"THE CARRY HOME: Lessons from the American Wilderness," by Gary Ferguson, Counterpoint Press, $25, 234 pages (nf)
Embarking on a journey of discovery and healing, author Gary Ferguson trekked through the West shortly after the passing of his wife, Jane, who died in a canoeing accident in 2005. His journey allowed him to find acceptance in his loss and live anew.
He is an environmental writer and has written more than 22 books on the subject. In his memoir, "The Carry Home," he taps into reverent, almost spiritual incantations of nature, and genuinely so. He highlights lively imagery and derives wisdom from his interactions with the wild outdoors. This memoir is a tribute to his late wife as much as it is a work of memory or close connection with the environment.
Each chapter recollects in some way a memory of his wife. The author’s interaction with people, friends and acquaintances — even landscapes — all invite thoughts of her.
Before her unexpected death, Jane told her husband that after she died, she wanted her ashes scattered in five of her favorite wilderness areas, including southern Utah's canyon country, the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, a cabin in the woods in northern Wyoming and two places in Yellowstone National Park — Lamar Valley and a lake in the Beartooth Mountains. Ferguson shares his experiences in trekking to these areas and reliving the memories from there.
At the end of the memoir, the author presents a vibrant and hopeful beginning as he learns to move on and embrace recovery and healing that come with coping with the loss of a loved one. Ultimately, it is a graceful portrait of a life lived and loved, adorned by the illustrious and expansive wilderness that we call life. "The Carry Home" is a quiet journey of introspection for the little things and the big things that life requires of us.
There is no sexual content or violence, and there are a few swear words scattered throughout the book.
If you go ...
What: Gary Ferguson book signing
When: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com, wildwords.net
Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English.
Brandon Schembri is a graduate of the University of Utah and lives in Salt Lake City. His email is b.schembri1@gmail.com.