A High Uintas Bookshelf

In this column we’ll list 2-4 interesting articles, books or the like that have caught our attention. They aren’t necessarily recent or recently read-- sort of a random compilation. Within a year, hopefully, we’ll have an established and detailed reading list. It won’t be complete without your additions. Please send suggestions and a descriptive sentence or two.

Renee's intense love for wolves began as a young undergraduate. While writing her research thesis, she became a surrogate parent for a two day old wolf pup whose mother had been fatally attacked by other wolves in the research facility.

In the month that followed Renee developed a strong attachment to the young wolf only to learn she had been chosen, along with several other pups, to live the remainder of her life in another, lower quality research facility. In her grief, Askins vowed that this wolf would not be sacrificed in vain and promised her: "You will not be forgotten, little one, and your life and sacrifice will make a difference." Thus, for the next 15 years, Askins spent almost every waking moment working to accomplish her promise to 'Natasha.'

Throughout this beautifully written memoir Askins shares with us her love for all that is wild. She writes of her deep conviction that by embracing wildness by letting it guide us into the struggles of our daily lives, we will find the solace we are all so desperately seeking.

A great part of Shadow Mountain is devoted to the author's stories of her domesticated canine friends. She believes that through our pets we are reminded of our need for wildness. They are our conduits to the natural world.

If you were one who closely followed the wolf's reintroduction into Yellowstone or even if you didn't, you will love Renee Askins and you will fall in love with Shadow Mountain.