Paddle Whispers [Paperback]

Douglas Wood (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Paddle Whispers is a remarkable book, beautifully describing the inner journey to joy and meaning in nature and in oneself. I heartily recommend this inspirational guide to a deeper experience of the natural world. -- Joseph Cornell, author, Sharing Nature with Children

Douglas Wood has caught Sigurd Olson's fire. -- Les Blacklock, wildlife artist and author

From the Back Cover

"The sun climbs over the pines. Over the spruces. Over Saganaga, Kabetogama, Nistowiak, Namew, Athabaska. And ten thousand other places with no names. The North Woods calls. The river pulls, the paddle whispers. I listen. And gradually...gradually the mist burns away."And so begins a journey - not only an exploration of rapids, lakes, and forests, but also an inner journey of discovery. Through poetic text and drawings, woven gracefully with quotes by John Muir, Walking Buffalo, Sigurd F. Olson, Henry David Thoreau, and others, Douglas Wood traces a journey by paddle and canoe that renews the spirit.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: University of Minnesota Press (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938586734
• ISBN-13: 978-0938586739
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,551,757 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book!, August 27, 2004

By 

Marla - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paddle Whispers (Paperback)

On a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters last summer, I remember reaching the end of a mile+ long portage, flipping down the canoe from my shoulders, and, bearly breaking stride, plunging into Basswood Lake. My guide told me then of Paddle Whispers and of Douglas Wood's similar aprreciation for a well earned swim.

This summer, as I trained to be a guide, I finally got a hold of Paddle Whispers. Some nights I would read it aloud in the tent, pausing to listent to the cry of the loon or howl of the wolf. Wood's discriptions of everything I have felt on a canoe trip are so clear, even a non-canoeist could feel as if they were there. Reading Paddle Whispers is a great comfort to me when I get "Minnesota Sick".

For anyone who's tried to explain to others the "why?" of wilderness travel, especially canoe trips, this may be the answer! Must read it!!!!

PS- I don't like reading too much but I love this book, I think that says something!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb book, March 15, 2000

By 

G. Harp (New London, Minnesota USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paddle Whispers (Paperback)

This is not a how-to book about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). (For that look to Patricia Bell's superb "Roughing it Elegantly.") Instead, Paddle Whispers explains why we go into the BWCAW, with its often attendant miseries, at all. The BWCAW is a wonderful, magical place and Douglas Wood captures its essence in all its glory in this masterful work. It's a quick read as well, and so is a wonderful introduction for the person wondering why so many find the BWCAW irresitible.

This book will transport the BWCAW veteran back into the midst of his/her favorite memories of past trips, and will provide inspiration for those considering their first adventure in the wilderness. For those who never intend to experience the wilderness first-hand, Paddle Whispers is a wonderful, spiritual, inspiring work in its own right.

A must-read for everyone, I purchased many copies as gifts for friends.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captures the essence of the BWCAW., October 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Paddle Whispers (Paperback)

Not since Sigurd F. Olson has a writer captured the true essence of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Wood describes the spirituality and adventure of this magical place. A very quick read, full of great sayings, and stories. Perfect to read chapter by chapter (of course in front of a roaring campfire). A must read for any BWCAW veterans. It will transport you back any time you pick it up.