Richard Louv's previous work made me quite excited to get an early review copy of Our Wild Calling. However, I was consistently disappointed throughout the book. Organizationally, as others have mentioned, it seemed very unfocused. Instead of each chapter clearly addressing a specific argument, it seemed like a collection of anecdotal ramblings about random human encounters with animals. Overall, in contrast to his previous work, I felt that this book was entirely too metaphysical. While he certainly mentioned scientific research it seemed to me as if it was only included after his more metaphysical positions were established.
With that said, the most glaring problems I noticed throughout the text were his references to indigenous knowledges. As an anthropologist who works with American Indians, it was hard for me to get over his stereotypical, "noble savage" perspective of indigenous groups worldwide. While I appreciated his inclusion of a Native perspective in chapter 19, it was overshadowed by inaccuracies (his claim that Lakota people believe storks are associated with babies ignoring that there are no storks living in any region remotely close to Lakota homelands) and his exploitative perspective (culturally appropriative vision quests, an actual Lakota practice, are admissible when the experience is had by a white scientist). Overall, he seems much too romantic in his understanding of indigenous perspectives on the environment and much too quick to exploit them for his own personal gain.

3.5 A book that contains a large amount of information. I actually read a few chapters at a time, which I feel is the best way to absorb everything within. Animals, wild and domestic are integral to not only nature but our lives. Our connection is integral to our well being, to our ecological system and a necessary enrichment in our lives.

I loved the personal stories, people that connected with an animal, or in one instance, ants that awakened their interest in nature. Comfort animals, animals that help those with various difficulties, endangered animals due to changing habitats and those already irradiated, made extinct by our lack of care. The growth of electronic media, which serves to separate us from each other and the natural world. Just a small sampling of what this important, vital book contains.

"Some of us think, all of us feel." ( )

As a fan of Richard Louv, I was looking forward to this book. Once again, Louv has immersed readers in a text that connects humans with the natural world. Louv is effective in helping readers rethink their connection with animals and the natural world. Told through interviews providing a wide range of perspectives, Louv demonstrates the need for compassionate conservation practices that consider the needs of both humans and animals. ( )

Our Wild Calling explores human's connections with animals - and how these connections can help humans better understand how to live in our world. The book is filled with stories of human-to-animal connections - from a brief encounter with a fox on a trail to reptiles in a wildlife park. It's a reminder that we are all connected to each other, despite the "species loneliness" that humans are now succumbing too. That can be rectified, though. Louv shows that we can take a walk, hug a tree, visit a zoo, sit on our front porch - and be less lonely and part of our world.

I found the book's organization to be difficult to read through (as noted by other reviewers); otherwise, I would have given this book a higher star rating.

I would recommend this book to animal and wildlife lovers, or to readers who want to press the pause button on life - but not sure how. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. It took a long time to read, not because it was difficult, but because there was so much to absorb! Fascinating stories about brief contacts with animals (even a pigeon) that open our eyes and heart. I will keep this book close to me if ever I feel like I'm losing my humanity! ( )