American Wolf

This book is amazing.

You are learning to be a Master Naturalist.

You are writing a book about your summer in Yellowstone Park.

You recently read White Fang for your Classics Club challenge.

Your husband tells you about a book he heard about on tv.

Your online book group is reading the book.

Sometimes the universe sends it all out there to you, and you feel compelled to pick up a book you thought you had no interest in. I thought I had no interest in wolves. I do now.

American Wolf is the story of O-six, a fascinating alpha female wolf who grew, with cult status, to be the world's favorite wolf via a group of wolf watchers in Yellowstone Park. Nate Blakeslee, in telling O-six's story, meshes in the stories of the return of wolves to Yellowstone, the fury of hunters and ranchers in neighboring states about the wolves' return, the lives of the wolf watchers, the wolf packs of Yellowstone, and the adventures of O-six's family and friends and enemies.

I can't seem to stop talking about this book. I hope you will take a look at it. Whether you think you like wolves or not, you may find this, as I did, to be one of the best books you have read this year.

4.5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed this - the lush, wild landscapes, the complex nature of wolf packs and territoriality, and the high political drama over ranching, hunting, and public vs. private spaces.