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Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place


Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place
Published in 1991 close to 290 pages
Written by Terry Tempest Williams

Rate: 5/10

My summary of Refuge: Terry journals about her family and their trials, specifically her mother's cancer story. During this time, The Great Salt Lake is rising which seemed to be a very important event to Terry. The majority of the story was either about birds (and or the Bear River Migratory Refuge), Terry's family, "Mormon" culture, the Utah government, or the Great Salt Lake rising.

My opinion on Refuge: The journalistic element Terry brought into the writing of Refuge found me well (the way she treated the book like her own personal journal.) However, some elements of the story did not sit well with me (maybe I could have misinterpreted her entries.)  The ending of Refuge seemed random, though it was very interesting. 

Who is Terry Tempest Williams? To read more about William's work and who she is visit: Terry Tempest William's website.

Links: (These links are provided to help readers get more information about the subjects Terry Tempest Williams discussed in Refuge.) 

Amazon: Refuge

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: "Mormon" culture


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