Austin Chapter
Reader's Guide

October 2004

Shadow Mountain: A Memoir of Wolves, a Woman, and the Wild
Renee Askins

1. Comment on the quotes that Renee uses to begin each chapter. Any favorites? Did they affect your reading of the book? What about other facets of her writing style: what did you like/dislike?

2. Askins writes about reciprocity between humans and animals, the importance of childhood contact with animals: that our wholeness/maturation depend on our relationship with animals. Do you agree/disagree? What in your life supports/negates her claims? (pgs. 4, 35, 59)

3. Askins discusses wild/sacred places (pg. 26). Do you have any experience with such a thing?

4. Comment on Askins' discussion of wildness vs the human need to control / fear of unknown (pg. 30, 34).

5. Much of this book is about Askins work to bring about social change. She says on pg.176 how important it is to listen in order to effect change. Do you agree? Any experience with this in your own life? in today's world?

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