy and happy for an hour, a day, or a weekend - a guaranteed antidote to vacation boredom. Take a look inside for up-to-the-minute information on Connecticut's family attractions, detailed maps, quick reference icons in each chapter, age-appropriate guidelines and kid-friendly restaurants and places to stay.

Customer Reviews:

Skip it.......2000-10-25

I happily read many of the descriptions in this book and was excited to take my three children to some of the wonderful places described. However, the descriptions are not realistic - time after time I ended a day with disappointed children, feeling frustrated myself. The book is well written, but the descriptions are often exaggerated and result in disappointed children and frustrated parents. The author does not seem to understand what it is children like to do. My recommendation would be for families visiting CT to try a different guide.

Not Comprehensive - A Dreamer.......2000-01-03

The book would be great if the author had really experienced the place written about. I've lived here all my life, and spent most of my advanced years visiting and supporting these various tourist sights. I was very disappointed that the author left out so many of the wonderful places available to mom's and their young. Of course these places are available to interested fathers also. Take the time to be with your kids ( forget the kitchen, it will be there when you get back)and enjoy Connecticut. But, go to a visitor center for a listing of the Hot Spots for Kids! This book is an entry level look at Connecticut from a busy mom's rushed experiences. Not bad. Just not the authors best work.

A "must" for all Connecticut homes.......1999-10-09

If you live with kids anywhere within travel distance of this beautiful state, this book should be in regular use in your home. You can't beat the honest, personal and informative way this book will make your trips a pleasant memory.

An excellent guide to Connecticut for the whole family.......1998-08-03

Doe Boyle's Fun with the Family in Connecticut is exceptional. The text is enjoyable to read as well as informative. It is clear she personally visited many of the sites. It is rare that a family travel guide is written so well. I've found tons of things to do with my family after reading her book. The book is so well done I read it cover to cover simply for pleasure. Family adventure guide is simply fabulous.

Customer Reviews:

The obsession actually goes beyond culture.......2000-12-03

The skin is the largest organ in our bodies, and it is one of the things that defines us in the eyes of others. It is not nearly enough to say that someone is black, or brown or white since there are many shades of black, brown and white, and as far as skin goes not one of them is really black, brown or white. Also there is a difference in the smoothness and texture of skin that is seldom addressed, but very keenly felt. I am amazed that I can tell the relative age of someone even in a still photo by the feel of their skin that my eyes can discern. Is there anything so appealing as the graphite smooth skin of youth? And how we notice it! And how we long to reclaim it! Which, in a sense, is what Lappé means by "Our Cultural Obsession with Skin." We are attracted to and repulsed by the skin of others. Big pores may offend us. An oily sheen may put us off. Freckles we may like or not. Skin advertises our age and the state of our health. Try as we might we cannot hide because our skin is there for all to see.. And the skin doesn't lie, although how hard we try to get it to!

This is an informative and interesting but hardly inclusive little book, especially strong on how we try to improve the appearance of our skin. One of Lappé's major points is that there isn't all that much we can do. Most of what the pharmaceutical industry sells us doesn't work. He offers insights into how the skin functions, to what extent it is a barrier and a sieve. He includes material on "the silicone story," and skin diseases, but is a little heavy on his role and interest in testifying against some chemical companies--but certainly I think we can approve of that.

Although I enjoyed reading this, I would like to see a book on skin that goes more deeply into the cross-cultural and political aspects of skin, how the color and texture, how the oiliness and the blemishes of the skin affect different people. Also a more detailed history about attitudes toward skin differences would be very interesting, including practices such as scaring, tattooing and how the grooming instinct is played out on the skin.

In short this is readable and interesting, but only touches the surface. (I know that's a stupid pun, sorry.)

