Story Circle Network
Austin Chapter
Reader's Guide

September 1999
Refuge

Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place
by Terry Tempest Williams

  1. The Bear River Migratory Refuge is not only a refuge for birds, but also for Terry throughout her life, especially during her mother's cancer. Do you have somewhere you go or something you do as your own refuge?

  2. Terry's mother says, "Terry, to keep hoping for life in the midst of letting go is to rob me of the moment I am in." Do you agree with this statement?

  3. Terry has a deep connection with nature and a great love for birds. What was your favorite bird or bird description in her book?

  4. Do you own a pair of red shoes? What do you believe in?

  5. Many times throughout the book events in nature seem to mimic events occuring in Terry's life. What are some of these events?

  6. Terry writes, "Perhaps we project on to starlings that which we deplore in ourselves: our numbers, our aggression, our greed, and our cruelty. Like starlings, we are taking over the world." Do you agree with this? On what do you feel you project the things that you deplore in yourself?