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Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult
A moving, heartbreaking, and inspiring true story of the author’s escape from an apocalyptic cult—and the deep understanding of the natural world that helped her find freedom.
My family prepared me for the end of the world, but I know how to survive on what the earth yields.
Michelle Dowd grew up on a mountain in the Angeles National Forest, born into an ultra-religious cult—the Field, as members called it—run by her grandfather, who believed that his chosen followers must prepare themselves to survive doomsday. Bound by the group’s patriarchal rules and literal interpretation of the Bible, Michelle and her siblings lived a life of deprivation, isolated from Outsiders and starved for both love and food. She was forced to learn the skills necessary to battle hunger, thirst, and cold; she learned to trust animals more than humans; and most important, she learned how to survive by foraging for what she needed. And as Michelle got older, she realized she had the strength to break free. Focus on what will sustain, not satiate you , she would tell herself. Use everything. Waste nothing. Get to know the intricacies of the land like the intricacies of your body. And so she did.
With haunting and stark language, and illustrations of edible plants and their uses opening each chapter, Forager is a fierce and empowering coming-of-age story and a timely meditation on the ways in which harnessing nature’s gifts can lead to our freedom.
My family prepared me for the end of the world, but I know how to survive on what the earth yields.
Michelle Dowd grew up on a mountain in the Angeles National Forest, born into an ultra-religious cult—the Field, as members called it—run by her grandfather, who believed that his chosen followers must prepare themselves to survive doomsday. Bound by the group’s patriarchal rules and literal interpretation of the Bible, Michelle and her siblings lived a life of deprivation, isolated from Outsiders and starved for both love and food. She was forced to learn the skills necessary to battle hunger, thirst, and cold; she learned to trust animals more than humans; and most important, she learned how to survive by foraging for what she needed. And as Michelle got older, she realized she had the strength to break free. Focus on what will sustain, not satiate you , she would tell herself. Use everything. Waste nothing. Get to know the intricacies of the land like the intricacies of your body. And so she did.
With haunting and stark language, and illustrations of edible plants and their uses opening each chapter, Forager is a fierce and empowering coming-of-age story and a timely meditation on the ways in which harnessing nature’s gifts can lead to our freedom.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
January 22, 2023
I had the hardest time with the writing style of this memoir. It is written in present tense as we move throughout the author’s childhood, and it can be difficult to ascertain exactly ‘when’ we are at any given time. She would randomly drop an age in every once in a while, and that did help, but overall, it felt very jumpy. Things that happened to her as a child were also presented in a way that a child would understand them at the time, and while there was a bit of processing of what really happened in some of these situations at the very end, I found it hard to muddle through in the main bulk of the book. All of this was a choice on the part of the author’s, in order to tell her story the way she thought was best. While I’m sure it will work for many others, I just didn’t like it.
There were some beautifully written parts, and the field notes were quite interesting, but I just wanted more from this. In the introduction, she states this is her story of her childhood, and not about the cult itself. She didn’t want to hurt her family by giving too many specifics of their hand in the goings-on of the cult. I can certainly respect that, but I want more in a memoir.
My rating in no way reflects the author’s experience. Her experience is traumatic and heartbreaking and I would never ever undermine that. My rating purely reflects the choice of writing style and how it personally didn’t work for me.
If you’re interested in a book about what it’s like to grow up in an abusive situation as told from the eyes of the child, then I think you’ll definitely jive with this.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Goodreads Giveaways with no expectation of a review.
There were some beautifully written parts, and the field notes were quite interesting, but I just wanted more from this. In the introduction, she states this is her story of her childhood, and not about the cult itself. She didn’t want to hurt her family by giving too many specifics of their hand in the goings-on of the cult. I can certainly respect that, but I want more in a memoir.
My rating in no way reflects the author’s experience. Her experience is traumatic and heartbreaking and I would never ever undermine that. My rating purely reflects the choice of writing style and how it personally didn’t work for me.
