Book review: An amazing dive into the natural world and walking an autistic path
Diary of a Young Naturalist is an intense and evocative memoir by a remarkable Irish teen.
It was written by environmentalist Dara McAnulty and details the heady ups and low lows of a year in his world.
The life story was released by Little Toller Books and has picked up a swag of accolades.
Most notably this includes the British Book Awards 2021 Non-Fiction Narrative Book of the Year.
So keep reading to find out more about McAnulty, his book, living with Asperger’s/autism, and tips for life-story creating …
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What is Diary of a Young Naturalist about?
Diary of a Young Naturalist is the story of a year in McAnulty’s life at age 15.
The memoir starts in spring in Northern Ireland and features usual teenage topics like school, friends, family, exams and holidays.
Also included are noteworthy stories about being autistic.
However, McAnulty’s major focuses are exploring wild places, birdwatching, environmental protection and speaking out about our changing biosphere.
“I’m surrounded by five or six fly agaric mushrooms. Like them, I have burst open … I can’t just love the natural world. I have to raise my voice even louder to help it. It is my duty, the duty of all of us, to support and protect nature. Our life support system, our interconnectedness, our interdependence.”
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What makes this book interesting?
Diary of a Young Naturalist is an interesting read on many levels.
Firstly it is a wonderful glimpse into the world and perspective of a young life-story writer.
Also it highlights how today’s young people are not as exposed to wildlife and nature like older generations because of urban development.
Most importantly, however, the memoir clearly explains what it is like to be autistic.
For example, the need to learn outside, constant effort required to check public emotional displays, and an aversion to loud noise.
“Many people accuse me of ‘not looking autistic’. I have no idea what that means. I know lots of ‘autistics’ and we all look different. We’re not some recognisable breed. We are human beings. If we’re not out of the ordinary, it’s because we’re fighting to mask our real selves.”
Learnings from Diary of a Young Naturalist
McAnulty may be a teen but there is much we can take away from his award-winning memoir.
For instance, he used a diary-entry chapter format that is creatively divided into four parts: spring, summer, autumn, winter.
In addition, he includes many traditional Irish words, which give his writing colour and an enchanting feel.
Also he uses a number of techniques to tell an entertaining story.
For example, fashbacks, dramatic structure and raw reflections.
“Dave asks me to hold one of the birds, and as I bring it close to my chest its body heat illuminates me. I start to fill with something visceral. This is who I am. This is who we all could be. I am not like these birds but neither am I separate from them. Perhaps it’s a feeling of love, or a longing. I don’t know for certain. It is a rare feeling, a sensation that most of my life (full of school and homework) doesn’t have the space for.”
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Final say
Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty is a unique story about a teen’s joy and need for nature.
However, it is also a clarion call for us all to reconnect and take action to protect and restore wild animals and places.
For instance, McAnulty suggests starting small in our backyards or school grounds.
Certainly from there our wonder, appreciation and care for our planet will only grow.
Happy writing and reading!
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Your say
What is your favourite wild animal or place? I’d love to hear your thoughts. So send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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