David Gessner

David Gessner is an American essayist, nature writer, and creative writing professor known for his works exploring environmental themes and human relationships with the natural world. His writing frequently combines memoir, natural history, and cultural criticism. Gessner serves as the chair of the Creative Writing Department at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and is the founder and editor-in-chief of Ecotone, a literary magazine focused on place-based writing. His notable books include All the Wild That Remains, Ultimate Glory, and Return of the Osprey. Many of Gessner's works examine environmental issues through a personal lens, particularly focusing on coastal ecosystems and birds of prey. His book My Green Manifesto challenges conventional approaches to environmentalism, while Leave It As It Is explores the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt's conservation efforts. His writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times Magazine, Outside, Sierra, and Orion. Gessner has received numerous awards for his work, including a Pushcart Prize and the John Burroughs Award for Best Natural History Essay.

Readers connect with Gessner's personal approach to environmental writing and his ability to blend humor with serious ecological topics. On Goodreads, readers highlight his authentic voice and self-deprecating style, particularly in "Ultimate Glory" and "All the Wild That Remains." Liked: - Clear, conversational writing style - Balance of personal stories with environmental insights - Depth of research while maintaining accessibility - Honest portrayal of environmental challenges without despair Disliked: - Some readers find his tangents and personal anecdotes distracting - Occasional repetitiveness in longer works - Some criticism of informal tone in serious environmental discussions Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Average 4.0/5 across all books - Amazon: 4.2/5 average - "Ultimate Glory" rates highest (4.4/5) - "My Green Manifesto" shows most variance (3.8-4.3) One reader notes: "Gessner makes environmental writing feel like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend rather than a lecture." Another writes: "Sometimes meanders too far from the main topic, but always returns with valuable insights."

All the Wild That Remains - An exploration of the lives and environmental legacy of writers Wallace Stegner and Edward Abbey, interwoven with travels through the American West.

Ultimate Glory - A memoir chronicling the author's experiences in the world of ultimate frisbee during the sport's early years in the 1980s.

My Green Manifesto - A narrative following the author's journey down Boston's Charles River while examining modern approaches to environmentalism.

Return of the Osprey - A detailed account of the osprey's recovery on Cape Cod following the DDT crisis, observed over the course of one season.

Soaring with Fidel - A chronicle of following osprey migration from New England to Cuba, examining both the birds and the cultures encountered along the way.

Sick of Nature - A collection of essays challenging conventional nature writing while exploring human relationships with the natural world.

Under the Devil's Thumb - Personal essays about the author's time living in Colorado and his experiences with the Western landscape.

A Wild, Rank Place - A memoir centered on Cape Cod's landscapes and the author's relationship with his father during a time of illness.

Notes from the Cape - Essays examining life and nature on Cape Cod through both environmental and personal lenses.

Quiet Earth - A biographical work exploring isolation and creative life through the lens of teaching in a remote Chinese city.

Edward Abbey writes about wilderness and environmental activism in the American Southwest. His narrative style combines personal observation with philosophical reflection on nature and civilization.

Barry Lopez focuses on natural history and human connections to landscape across multiple continents. His work examines ecological relationships and incorporates scientific research with cultural perspectives.

Terry Tempest Williams writes about nature and environmental issues in the American West. Her work connects personal experience with broader themes of conservation and community relationships to land.

John McPhee produces detailed explorations of geology, nature, and human interactions with landscape. His research-based narratives follow scientists and other experts while explaining complex natural processes.

Bill McKibben writes about climate change and environmental issues through both journalism and personal narrative. His work combines scientific data with observations about human impacts on nature.