If you’re interested in a book about what it’s like to grow up in an abusive situation as told from the eyes of the child, then I think you’ll definitely jive with this.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Goodreads Giveaways with no expectation of a review.
November 8, 2022
One of my favorite reads ever, and I read about 400 books a year. Tragic, mesmerizing and absolutely beautifully written. While our lives look utterly different on the outside, I also related so much to Dowd and her childhood. Full review to come on our family homesteading/foraging blog closer to its March publication.
TW: sexual abuse, child abuse, violence, eating disorders, death, religious abuse, suicide
ARC read via NetGalley.
TW: sexual abuse, child abuse, violence, eating disorders, death, religious abuse, suicide
ARC read via NetGalley.
September 22, 2023
This memoir presents a thought provoking perspective on what life was like living in a cult. And it also reminds us the message can be turned into a misrepresentation by anyone.
This story will catch you fast and you will want to complete it as soon as possible.
This story will catch you fast and you will want to complete it as soon as possible.
November 14, 2023
Forager is an interesting look at The Field, a cult that was based (mostly) in California. The book connects different aspects of foraging with snippets of memories about growing up in The Field. Overall, I found the book quite interesting and enjoyed and appreciated the author's voice throughout the narrative sections. I thought the part where she analyzed her relationship with her mother - an expert naturalist tethered to a cult - to be very interesting - it was almost a biography of her mother as told by her as a young girl with mentions of the other supporting characters of her life.
At times, the book slows to a crawl, so I sped-read through some of the less interesting anecdotes about growing up in the field, but by the end you have a well rounded understanding of the author's life and experience, and a look at her relationship with her mother. I don't live in a similar environment, either, but I feel like I have a basic understanding of the thoughts people have as they head into the wilderness to forage and survive!
At times, the book slows to a crawl, so I sped-read through some of the less interesting anecdotes about growing up in the field, but by the end you have a well rounded understanding of the author's life and experience, and a look at her relationship with her mother. I don't live in a similar environment, either, but I feel like I have a basic understanding of the thoughts people have as they head into the wilderness to forage and survive!
September 29, 2023
“What you bury grows”
The author’s narration was beautiful.
The author’s narration was beautiful.
March 8, 2023
Thank you to the publisher and author, for this free review copy. Out now! @algonquinbooks
I wanted to love this book after reading the blurbs and the synopsis. But, I was so glad to be done with it. I felt it was very repetitive, and it could not keep my attention. I will say, the second half was MUCH better than the first half. I think I wanted more of her life now, and how her life ended up because of the struggles she faced growing up. All in all it wasn’t horrible, but not one I would highly recommend. Onto the next!
Thanks again to the publisher for sending me this free copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wanted to love this book after reading the blurbs and the synopsis. But, I was so glad to be done with it. I felt it was very repetitive, and it could not keep my attention. I will say, the second half was MUCH better than the first half. I think I wanted more of her life now, and how her life ended up because of the struggles she faced growing up. All in all it wasn’t horrible, but not one I would highly recommend. Onto the next!
Thanks again to the publisher for sending me this free copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 13, 2023
I love memoirs about people leaving cults. There is something so fascinating about them for me. Unfortunately, this one didn’t do it. I DNF at around 30%.
It felt very disjointed and like a stream of consciousness about her childhood. I didn’t know anything about the specific cult she grew up in and she didn’t provide any details/backstory about the cult. I get that she wanted to protect her family members but I needed the context of what the cult was/is about to make it a cult memoir because as it is it is just child abuse/survivalism.
I really enjoyed the field notes about the different plants though and actually thought the plant discussion was the most interesting part.
It felt very disjointed and like a stream of consciousness about her childhood. I didn’t know anything about the specific cult she grew up in and she didn’t provide any details/backstory about the cult. I get that she wanted to protect her family members but I needed the context of what the cult was/is about to make it a cult memoir because as it is it is just child abuse/survivalism.
