Read with MLC: A Book about Nature

Welcome to June, and the sixth month of the Read with MLC 2025 Reading Challenge! This month's goal is to read a book about nature and the natural world. June happens to be National Great Outdoors Month and we thought, "What better time to ditch the screen, pick up a book, and head outside?" June boasts the official beginning of summer on the 20th, as well as:

• National Fishing and Boating Week - June 1-8
• National Trails Day - June 7
• National Service and Conservation Corps Day - June 13
• National Get Outdoors Day - June 14
• National Go RVing Day - June 14

Not enough outdoors for you? Check with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and Mississippi's state parks and national parks for fun events this June and all summer long.

Need a few suggestions on the perfect book to take camping or to the beach? Check out our staff picks at the jump below.

Small Magics: Practical Secrets from an Appalachian Village Witch
H. Byron Ballard
hoopla
-Billy Don Loper, MAGNOLIA Coordinator

Crow Talk
Eileen Garvin
This is a book I've been meaning to read; it's on my TBR list for this year. I have always wanted to visit the National Parks in the Pacific Northwest, and that is the setting of this novel. According to Storygraph, Crow Talk is said to be "a moving story of hope, healing, and unexpected friendship set amidst the wild natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest... an achingly beautiful story of love, grief, friendship, and the healing power of nature in the darkest of times."
-Miranda Loper, Talking Book Services Director

Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills
Abigail R. Gehring
Who doesn't love a good homesteading book?
-Kristina Kelly, Public Relations Coordinator

Into the Wild
Jon Krakauer
BARD
-Betty Moore, Technical Services Librarian

The Word for World is Forest
Ursula K. Le Guin
BARD
hoopla
In this science fiction novel from 1972, the Athshean society is completely integrated with the environment. Their world is completely covered in forest and ocean until interlopers enslave the Athsheans and begin chopping down their planet's trees. It was fascinating to read about a society who loved and respected the natural world so much that it was totally interwoven with every aspect of their daily life.
-Elisabeth Scott, Reference Librarian

Lonesome Dove
Larry McMurtry
BARD
-Billy Don Loper, MAGNOLIA Coordinator

Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens
MLC
BARD
-Jessica Parson, Library Services Coordinator

Wild
Cheryl Strayed
BARD
-Betty Moore, Technical Services Librarian

Still want to join our monthly reading challenge, but don't like the looks of any of these suggestions? Check out MLC's BookMatch service! Fill out our short form telling us about your reading likes and dislikes; we'll send you a list of suggested one-word titles tailored to your specific tastes. Until next time, happy reading!

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian