4 out of 4 stars
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Wild Ozark Nature Journal, a collection of nature sketches and journal reflections by Madison Woods, is a one-of-a-kind book that’s best enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee, while sitting outside, taking in nature. As someone who seeks out the small joys and quiet moments of life, I truly enjoyed reading this short, introspective book, as well as the well-crafted nature sketches that litter its pages.
Despite its very short length, there’s a lot of art and light, introspective journaling inside Wild Ozark Nature Journal. Over the course of two months, Author Madison Woods created eighteen lovely sketches and corresponding journal entries in an effort to briefly disconnect from the busyness of life every day. Reflection, nature, and being mindful of small, yet impactful moments are all themes within this book.
One of my favorite aspects of Woods’ work, in fact, centers on noticing the small things in life and connecting with them in a meaningful way, whether that be sketching, writing, or simply paying close attention to the beauty around you. Madison Woods practices this in her simple, yet quite charming, pencil sketches that accompany each journal entry. By using art to complement the reflective journal entries, the author was able to impart on readers a true sense of the calm that surrounded her while she reconnected with nature.
Another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed is that the author’s sentiments in the text are very relatable and down to earth. Oftentimes, journal-type books of this sort tend to be over-indulgent in language and a bit melancholy, making them not-so-fun to read. This book, however, is a refreshing departure from the seriousness of many “find your inner Zen” or “reconnect with the world around you” books that fill bookstores at the moment. My only gripe, really, is that I wish this book was much longer! Woods’ writing and sketching style both lend themselves to short, contemplative prompts that readers could enjoy on a daily basis.
Without a doubt, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. If you’re looking for an un-stuffy meditation book, or just some light reading material, you will definitely enjoy Wild Nature Ozark Journal by Madison Woods. Not only is the artwork a great way to allow readers into the author’s head, but the journal entries are helpful for reflecting on your own habits and mindset in life, as well. As long as you’re not looking for a serious, guided path into the world of Zen reflection, you’ll appreciate what this book has to offer. Wild Nature Ozark Journal is a delightful little read, and I am confident that the beautiful artwork will spark joy for other readers, just like it did for me.
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Wild Ozark Nature Journal
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