I really enjoyed the field notes about the different plants though and actually thought the plant discussion was the most interesting part.
March 4, 2023
Michelle was vulnerable while sharing stories of her life at the Field, where she endured abuse, poverty, and isolation. She grew up being told that comfort is a sin, so she had to learn survival skills.
I enjoyed that each chapter begins with an edible plant and how to use them. After reading about everything she went through, I was amazed at Michelle’s strength to leave the Field in order to start a life on the outside.
If you are a fan of memoirs, I think you will enjoy this coming of age story about surviving in nature and breaking free.
I enjoyed that each chapter begins with an edible plant and how to use them. After reading about everything she went through, I was amazed at Michelle’s strength to leave the Field in order to start a life on the outside.
If you are a fan of memoirs, I think you will enjoy this coming of age story about surviving in nature and breaking free.
March 13, 2023
Dowd writes her own story as she experienced it. And what a powerful thing it is.
Much of this book is from the perspective of a child, as if you were walking through her memories with her. She doesn't give much extra insight at all until she starts to break free of her family system towards the end, and I feel it really works for portraying the fact that her entire childhood is lived in a survival mode.
And in spite of all the hardship, the book also manages to carry a sense of wonder, particularly for the natural world. You can feel how Dowd respects her mother's skill as a naturalist, and has inherited that love of the natural world and the pride in her own ability to forage. Sharing the plants and their uses at the beginning of each chapter is not only interesting, but it's a brilliant way of providing something natural and grounding to the reader as Dowd walks us through memories from a particularly difficult childhood.
Fans of Educated by Tara Westover will like this book. It's also excellent for anyone who loves nature and its ability to provide, for those who've felt a little lost or unmoored by elements out of their control, and for anyone who's had to break free.
I received an ARC from Netgalley, this is an unbiased review.
Much of this book is from the perspective of a child, as if you were walking through her memories with her. She doesn't give much extra insight at all until she starts to break free of her family system towards the end, and I feel it really works for portraying the fact that her entire childhood is lived in a survival mode.
And in spite of all the hardship, the book also manages to carry a sense of wonder, particularly for the natural world. You can feel how Dowd respects her mother's skill as a naturalist, and has inherited that love of the natural world and the pride in her own ability to forage. Sharing the plants and their uses at the beginning of each chapter is not only interesting, but it's a brilliant way of providing something natural and grounding to the reader as Dowd walks us through memories from a particularly difficult childhood.
Fans of Educated by Tara Westover will like this book. It's also excellent for anyone who loves nature and its ability to provide, for those who've felt a little lost or unmoored by elements out of their control, and for anyone who's had to break free.
I received an ARC from Netgalley, this is an unbiased review.
March 20, 2023
4 1/2
There have been many times when I have read a non-fiction work and have had a very difficult time wrapping my head around its reality. Frequently, people who are searching for something fall under the spell of a pied piper, an individual who makes so many enticing claims that they seemingly have no choice. In this case, Michelle Dowd’s grandfather was the pied piper promising a paradisal afterlife if all of his sheep followed him in the here-and-now and then on into the Kingdom of God.
As is the case in many strict religions (and elsewhere), women are subordinate to the men, treated like possessions rather than human beings, and are meant not to forget their place in the pecking order. This is the world that Dowd was born into and lived from childhood until she managed to escape.
In Forager, Dowd begins each chapter with a plant that one can use to survive if one has no other means. She describes its features and usefulness and then somewhere in that chapter that plant has a role.
Dowd’s mother, although born into her father’s cult and never one to talk against it, had more freedom than other women. She was permitted to be a guide with forest rangers, providing information on the foliage of the park. Dowd was fascinated by this information and wanted to learn as much as she could, but her mother, distant and sometimes unapproachable, didn’t encourage her daughter. In fact, she frequently dissuaded her daughter. She also turned a blind eye to the violent abuse that her daughter received at the hands of Dowd’s father. There was not much love in this so-called Christian community.
