A Year in the Maine Woods Hardcover – January 1, 1995
by Bernd Heinrich (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 105 ratings
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Bernd Heinrich
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Biography
Bernd Heinrich is a biologist and author of numerous books on the natural world. He lives in Richmond, VT, and in a cabin in the forests of western Maine.
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Top reviews from the United States
Critic at large
5.0 out of 5 stars Bernd Heinrich does it again
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2007
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I've read several of Heinrich's books and have never been disappointed. Some reviewers compare him to Thoreau, favorably or not. While in certain places he does evoke thoughts of Thoreau, that is not what he is trying to do, contrary to what some reviewers seem to think.
As a word-class biologist and naturalist, Heinrich approaches his story of life in the Maine woods from two vantage points. First, as a scientist/naturalist, and then as a long-time resident of the area of Maine he calls home. The two themes are interwoven with a seasonal view of life in his cabin.
Unlike Thoreau, who was an amateur nineteenth century naturalist and literary philosopher, Heinrich has the advantage of being both a keen observer and a trained scientist, albeit one who grew up surrounded by nature before receiving his academic research training as a physiological ecologist. While some might find the detail he presents in places to be too much, those who really wish to learn about combining the powers of observation with scientific insights will be richly rewarded.
I must take exception to the reviewer who termed this book an "ego trip".
Heinrich is hardly parading his vast scientific knowledge for the sake of seeming erudite. The man has garnered numerous scientific and literary kudos, for both his research and nature writing, so I suspect he hardly needs to engage in an "ego trip" by trying to ape Thoreau. In fact, given his vast knowledge of biology, I would say that he strikes a good balance between telling a personal story and presenting scientific facts and insights in the context of his experience.
Having spent a few years in the area of Maine that Heinrich loves and writes about so well, I think that he does a wonderful job capturing both the nature and the lifestyle of rural Maine. If you are the type of person who enjoys taking walks in company of expertise, you will enjoy this book.
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Ryan Carey
5.0 out of 5 stars A great, inspiring journal
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2020
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Heinrich at his best. Although this book isn't his normal, scientific analysis of his surroundings, it is deeply inspiring. He shares his thoughts and experiences of his year of living in the Maine woods.
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Charles Ryder
5.0 out of 5 stars A raven review...
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2004
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Not planning to review this book, I changed my mind after perusing the reviews for "A Year in the Maine Woods." Most of them are by people who miss the point of his book (and, dare I say, life) entirely.
Yes, Bernd is foremost a Zoologist, and so does get a bit technical at times, but his over-whelming love of nature--and the sense that he's just a good guy doing what many of us are afraid to do (i.e. kick in our TeeVees and "get back to nature")--is enough for my vote.
In addition to the natural science found in these pages, I very much enjoyed his mundane, day-to-day observations (every time he made coffee or drank a beer, I inwardly smiled). He mixes his love for the woods with a few 21st-century earthly pleasures, as well he should. Of course he's no Thoreau, and I don't think he is in anyway trying to be. Still, he's a damn-sight closer to Nature and the ideas and mind of H.D.T than most.
Truly a pleasurable read. Thanks, Bernd.
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Michael P. Wolfe
5.0 out of 5 stars which I enjoyed so much that I expect now to read through ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2018
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Have just started this after finishing Ravens in Winter, which I enjoyed so much that I expect now to read through Heinrich's collection
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HelloKitty
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2010
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I read this book a number of years ago (and have two signed copies!) and I do love it. It is an intimate look at the nature surrounding Dr. Heinrich's cabin in the woods of western Maine. Yes, it's true that he did not live in solitude for a year with no human interaction, but the man did live in an unheated cabin during the Maine winter! Even Thoreau didn't live in complete solitude during his "year alone"-- he was only a mile and a half from others. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book to read and re-read.
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chris
5.0 out of 5 stars Good boo
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2021
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My husband loves this book. Bought it as a gift.
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Douglas T. Hawes
3.0 out of 5 stars a pleasant year in the woods
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2012
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I grew up loving the woods of Southern New England and thus felt right at home with the author in his Maine woods. It is a light, somewhat disorganized read that for me was very relaxing. He is obviously very knowledgeable of the plants and animals present in his woods. These are not that different than the woods of my youth. But, I felt that it might not be as enjoyable a read for those that had not spent a fair amount of time learning about the plants and animals of the northeastern U.S.
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C. Lane
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it so much, I bought another for a gift
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2013
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I sent a copy of this to my mother-in-law, another nature lover, and someone who is equally fascinated with the world as I am. I could not put this book down - I stayed up too late every night until I finished it. Just wonderful - so engaging and easy to identify with and relate to, even though I'm sure I will never get a chance to live as Heinrich did for that year, nor would I have the knowledge or the common sense, regardless. He is the most interesting person.
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Top reviews from other countries
Ina Gladstone
5.0 out of 5 stars Another good book from the USA
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 6, 2017
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What can I say a wonderful BERND HEINRICH book again in very good condition just as described and the name Barton Lewis written on the book from the USA.
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William Whitlock
5.0 out of 5 stars Bernd Heinrich decodes many secrets of the northeast forests.
Reviewed in Canada on May 18, 2018
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My favorite author does it again. It's a book I couldn't put down. Highly recommended for anyone interested in what really goes on in the forest when we know what to look for. Easy reading and very enjoyable.
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WDP
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on December 15, 2016
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excellent
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