**8 Essential Books About the Healing Power of Nature**
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Author and international whitewater river guide Bridget Crocker shares the books that helped inspire her new memoir, ‘The River’s Daughter’.
Bridget Crocker’s memoir, ‘The River’s Daughter’, dives into her journey of healing from a troubled upbringing through her relationship with wild rivers. Growing up in a trailer park near the Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyo., she found solace in the cottonwood forest by the river. This connection with nature propelled her to become a renowned whitewater river guide, guiding on rivers across the world, including Africa’s Zambezi. Through rivers, she not only explored different cultures but also found healing and a sense of belonging.
Crocker’s memoir is not just a personal story but part of a broader genre exploring healing through nature. Here are 8 essential books that delve into the transformative power of nature and have inspired Crocker on her journey.
**’The Source of All Things’ by Tracy Ross**
Published in 2011, Tracy Ross’s memoir delves into healing through nature. Ross, who faced sexual abuse from her stepfather, found solace in the outdoors. It was only when she confronted her abuser in the Idaho wilderness that she could begin to move forward in her healing journey.
**’Crazy for the Storm’ by Norman Ollestad**
This gripping memoir follows Ollestad’s survival story after a plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains takes the life of his father. Drawing on his father’s teachings from their time in the mountains and at sea, Ollestad navigates his way to safety, showcasing the resilience found in the natural world.
**’Go As a River’ by Shelley Read**
Set in 1960s Colorado, this novel follows protagonist Victoria Nash as she finds strength and resilience in the wilderness after facing betrayal from her family and community. A powerful story of rebuilding one’s life through nature’s embrace.
**’Written in the Waters’ by Tara Roberts**
As a NatGeo Explorer-in-Residence, Roberts delves into her journey of bringing wrecked transatlantic slave trade ships from the depths of the ocean back into memory. Through reconnecting with her ancestors’ stories held by the sea, she discovers the courage to confront her own narrative and find a sense of belonging.
**’Tracks’ by Robyn Davidson**
Embark on a journey with Davidson as she treks 1,700 miles through the Australian desert to the Indian Ocean with camels and her dog. Through her physical expedition, Davidson also embarks on an internal journey through grief, finding resilience amidst challenging landscapes.
**’Mālama Honua: Hōkūle‘a — A Voyage of Hope’ by Jennifer Allen**
This nonfiction book chronicles the remarkable three-year voyage of Hōkūle‘a, a crew that sailed 40,000 miles using ancient Polynesian wayfinding techniques. Through their voyage, they aim to connect humanity with the wisdom of healing the ocean and fostering global community through indigenous knowledge.
**’Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed**
Cheryl Strayed’s critically acclaimed memoir follows her solo-hike along the Pacific Crest Trail as she works through grief and self-discovery after her mother’s death. A poignant tale of finding solace and strength in nature’s vast landscapes.
**’Crazy Brave’ by Joy Harjo**
In this powerful memoir, Joy Harjo, the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate, weaves together tribal stories, poetry, and prose to narrate her journey of overcoming domestic violence. Through her connection to nature, creativity, and spirituality, she finds her voice and sense of empowerment.
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the healing power of nature, showcasing how the natural world can be a source of solace, resilience, and transformation in times of struggle. Inspired by these stories, Bridget Crocker’s memoir stands as a testament to the profound impact of our connection with nature on our healing journeys.