The Lay of the Land

"The Lay of the Land" by Dallas Lore Sharp is a collection of insightful essays about nature that focuses on the link between people and the natural world. It looks at how different animals prepare for the shifts each season brings. The author uses detailed descriptions and personal thoughts to show how important nature is in forming our experiences and the reassuring patterns of country life. The book starts by showing how muskrats get ready for winter, building safe homes in a meadow, emphasizing their hard work to construct a warm lodge, even as a cold November night sets in, and the wind howls. This portrays how nature plans ahead and is strong, also highlighting how all living things are connected as they deal with tough times. The author finds comfort in these creatures, sharing space with them in the wild.