It’s obvious that Dowd was born to be the black sheep. She questioned. She owned her independence when she could. And, perhaps most importantly she observed inequities.
It is difficult, frustrating even, to read about Michelle Dowd’s childhood, how a female child can be treated this way in a country that pounces on the atrocities committed against women in other countries. Physical abuse was not questioned. A father could backhand his child without consequences and perhaps was even encouraged in order to keep young children from becoming wayward. There was a hint that although children like Dowd received unwanted sexual attention that those culprits were dealt with, or, at least, one was.
While Dowd’s book is difficult reading, her prose is not. She does write of beautiful things, things she’s seen as well as her affinity for nature. She tells an inspirational story. Her life. Her resilience. Her ever-questioning nature that brought her to a keen understanding of the world around her and most particularly the people around her. I would have loved some glimpse into her current life to know how it all turned out, but perhaps there is more to come.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There have been many times when I have read a non-fiction work and have had a very difficult time wrapping my head around its reality. Frequently, people who are searching for something fall under the spell of a pied piper, an individual who makes so many enticing claims that they seemingly have no choice. In this case, Michelle Dowd’s grandfather was the pied piper promising a paradisal afterlife if all of his sheep followed him in the here-and-now and then on into the Kingdom of God.
As is the case in many strict religions (and elsewhere), women are subordinate to the men, treated like possessions rather than human beings, and are meant not to forget their place in the pecking order. This is the world that Dowd was born into and lived from childhood until she managed to escape.
In Forager, Dowd begins each chapter with a plant that one can use to survive if one has no other means. She describes its features and usefulness and then somewhere in that chapter that plant has a role.
Dowd’s mother, although born into her father’s cult and never one to talk against it, had more freedom than other women. She was permitted to be a guide with forest rangers, providing information on the foliage of the park. Dowd was fascinated by this information and wanted to learn as much as she could, but her mother, distant and sometimes unapproachable, didn’t encourage her daughter. In fact, she frequently dissuaded her daughter. She also turned a blind eye to the violent abuse that her daughter received at the hands of Dowd’s father. There was not much love in this so-called Christian community.
It’s obvious that Dowd was born to be the black sheep. She questioned. She owned her independence when she could. And, perhaps most importantly she observed inequities.
It is difficult, frustrating even, to read about Michelle Dowd’s childhood, how a female child can be treated this way in a country that pounces on the atrocities committed against women in other countries. Physical abuse was not questioned. A father could backhand his child without consequences and perhaps was even encouraged in order to keep young children from becoming wayward. There was a hint that although children like Dowd received unwanted sexual attention that those culprits were dealt with, or, at least, one was.
While Dowd’s book is difficult reading, her prose is not. She does write of beautiful things, things she’s seen as well as her affinity for nature. She tells an inspirational story. Her life. Her resilience. Her ever-questioning nature that brought her to a keen understanding of the world around her and most particularly the people around her. I would have loved some glimpse into her current life to know how it all turned out, but perhaps there is more to come.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
This book was equal parts heartbreaking and interesting. Based upon the true story of the author's upbringing, Forager will leave readers feeling hopeful for the author, and thankful for the things they have that can so easily be taken for granted. I loved the way each chapter opened with a drawing of a plant or tree that the author was taught to use as a food source as she tried to survive in a very dangerous family cult. The story is intriguing and well-written. I had a hard time putting it down.
September 4, 2023
Michelle Dowd's Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult is a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the author's experience(s) with the patriarchal religious cult, The Field. As Dowd recounts her story, the reader witnesses/survives along with her—the foraging knowledge gleaned from her mother grafted onto us, truth-telling as a means to (re)create her own self/body. This was a phenomenal memoir about personhood, reclamation, and courage. Read it.
"Freeing oneself is the first step; claiming ownership of that freed self has been a lifelong journey."
