by Dennis Dalman
Sartell resident Douglas Wood’s latest book has just won one of the most prestigious awards in the nation – a first-place Gold Medal from the Midwest Book Awards.
The book, “A Wild Path,” published late last year by University of Minnesota Press, was named tops in the Nonfiction Autobiography/Memoir category. Wood’s memoir is a series of vividly written essays about his life as a canoe-trip tour guide, mainly in northern Minnesota and Canada. The book is filled with profound observations, surprising insights, bits of wisdom and lots of mostly self-deprecating humor.
The Midwest Book Award is open to authors in 12 Midwest states. The book entries are judged for content, quality of writing and creativity, including images and design.
“A Wild Path” is illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by Wood and by a stunning stylized painting of a stand of birch trees by artist Emily Anderson.
Born in Iowa, Douglas Wood has often been dubbed Minnesota’s “Renaissance Man.” He has written many award-winning books, some of them New York Times best sellers, including his classic children’s book, “Old Turtle.” He is also a tour guide, public speaker and songwriter and musician. He and his wife, Kathy, have long lived in north Sartell by the river. They have two sons, Eric and Brian.
After learning of his Gold Medal win, Wood emailed the following response to the Newsleaders:
“My thanks to all of you who have read the book, spread the word and generously sung its praises. I have never been more pleased with how a book has turned out. This evening, in my grandad’s Adirondack chair, with Koda the Forest Kitten beside me, I am having one of those mini 6-ounce bottles of Sauvignon Blanc (white wine) to celebrate (I know, it’s a little over the top).”
A rave review of “A Wild Path” was published in the Newsleaders in early February of this year. Here are some excerpts:
“The book is a masterpiece. Comprised of 31 essays, “A Wild Path” is vividly written, riveting, a delightfully readable exploration of Wood’s life – his loved ones, friends and fellow travelers along the path of his life. The book is a rhapsodic take on how the grand and glorious world of Nature became Wood’s healing force, his teacher, his inspiration and a source of constant wonder.
“The book reads like a rhapsodic prose poem because Wood’s beautifully crafted sentences are infused with poetic images and move with a lyrical musical lilt and cadence.
“The book weaves together philosophical ruminations and insights both psychological and aesthetic, but never in a didactic, preachy way – not in the least. Those stunning insights and rippling humor flow gently like a river, naturally from the narrative, informed by and expressed through Nature’s rapturous wonders.”
“A Wild Path” is available via Amazon.com.
Douglas Wood
