The Moth Snowstorm: Nature and Joy

I have been meaning to read this for sometime. There is much to respect and admire, It weaves a personal sometimes emotional family history with mans destruction, decline and threat to the natural world. From early childhood memories of butterflies, to getting on his bike to enjoy birdwatching on the local estuary in his teens, the descriptive writing and his evolving appreciation of the natural world is evocative. A lifetimes experience is incorporated, and the joy gained from enjoying a British bluebell wood in spring to the lasting delight and wonder of close encounters with whales and dolphins will strike a chord with most of us.He argues that the worthwhile admirable philosophy of Sustainable Development and the multi benefits and value of Ecosystem Services are deemed to have failed. Despite good intentions,they have not effectively grasped the public,decision makers and politicians hearts and minds to bring about long term permament change. I found the ending of this book a bit abrupt and unsatisfactory. Religion and beliefs are bought in right near the conclusion and it almost ends up with the thought that love is what makes the world go round.For 95% plus of the book I was in sympathy and related to his story, but I found the ending rather odd and unsatisfactory.There have also been more recent positive good news stories on the Uk nature conservation front, like the successful re-establishment of the Red Kite, which are not featured. For me the final threads of his argument at the end were not satisfactorily tied together, That said, for most of this book,there was a great deal to enjoy and cherish. so overall I found it a very good and informative read with lots to ponder.

This is an excellent book which should be read by both lovers of nature and those who seem to be totally obsessed with economics and modern day convenience. It clearly points out the threats to the modern environment in an erudite manner but combined with brilliant description of some of the authors experiences with the natural world. It also attempts to explain why human beings have an innate link with nature which, in some instances is being lost because of modern day pressures. It was a most enjoyable read but it left me feeling that, unless some changes were made soon, the planet would be in real trouble.

I bought this book as a birthday present for a friend and read it first! Michael McCartney`s family story, interspersed with his detailed observations of insects within the natural world is a potent mix. It is deeply concerning in terms of the current insect holocaust, but throughout he reminds the reader of our core relationship with Nature,and the powerful healing elements of joy and wonder which emerge when we contemplate Creation.A very rich.well written in depth contribution to the spiritual and ecological debates and actions of our time

This is a stunning book with powerful levels of description. Michael's manipulation of language makes for a read that truly touches the emotions. He has a wonderful capacity to articulate joy in the natural world that is overwhelming. I've never met Mr McCarthy, but throughout the book I was saying, "Yes, I feel that too". It was uncanny as if he knew the joy that I experience in the natural world. I am sure this will become a classic of the nature writing genre, but don't wait for it to become a classic. Read it now!

Excellent account of the way humanity's disconnection from nature is becoming such a tragedy. Part autobiography, Mccarthy describes the childhood trauma that led to him seeking solace in nature and from that he develops a theme of valuing nature because of the joy it brings as a way of persuading people to turn away from the destructive behaviour that is wrecking the earth.