"Freeing oneself is the first step; claiming ownership of that freed self has been a lifelong journey."
April 11, 2023
DNF. I got over 50% done w this book and felt like I had no idea what was going on. I was listening to it while running, so maybe I was too distracted. But ultimately, I gave up. There were parts that were sad and traumatizing, I don’t want to negate the authors experience! I just couldn’t get into it.
July 22, 2023
Think twice before writing this one off as merely a story of surviving a cult--More so, Michelle Dowd writes of her ongoing connection with nature and her journey to find nourishment in the forest because of the lack thereof in her family. I spent a little under 300 pages with the honest, informative, and incredibly intelligent person scorned by her family's religious cult for being too curious and too needy. I am so grateful Dowd shared her perspective here: Her appreciation and analysis of both the people in her own life and those in the Bible, especially the women, absolutely blew me away.
Definitely pick this book up.
Definitely pick this book up.
June 1, 2023
Reading the blurb, this book felt like it was written with me in mind; abuse, cults, and survival are all topics I'm interested in and have read a fair amount about, and as a bonus, I am also specifically very familiar with the Angeles National Forest where the author was raised, as well as pretty much every southern Californian city she mentions. I'm also interested in edible gardening and foraging, so I was pretty excited to start listening to the audiobook.
Unfortunately, this one fell short on just about every element. It's tricky to review a memoir with this kind of content, because naturally it's important to be respectful of the real-life experiences described, but I'll try my best to articulate why this didn't resonate with me the way I think it should have.
Firstly, the timeline is all over the place, which requires constant work on the reader's part to retrace steps, jump forward in time, and then backtrack again. It's not very well-organized (and neither is it thematically written), and could have used a lot more shaping of the author's story. The most interesting parts were the chapter openers, which described various items found in nature that could be used for food or medicinal purposes, but even those lack connection to the main narrative; it's only/mostly in the epilogue that you get a little bit more of the way those items were practically used. "Field notes for surviving a cult" is not really an accurate portrayal of the way these things are included.
The experiences with the cult and abuse are also disjointed and lacking in enough substantive detail. Not of the exploitative or salacious kind, but simply in clearly defining specific moments or anecdotes that put the reader into the author's shoes--not to mention observation, how she felt, what she thought during/after/with time, etc., nor even much on how other women and children were affected. (There are some hints with the author's mother, but not much and not enough. Missed opportunity to explore more complex issues and deeper emotion.)
I'm assuming writing about a personal experience is usually cathartic for the writer, but for readers who are familiar with other books on cults or abuse, this one doesn't really offer much in the way of new insights or emotion. I've no doubt the author endured a great deal, and I certainly respect her survival and resilience. But as a book, and as a contribution to the collective memory of this kind of trauma, this one could have used a lot more development.
Audio Notes: For me, authors reading their own books is rarely a great experience. I sampled the audio and thought it would be okay, but as the book progressed, it felt sort of jarring to listen to these sorts of books narrated with such upbeat, light delivery. I think a different voice and style would have suited it better.
Unfortunately, this one fell short on just about every element. It's tricky to review a memoir with this kind of content, because naturally it's important to be respectful of the real-life experiences described, but I'll try my best to articulate why this didn't resonate with me the way I think it should have.
Firstly, the timeline is all over the place, which requires constant work on the reader's part to retrace steps, jump forward in time, and then backtrack again. It's not very well-organized (and neither is it thematically written), and could have used a lot more shaping of the author's story. The most interesting parts were the chapter openers, which described various items found in nature that could be used for food or medicinal purposes, but even those lack connection to the main narrative; it's only/mostly in the epilogue that you get a little bit more of the way those items were practically used. "Field notes for surviving a cult" is not really an accurate portrayal of the way these things are included.
