Diane Smith (1) (1949–)

The vintage cover of Letters from Yellowstone was appealing and the book itself was certainly well-written, but the postcard correspondence format didn't really do it for me. While the stories shared during each missive were interesting and era-appropriate, I had a hard time connecting with the characters as a result. For the most part, it felt like I was just reading old postcards without having a clear picture of the correspondents. But the writing was quite lovely, so I'm torn between 3 stars and 4 stars. Therefore, I'll give it 3 1/2 stars.… (meer)

Having studied wildlife conservation in the USA in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, I was surprised to learn how much the Smithsonian Institution relied on Yellowstone National Park to supply specimens for the 1876 Centennial exhibition and the US National Museum, and later living animals for the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. The emphasis on capturing live animals in Yellowstone led to a "taming" of wild animals through fenced enclosures and feeding, which was good for tourism. By telling this story, Diane Smith provides an excellent perspective on the development and convergence of environmentalism, wildlife conservation, zoos, national parks, and science. My only complaint is that I wish she would have consulted my Most Defiant Devil: William T. Hornaday and His Controversial Crusade to Save American Wildlife.… (meer)

Read because my son has to read it this summer to get ready for Honors American Lit., senior year in high school. It's perfect for that audience. Botany, history, feminism, adventure, even a bit of romance... something to appeal to all, and broaden the minds of those readers who are focused on certain genres.

I found it too light, too short, and too implausible. The letters just do not sound as if they were written by these people in that time. And I wanted more depth, more admissions and explorations of the complexities these people faced.

It isn't as fluffy as chick-lit, but those who prefer that could certainly handle this. Still, I did enjoy spending the summer of 1898 with the characters, and I wanted to know what happened to them come autumn, so I gladly read to the end.… (meer)