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Joanna Clare Dobson's avatar

Thank you for this really thoughtful reading of Carson, written at such a time of turmoil for you. I am very moved and encouraged by what you write about love - Carson's, yours, your dear Uncle Joe's. Wishing you a peaceful return to Scotland and everything you need to begin to heal from your loss.

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Meg Bertera-Berwick's avatar

thank you, Joanna!

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Yulani Sann's avatar

What an amazing reflection. Carson is truly an inspiration to me as an aspiring ecologist. I've gotten many of her works and I think I will start with 'Silent Spring'. This letter was truly inspiring & as someone searching for light where I can find it with environmental science, you captured so many of the complex facts and feelings with hope shinning so brightly within your words.

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Meg Bertera-Berwick's avatar

thank you Yulani, i'm so glad it resonated! I hope you get a lot from Silent Spring and from all of Carson's work; I would definitely be interested to hear what you think after reading.

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Claire's avatar

Oh man, I just finished reading North Woods because a beloved Aunt who is in hospice care recommended it. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up on my own, because it’s partly about changes to the forest in Western MA, mostly from the perspective of fictional settlers. But, maybe for similar reasons, I found what I loved about it and am really glad I read it, and this really hit home in so many ways. Thank you!!

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Meg Bertera-Berwick's avatar

Oh that's really interesting! Western MA is my homeland, I'll have to look that book up. I'm so glad this piece resonated with you, and I'm so sorry that your aunt is in hospice care. I hope her days are pain-free and full of the love of her people.

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Claire's avatar

I am so sorry about your Uncle and I hope that your time with family was comforting and helpful!

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Viola Madau's avatar

Another interesting coincidence: I was finishing a book about the ocean this week and there was a whole chapter about Rachel Carson and a focus on Silent Spring - her only work not about the ocean I believe? Condolences for the loss of your uncle, thanks for sharing your words with us once again:)

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Meg Bertera-Berwick's avatar

oh interesting! yes, it's the only book of hers not about the ocean, and I think her books on the ocean are truly sublime. thanks so much, Viola!

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