A Shape in the Dark
Living and Dying with Brown Bears

4.5 stars rounded up. I didn't get into the memoir portion of the book, but its beautifully written, has a Very fascinating history with an enthralling way of telling it, and good exploration of why people (myself included) have an interest in creatures such as bears. I particularly liked the discus......more

The author weaves personal anecdotes with historic accounts regarding the human relationship with grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountains and Alaska. I enjoyed the read, although I'd categorize it as a series of essays rather than a cohesive narrative.......more

I was surprised at how much I loved this book. Based on the cover (I know, I know) I had expected more fear mongering. But it was actually a fairly pragmatic look at brown bears, written by a hunter and native Alaskan who respects and even admires bears, while also recognizing that they are wild ani......more

An uneven, sometimes dull sometimes genuinely fascinating book, this attempts to give both an even-handed historical overview of brown bear/human interactions while also serving as a personal memoir of Dihle's experiences with them, and his expertise about them, and their environment. As a writer of......more

A book written with the deepest of reverence and respect for not just brown bears, but the wild in which they live. Dihle blends various historical accounts of encounters and attitudes towards these great bears across the US with more personal and first hand experiences and musings. There is a seren......more