You Will Learn Just As Much As Reading a Medical Reference.......2000-08-28

You will learn just as much as reading a medical reference, except Marc Lappe adroitly puts it all together in a plain text. We are all very obesses with colors and appearance of our skins yet neglect the fact that skin is the front-line boundary against an inimical world. Therefore, more than to your anesthetic sense of beauty, the skin provides resistance and separates us from the outside world through a thinnest of margins. Lappe discusses how the newly discovered permeability of the skin, long recognized by other cultures, has lead to the use of drug-bearing patches; how potentially harmful chemicals penetrate the skin; how vulnerable we are to particular environments. You have to read it yourself and discover "skin".

I was a great book!.......1998-08-21

This was the best book i have ever read in my life. I learned so many causes and how it could be gone. I think this book is a good reference.

Book Description

Polynomial Identities and Combinatorial Methods presents a wide range of perspectives on topics ranging from ring theory and combinatorics to invariant theory and associative algebras. It covers recent breakthroughs and strategies impacting research on polynomial identities and identifies new concepts in algebraic combinatorics, invariant and representation theory, and Lie algebras and superalgebras for novel studies in the field. It presents intensive discussions on various methods and techniques relating the theory of polynomial identities to other branches of algebraic study and includes discussions on Hopf algebras and quantum polynomials, free algebras and Scheier varieties.

Book Description

Nora and Fern's relationship as mother and daughter is a tumble of love and distrust. To Nora, her daughter is an enigma -- at the same time wonderful and unfindable. Fern sees her mother as treacherous -- for busting up their family to move in with her lover, Jeanne. As their lives become complicated by the arrivals of a skateboarding boyfriend for Fern, a shadowy affair for Nora, a baby in need of a family, and by the failing health of Lucky, their beloved dog, this mother and daughter find their way onto a fresh footing with each other. "With sharp humor and perception" (O: The Oprah Magazine), Lucky in the Corner shows us the way a family reconfigures itself as unexpected changes come its way -- and how, no matter what shape it takes, it remains a family.

Customer Reviews:

Pleasant to read, yes, but sophisticated and compelling, too.......2006-01-29

I agree with the reviewer who said that this book was "pleasant" to read--it *is* very easy and accessible. But just don't confuse that with simplistic, either in the ideas it offers or the way it presents them. The way in which the main character wrestles with fidelity, with contentment, really, is very believable as it is sketched out. The supporting characters are well-executed, and the arc of the plot is satisfying and illuminating. You're left hanging a bit by the conclusion, but it works. I promptly went out upon reading this and got another of her books--it's that good. (Don't be put off by the cover, which makes the story look flaky and light, a la Diane Johnson/Le Divorce; there's real life between *these* covers.)

Impersonations of sane.......2003-01-02

Fern's relationship with her mother Nora has always been strained, ever since the messy divorce due to Nora's affairs with women. Nora has eventually settled down with Jeanne, but the tension between mother and daughter remains. Fern's best friend drops her baby into Fern's lap and slowly drifts from the picture, and Fern's most stable relationship is with her dog Lucky, but with the dog's health waning, this seems to be ending as well. And when Nora begins another affair, Fern is first to figure it out and leaps at the chance to judge her mother, but as events progress, she begins to realize her mother is human after all. And with Lucky dying, both mother and daughter come to better understandings about themselves and their relationship with each other. "Lucky in the Corner" is full of glorious complexities about us humans, and Anshaw has written this tale in a tidal mosaic, where episodes from the past and present interweave, blessing the reader with all aspects of these fascinating characters and leaving us with a sense of what family (especially those extended families of non-blood relatives) means.

Magnificent!!.......2002-09-18

I found this book at my local library under new fiction and decided to try it out as I'm always looking for new authors to read. I'm so lucky that my fingers happened to pick up this book! What a treasure! Anshaw is a funny and sensitive writer. The only problem is that you've got to read this book slowly because there is so much to absorb! I ignored my husband and children for three days!! I can't wait to read her other two novels.......

Magnificent!!.......2002-09-18

Predictable, pedestrian, likable.......2002-08-18

I knew from the beginning that somewhere in this book there would be a scene in a hospital and I was more or less correct. There is just nothing new here, unless maybe a reader still finds lesbian romance shocking. I've read too many mother-daughter relationship books, I guess, and books about young women finding themselves. The writing was very good.

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