"For Everything There is a Season" by Allen Crater
Allen Crater’s “For Everything There is a Season” is a collection of short essays that are beautifully structured reflections on life, the outdoors, and the cycles of nature. The essays are grouped by the four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. This seasonal arrangement provides a natural rhythm to the book, with each section offering insights not only into outdoor pursuits but also life itself. Crater’s frequent use of quotes—perfect for any quote enthusiast—deepens the experience, adding layers of wisdom and context to his stories.
What makes this book especially engaging is the variety of outdoor experiences Crater draws from. Whether it’s bird hunting, elk hunting, fly fishing, or camping, his stories span a wide range of outdoor activities. This diversity allows readers to connect with the broader themes, no matter their specific outdoor passions.
The book begins in “Winter”, which Crater frames as a time of difficulty, introspection, and preparation. He dives into the struggles that many faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, using his stories to highlight how we can draw strength from the natural world even in our darkest times. He invites us to embrace Stoicism, encouraging resilience and the ability to endure hardship with grace. One of my favorite quotes in this section comes from his reflection on nature, as Crater channels Dickens’ simpler thoughts in Great Expectations: “Nature gives to every time and season a beauty of its own.” This quote captures the essence of winter’s subtle beauty, reminding us that even in the bleakest seasons of our lives, there is something to be cherished and learned.
In his essay “Corps of Discovery,” Crater touches on the contemplative nature of winter, blending moments of reflection with the solace found in outdoor pursuits. He writes, “And quiet contemplation mixed with fresh air, pipe smoke, and good bourbon can often cause one to become suddenly philosophical.” This beautifully crafted sentence resonates deeply with anyone who has spent time alone in the wilderness, where the absence of distractions allows for a clearer view of oneself. Through these stories, Crater frames winter not only as a season of physical coldness but as a necessary phase of mental preparation for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead in the coming year.
“Spring” is all about anticipation and the leap into adventure, which speaks to the unpredictability of life. Crater emphasizes that no hunt or trip goes exactly as planned, but the important thing is to take that first step. In "One For the Road," he writes, "Despite our best efforts and best intentions, hunting and angling are fluid activities that rarely go according to script." This passage resonates with anyone who has ever ventured into the unknown, not knowing how things will turn out but trusting the journey nonetheless.
In this section, Crater draws from his adventures, weaving a narrative that is as much about the thrill of the unknown as it is about the rewards that come from persistence. The stories in Spring remind us that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. The fluidity and unpredictability of outdoor pursuits serve as metaphors for life’s uncertainties—no plan is perfect, and the only certainty is that we must keep moving forward.
The “Summer” section starts with Crater presenting nature as a cure for modern-day stress. Here, we feel the rejuvenation that the outdoors brings, despite the physical toll it can take. My favorite quote from "The Balm of Adventure" perfectly sums up the gritty, healing quality of being in the wild: "It’s just the balm I needed," Crater reflects, after describing sunburn, bug bites, and aching muscles. This section captures the restorative power of nature, not as a gentle escape, but as a reminder of our resilience and capacity for renewal.
Crater’s stories from this section draw on a wide range of outdoor experiences, from grueling hikes to the quiet joy of a simple day spent fly fishing. Through each of these tales, he emphasizes that the outdoors is not just an escape but a means of renewal, a way to reset both mentally and physically. In a world where we are constantly bombarded by stress and overstimulation, Crater’s summer stories remind us that sometimes the best cure is to step outside, embrace the discomfort, and allow nature to work its magic.
The final section, Fall, is a time of reflection and contemplation, much like the season itself. Crater frames fall as a time to think deeply about life’s hardships and the importance of pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones. In “Eighty Octobers,” one of the standout essays in this section, Crater reflects on the fleeting nature of time: “What I wouldn’t give for a year of Octobers, I muse. The thought abruptly followed by one more sober: ‘How many Octobers will I live to see? Fifty? Sixty? Eighty?’” This reflection is both poignant and sobering, reminding us of the finite nature of our time on this earth. Crater’s musing is not about fearing death but about fearing wasted time, an all-too-relatable sentiment in today’s fast-paced world. It’s a call to action to make the most of every season, especially those precious autumn days spent in the field or by the fire.
Among the essays in “For Everything There is a Season”, Crater includes practical and unexpected elements, such as recipes for wild game, like Jon Osborn’s “Grouse Pot Pie,” which adds a delightful culinary dimension to the book. The illustrations by Jay Dowd, known for his upland folk art style, enhance the narrative, with ink drawings that bring Crater’s stories to life. Dowd’s art complements the text beautifully, adding a visual element that feels as grounded and thoughtful as Crater’s writing.
In conclusion, “For Everything There is a Season” is more than a collection of outdoor stories. It’s a meditation on life, nature, and the fleeting passage of time. Whether you’re an avid hunter, a fly fisher, or someone who simply enjoys the outdoors, Crater’s thoughtful prose and memorable quotes will resonate deeply. His ability to connect the physical challenges of the outdoors with the emotional and philosophical aspects of life makes this book a treasure. Through the changing seasons, Crater reminds us to cherish every moment, embrace life’s unpredictability, and take time to reflect on what truly matters. This book is a must-read for anyone who finds solace in the natural world and values the timeless wisdom it offers. If you'd like to purchase a copy, you can use this link to Amazon.