October 19, 2011

Franklin's Wolf

I read an amazing book, The Wolf in the Parlor. It’s non-fiction and written by Jon Franklin, a renown science writer and talented storyteller. In fact, when Franklin worked as a newspaper science reporter, the Pulitzer committee created a category so Franklin could win the prize in the early 70s because he so clearly deserved to.

The Wolf in the Parlor looks at the probability that early humans and wolves evolved together to become modern man and the dog.

Where we come from is one of the most fascinating and important questions we can entertain, I believe. Even a cursory review of the evolutionary trail brings us in touch with the enormous length of time as well as physical pain it took for us to get here, and how we have occupied the top dog position on this planet so very briefly.

If you are a dog lover, you’ll definitely enjoy the book. But even if you are not, the book provides historical insight on who we are because of where we come from. I highly recommend The Wolf in the Parlor.

Franklin also wrote one of the best books on writing I ever read, Writing for Story, but that's another post and another plug:)

Between picking up some work last week and going to a wedding in Chicago over the weekend, I detached here. But I'm very much looking forward to reading everyone's blogs and getting inspired to write creatively.



18 comments:

Stephanie D said...

Hooray! You're back. Looking forward to more posts from you.

Wine and Words said...

Missed ya. The book sounds interesting, though I believe that belief in evolution takes far more faith than any other theory. But...you know that :)

Rock on Ed. Looking forward to your posts!

Ruhi said...

Welcome back, missed your posts :)

void said...

Sounds like an interesting book! I'm always looking for a good book on writing, so I'll check into "Writing for story". Thanks for the recommendation. Welcome back & happy writing!

Lisa said...

hello ed pilolla, I am reading for story!

everything, every being, goes through evolution. we were once just a clinging clot in the deepest, and darkest of our mother's womb.

Pat Hatt said...

Interesting theory, the aliens did it, that's my story..haha...about time you came back geez...j/k...good to see you back around.

Brian Miller said...

have never read that book on writing so that is def on the list now...thanks for the recommendation...will check the other out as well because it sounds fascinating...

Ed Pilolla said...

i just can't recommend writing for story enough. franklin outlines the simple structure that every single successful narrative story follows. everyone i know who read it has said it changed they way they write for the better.

Janie Junebug said...

That sounds very interesting. I've missed you!

Love,
Lola

Betsy Brock said...

no apes at all? lol...

Jax said...

I am 2 books behind on my reading list..but this sounds really good! I'm a sucker for books that teach you something! Yes, I'm that loser that reads non-fiction. lol

Glad your back :) I was wondering where you went...

Deb Kirkeeide said...

Both books sound interesting.
I'm also wondering if the latter would help an artist become a writer.

EcoGrrl said...

love the recommendation, powell's on my lunch tomorrow fo' sho'

Claudia said...

wow sounds great ed..will check out the links...at the moment i'm reading samuel beckett...do you know him? he's an awesome story teller, takes your right into the scene...hey - wishing you a lovely day

Unspoken said...

I am greatly suspicious of anyone who doesn't like dogs!

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Thanks for this tip, Ed. I lived with a wolf, recently , for fourteen years - a cross between wolf and mixed dog, off an island on the west coast. He was such an intelligent being, very Alpha and WAY smarter than me. I believe he picked things up psychically - like he knew when I was just THINKING of taking him for a run in the forest.

He was his own creature, was a handful, did everything His Way, and I never loved anyone or any creature so much. I still and always will miss him. I will track this book down.

Here is one that broke my heart: Shadow Mountain: A Memoir of Wolves, a Woman and the Wild. by Renee Askins, who was involved in the returning of wolves to Yellowstone. I blogged about it here - there is an excerpt:
http://stardreamingwithsherrybluesky.blogspot.com/2011/03/wolves-woman-and-wild.html

Alexandra said...

I ordered these books b/c of your recommendation: I can't wait till they get here.

I also loved this one about writing:

Adair Lara's "Naked, Drunk, and Writing."

Especially ch. 7.

Thanks, Ed: I never know what I'l find here.

Thank you.

JeannetteLS said...

Okay, that does it. I just read Franklin's nonfiction writing book. And you are recommending a book about the evolution of man and wolves. Your heart goes to those who are part of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. Brian Miller follows your blog.

I've read five entries and they all make me think and/or feel deeply. I cannot ask for MORE.