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My First Summer in the Sierra
- Narrated by: Brett Barry
- Length: 6 hrs
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release date: 12-26-11
- Language: English
- Publisher: Silver Hollow Audio
- Whispersync for Voice-ready
Regular price: $24.47
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Publisher's Summary
It was June of 1869 when John Muir reluctantly accepted a job herding sheep from the central valley of California to the headwaters of the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers, high into the Sierra Nevadas and deep into the Yosemite region. He felt ill equipped for the work, and yet the opportunity thrilled his adventurous spirit. With a notebook tied to his belt, he set out for a summer he would never forget.
My First Summer in the Sierra is Muir’s classic account of that extraordinary journey. It was not published until 1911, by which time he had become well known for his work as a naturalist and conservationist. One hundred years later, we can still experience Muir’s transcendent joy, as he climbed the mountains, explored the lakes and streams, and studied the region’s flowers and trees. His words have since beckoned countless travelers to Yosemite National Park.
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Overall
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Kacy
- Philadelphia
- 08-30-13
Almost every line is quotable
Would you listen to My First Summer in the Sierra again? Why?
I read this after returning from a backpacking trip in the Sierras, and it was great to hear what was different for a traveler in Muir's time compared to now (not to mention how different it must have been for a risk-taker like Muir compared to me). Muir's writing style is so old-timey and reverent, the story almost sounds like a religious text.
The author refers to plant and animal species, as well as geographic locations, very specifically.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Don
- Lacey, WA, United States
- 10-21-15
Scattered Rare Gems
The narrator, Brett Barry, spoke clearly and paused at the right time to indicate section breaks. Amazingly, he pronounced the place names correctly, and as far as I know, the scientific names too. It was easy to imagine it was John Muir reading his journal out loud.
Some of the gems come from Muir's detailed observations, such as how differently two types of squirrels get the seeds out of pine cones.
Other gems come from his description of God's design and care shown in the Sierras. It's a perspective that you don't find much in literature or every day life - which is what makes it interesting. He offers different ways to see and experience nature.
His enthusiasm seems over the top at times, but I just took it as having someone read their journal out loud. You get their story - and you get their personality at the same time.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ninotchka
- 05-17-12
Terrific Listen!
I think anyone listening to this has some clue about John Muir. It is certainly worth listening to and a really enjoyable story. It gives some wonderful details about California geography. The narrator was very clear and pleasant. I have listened to hundreds of audio books and think this is one of the best deals I have come across in terms of story, narration and price.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Mark
- Cambridge, New Zealand
- 03-13-12
My first summer in Shanghai
Listening to this audiobook took me to a different world from my day to day life in Shanghai. The author's passion and enthusiasm for the natural world comes through in his detailed descriptions of his surrounds and the reader puts in a solid performance (although I felt at times I needed a picture book to match with the Latin names). This book definitely made me want to return to California!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- james
- 08-05-17
A classic
A classic everyone should read, the narrator was exceptional, made it good to listen to
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- M. W. Johnston
- San Diego, CA United States
- 10-08-15
Pure poetry brings dreams of CA wilderness
For anyone whose soul sings to the rhythms of nature, listening to John Muir's prose is pure joy.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- JessPek
- 08-23-17
Trail runner
Being trapped in a desert for months on end in service to a country that mostly disrespects the grandeur of nature and slowly leads to the destruction of the beauty that we enjoy. This book is an oasis to this semi-solitude of no trees, no water, no mountains. The vividness of his book, specifically on audio book, made my long treadmill runs drift away into the high sierras. I felt as if it were me climbing the trees and smelling the fresh cones and flowers. I could even pretend my sweat was making the same grand rumble of the high falls. I can't wait to be home and to hit the trails to fill my lungs with the mountain air and be amongst the greatest of Gods creations, nature. I recommend this book for those trapped by work, concrete jungles, deserts and adulthood. Read and run.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Travis
- 10-27-16
Inspiring!
A beautiful chance to reflect and such a poetic telling of Muir's time as a Shepard. A truly connected man in his element, can't be beat!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- E. Murdock
- United States
- 12-30-15
John Muir's wonderful discovery of things Yosemite
If you could sum up My First Summer in the Sierra in three words, what would they be?
It is just so wonderful to read of Yosemite and of places I know intimately there.
What did you like best about this story?
Muir was young and on the verge of discovering his life's road. First he explored then he gets the vision to preserve a place he intimately experiences.
Which scene was your favorite?
The one where he knew his friend was in Yosemite without knowing that in a way which is often expected. A lot of things fall together for him on his personal journey here.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes. Though those are the ones I prolong and savor...no pressure when you can read and dream along with the author.
All nature narrators...slow down. This is a book to savor.
Any additional comments?
Was so glad to watch John Muir discover his nature observation gifts and to see others provide time for him in the field...Very cool!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- William Shelby
- 06-04-18
Very taxonomic
There are some great snippets, but mostly descriptions of Flora, fauna, and geology in scientific terms that the average listener may not be looking for. Still love John Muir though.