The experiences with the cult and abuse are also disjointed and lacking in enough substantive detail. Not of the exploitative or salacious kind, but simply in clearly defining specific moments or anecdotes that put the reader into the author's shoes--not to mention observation, how she felt, what she thought during/after/with time, etc., nor even much on how other women and children were affected. (There are some hints with the author's mother, but not much and not enough. Missed opportunity to explore more complex issues and deeper emotion.)
I'm assuming writing about a personal experience is usually cathartic for the writer, but for readers who are familiar with other books on cults or abuse, this one doesn't really offer much in the way of new insights or emotion. I've no doubt the author endured a great deal, and I certainly respect her survival and resilience. But as a book, and as a contribution to the collective memory of this kind of trauma, this one could have used a lot more development.
Audio Notes: For me, authors reading their own books is rarely a great experience. I sampled the audio and thought it would be okay, but as the book progressed, it felt sort of jarring to listen to these sorts of books narrated with such upbeat, light delivery. I think a different voice and style would have suited it better.
February 2, 2023
Michelle Dowd was raised in an isolated religious community high in the Angeles National Forest of California. Despite evangelical brainwashing, enduring emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse, being deprived of a formal education, and suffering malnourishment and poor health, she escaped from her family's cult and has become an award-winning journalist. This is the story of her traumatic childhood.
Michelle's memoir is raw, shocking and emotional. Her relationship with her parents, and their emotional and physical betrayal, is truly heartbreaking — after all, your parents are supposed to be the ones who love you unconditionally, encourage you and lift you up when you need it. Tragically, Michelle's failed her in nearly every regard. With foraging playing a significant role in Michelle and her siblings supplementing their childhood diets on the mountain, each chapter begins with an illustration and brief description of a species of edible plant. These interludes are welcome as they pause, at least for a few moments, what is often a painful narrative. I would have liked to have heard more about her journey after she left her family, but I'm thankful that she has become successful, if likely emotionally scarred, in her endeavors as an adult.
I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
Michelle's memoir is raw, shocking and emotional. Her relationship with her parents, and their emotional and physical betrayal, is truly heartbreaking — after all, your parents are supposed to be the ones who love you unconditionally, encourage you and lift you up when you need it. Tragically, Michelle's failed her in nearly every regard. With foraging playing a significant role in Michelle and her siblings supplementing their childhood diets on the mountain, each chapter begins with an illustration and brief description of a species of edible plant. These interludes are welcome as they pause, at least for a few moments, what is often a painful narrative. I would have liked to have heard more about her journey after she left her family, but I'm thankful that she has become successful, if likely emotionally scarred, in her endeavors as an adult.
I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
September 23, 2023
I respect Dowd's decision not to reveal the true name of the cult her grandfather started, although as a nosy librarian I couldn't help myself looking up the names in the census records and finding what the organization was really called and what happened to it after her grandfather died. Out of respect for the author's wishes I won't share what I found but if you really want to know, you can find the info with the clues she's provided. She changed the name of the group and the names of most of the people she describes which is why some reviewers are saying they can't find any cult called "The Field." Because it wasn't called that! But it was a real cult she grew up in, there was a real scandal, and it is indeed a different organization now with a new name and leadership.
I came for the botany and stayed for the survival story -- loved how she paired the botanical descriptions with her story of survival, and love how she portrays complicated people with great compassion. She was taught to survive the wilderness during Armageddon but ultimately used her own critical thinking to apply that knowledge so she could survive her family until she could escape from them. I really appreciate that this isn't graphic, it's not the train-wreck kind of narrative that is so horrible you can't look away from. It's a story of survival, not of victimhood.
I came for the botany and stayed for the survival story -- loved how she paired the botanical descriptions with her story of survival, and love how she portrays complicated people with great compassion. She was taught to survive the wilderness during Armageddon but ultimately used her own critical thinking to apply that knowledge so she could survive her family until she could escape from them. I really appreciate that this isn't graphic, it's not the train-wreck kind of narrative that is so horrible you can't look away from. It's a story of survival, not of victimhood.
April 10, 2023
This was a beautifully written book, but ultimately a very difficult read. The author was in what I would call an abusive relationship, not only with her religion, but also with her parents. The damage that was done to her, both physically and psychologically, seems almost insurmountable to recover from. Much of what she wrote of felt like it was between the lines to surmise - which, for me was a saving grace. I loved the introductory notes of each chapter, that talked about a particular plant, and how it could be utilized as food or drink.
March 12, 2023
Brutal read
This is an upsetting read about a woman who survived a childhood completely devoid of nurture. She was made to feel guilty about existing as a normal human female. She learned a lot of skills on the mountain making her extremely self sufficient. Her knowledge of foraging and surviving in the wild was nice to hear about. It also made me sad for her.
I appreciate her sharing her story and hope she is finding some peace in life.
This is an upsetting read about a woman who survived a childhood completely devoid of nurture. She was made to feel guilty about existing as a normal human female. She learned a lot of skills on the mountain making her extremely self sufficient. Her knowledge of foraging and surviving in the wild was nice to hear about. It also made me sad for her.
I appreciate her sharing her story and hope she is finding some peace in life.
May 2, 2023
I want to write a review, but this author showed her soul on the page so well I honestly would feel bad saying some fickle thing like “interesting”, or “good book”. Overall, I would recommend this book. There are heavy mentions of religious trauma, eating disorders, self harm, suicide, and abuse- so keep this in mind when reading or considering to read.
April 5, 2023
Good read
I mean the survival skills they taught seem pretty cool but yikes. These people can't breathe without it being a sin somehow. I'm glad she got out
I mean the survival skills they taught seem pretty cool but yikes. These people can't breathe without it being a sin somehow. I'm glad she got out
August 23, 2024
memoir from a woman in a crazy religious cult who finds escape in mother nature and foraging?? this is my JAM i could eat this up all day. lowkey Educated meets Braiding Sweetgrass vibes?? those two books were better written but this is a memoir and usually memoirs r abt the plot not the writing. the storytelling and timeline isn’t the most exciting probably to the general public but again this is typa story is right up my alley. really inspired by the author’s strength!! also the way she wrote from the perspective of a child creates a rlly haunting/touching/sad scene at times bc a child’s unconditional desire to be loved and cared for and the various coping mechanisms that arise get delivered through the book in an eerily matter-of-fact manner
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March 17, 2024This book is a prime example of why I don't rate nonfiction. This author really tried to share their story and I don't want to downplay the trauma that they went through.
But the format of this book just did not work from me. It was in present tense, despite the fact that she was talking about things that had happened in her past. It was as if the author was trying to mentally go back to that place. The writing felt jumbled and didn't make a lot of sense.
I appreciate the story that was trying to be told, but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me.
But the format of this book just did not work from me. It was in present tense, despite the fact that she was talking about things that had happened in her past. It was as if the author was trying to mentally go back to that place. The writing felt jumbled and didn't make a lot of sense.
I appreciate the story that was trying to be told, but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me.
May 15, 2023
There’s got to be a reason I enjoy a dysfunctional family or cult tale, I read so many of them! The author of Forager describes her cult upbringing in Southern California during the 70s. It was some kind of Mormon-like cult, I think, but I can’t seem to find out any more about it on the internet, which is very sus. to me. The Field is what I think it was called, and was started by her grandfather in the 40s? I noticed other reviewers questioning this storyline, and I can see why. Anyway, Ms. Dowd has a lot of conflicting emotions regarding her family and the way she was raised. She seems very grateful for the knowledge about the natural world she’s been given (what is safe to eat in the wild, how to survive alone if you get lost, etc). But is also very angry at the patriarchal society she was raised in, and the abuse this meant for her. I think she has rejected any faith as well for the same reason, and that is totally understandable but still sad to me. Her very flawed family (there’s obviously some mental illness going on here) gave her a horrible example of the Father and fatherhood in general. Hey mother’s distancing from her children (which appeared to be her personality/mental illness) was so hard to hear for me, and left her children vulnerable. I hope the author found some peace and healing from writing this. Listened to on audio, read by the author.
