Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams

"Refuge" is a poignant memoir that intertwines the personal and the environmental, exploring the author's journey through grief and her deep connection to the natural world. As the Great Salt Lake rises to record heights, threatening the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, a sanctuary of great significance to the author, her mother and other women in her family are simultaneously battling ovarian cancer. The narrative delves into themes of loss, healing, and the cyclical nature of life, drawing parallels between the devastation of the wetlands and the author's own experiences of illness and mortality within her family. The book serves as a meditation on the complexities of nature, family, and the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable storms of life.

The 5199th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 108

Since this book was first published in 1991, there is a penalty of 27.2%. The age adjusted score is 78.62.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.