Listening for Coyote

A Walk Across Oregon's Wilderness

De: William L. Sullivan

Narrado por: William L. Sullivan

Sullivan's classic account of his 65 day, 1,361-mile solo backpacking trek across Oregon has been chosen by the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission as one of Oregon's "100 Books", the most significant literary works in state history. Sullivan recounts adventures with blizzards, bears, and poisonous mushrooms, but he also spices his journal with notes on history, geology, and the people he meets along the way. These last include a political scientist who leaves his classroom to protect Bald Mountain from logging roads, a camouflaged elk hunter who hopes to be reincarnated as a stag elk, and an ancient widow who lives alone in a remote gold-mining cabin. What these people share, and what this book illustrates, is a deep connection to the wilderness. Sullivan's book demonstrates with living examples just why we are right to save such places.

©1988 William L. Sullivan (P)2017 William L. Sullivan

Oregon

I’ve only been to Oregon on a freeway but I’m counting days to retirement so I can hike the long trails of America. His story takes a bit of the Muir books feel with the scientific names here and there and in-depth descriptions. The spirituality of the coyote or of the conscience itself is interesting and how seemingly curious points lend to feeling of a guardian of sorts. Overall I enjoyed the book and if other readers enjoy the works of solo hiking then it’s going to be a great choice.

Man-up your delivery some, please!

Great story, great feat, but beef up on the male hormones or hire a narrator!

Recommended for Oregonians

An enjoyable story, especially if you are familiar with Oregon wildernesses. I enjoyed hearing historical stories about the areas I have hiked, and learning about places in eastern Oregon where I could visit someday.

If you have no connection to Oregon, you may be better served by a book about backpacking one of the more famous trails, like the Pacific Crest Trail.

The narration is fine, it is read by the author who does a better job than many low budget narrators.

Nostalgic and inspiring

This book reminded me of my youth growing up in Oregon and backpacking with the boyscouts across many of the same landscapes.

It makes me want to do some writing about my adopted homeland of Utah and the forgotten dusty trails, alpine forests, dusty peaks, redrock, and a few mid plate cinder cones and lava flows. Maybe bring some attention to the damage unchecked cattle ranching does.

Listening to the author is a real treat. Listening to the voice who lived this story is wonderful.

okay but can't call it good

Performance is not great. Seemed like a kindergarten teacher reading a story to the class mixed with a NPR broadcast. I am not taking away from what the man did. There are some good stories and it was an amazing feat to accomplish the miles he did daily. The book just left me wanting a lot more. read like poetry at time, I didn't really get where the book was going sometimes.