August 2, 2023
This book sucked me right in. I guess I’m bingeing high-control religion memoirs now. Loved how she weaves foraging and nature facts into the story. And how her love for the mountains grounds her throughout. Chilling. Harrowing. Amazing. I need a book 2 about her journey on the other side!
“I am every girl I have ever been.” 💔
“I don’t want to worship at the cross of a man who kills his own son for salvation. I don’t want to worship at an altar that denies the poor and the hungry and the enslaved, telling us to wait for heaven to be free. I don’t want a God that denies the beauty of women, belying the beauty of the earth. I want the gifts of the mother, and I vow to find my way back to her.”
“I am every girl I have ever been.” 💔
“I don’t want to worship at the cross of a man who kills his own son for salvation. I don’t want to worship at an altar that denies the poor and the hungry and the enslaved, telling us to wait for heaven to be free. I don’t want a God that denies the beauty of women, belying the beauty of the earth. I want the gifts of the mother, and I vow to find my way back to her.”
April 18, 2023
I really, really wanted to enjoy this memoir. The premise is intriguing but the structure of the writing (why is the entire story in the present tense?! Except for the epilogue, very confusing) and the unspecified timeline made it hard to follow. Dowd details shocking moments from her childhood but it was hard to be sympathetic as her writing lacks emotion. It reads like disconnected non fiction. The brief introduction to forageable plants at the begging of each chapter was the only thing that gets this bumped up to two stars.
January 6, 2023
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy of this extremely well written and engrossing book. The mixing of a harrowing tale of a very difficult early life with the native plant knowledge and more than a dash of hope leads to an unforgettable book that flows off the pages. Parts of the authors life are difficult to read about, but told so lyrically and with those dashes of hope and positivity so that they are unforgettable and ultimately an affirmation of the human spirit.
February 4, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of "Forager". It is beautifully written and tells the author's painful upbringing in a way that is inspiring to read. I love the naturalist aspect and tips on foraging. The pacing is great and I was hooked the entire way through.
November 9, 2022
Compelling, heartbreaking, moving. I loved this with my whole heart.
June 12, 2023
This book will stick with me, although at points as it went along I found myself skimming a little. In some ways I think it would be a good book group discussion, as I think people would identify with it in different ways based on their personal experiences. While it's about an extremist cult/church, some of the writer's Biblical dilemmas reminded me of prayers I made and tested as a kid. Religion doesn't have to be extreme to be exposed as a little crazy.
With the voice of a child trying to figure out the mixed messages about the "word of God" preached to her, this kid somehow has some breaks: she has a questioning spirit and a lust for learning, and she becomes ill enough in the right place at the right time that she is hospitalized and separated from the family for an extended period. People in hospitals don't blame you for being sick.
I wish I knew more about her mother who is a brilliant naturalist and a terrible mother, but in the end Michelle Dowd embraces the comfort of the earth that can feed her. She has no other mother.
"Don't be afraid. Be competent." I am amazed at those children who survive shattering abuse and trauma and somehow turn it on its side. The "field notes" part is its own gift.
With the voice of a child trying to figure out the mixed messages about the "word of God" preached to her, this kid somehow has some breaks: she has a questioning spirit and a lust for learning, and she becomes ill enough in the right place at the right time that she is hospitalized and separated from the family for an extended period. People in hospitals don't blame you for being sick.
I wish I knew more about her mother who is a brilliant naturalist and a terrible mother, but in the end Michelle Dowd embraces the comfort of the earth that can feed her. She has no other mother.
"Don't be afraid. Be competent." I am amazed at those children who survive shattering abuse and trauma and somehow turn it on its side. The "field notes" part is its own gift.
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