Reviews: Weathering (3)

This book draws clever comparisons between geology and therapy, with surprising results. The book is almost written in short essay format, which made some parts seem rushed.

Allen has an academic, yet accessible way of writing. A multi-faceted read.

Would be paired well with Written in Bone by Sue Black.

I could not have chosen a better book to be my first non-fiction read of 2024! It was a grounding (pun intended) book, full of the wisdom of the earth and encouragement through the turmoils that all of us will face at one point or another in our lifetimes, as well as a reflection on our collective relationship with the planet we live on. Part memoir, part self-help, and part guide to the Peak District, Weathering has a wide appeal. Ruth Allen takes her readers through a journey, using her knowledge of geology – her first career – as well as therapy – her current vocation – to help them gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the ground they stand on.

As I read this book, the Pride and Prejudice quote “What are men to rocks and mountains?” often came to mind, but what Allen is exploring is what are mankind and rocks to one another? She showed throughout that the ground we stand on every day is more than just a surface, and the landscapes that surround us impact our inner geography much more than we realise. Giving a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘know your place’, Weathering is a call to become more aware of the Earth that sustains us, for the well-being of our planet, but also our minds.

As an outdoor therapist, Allen meets with her patients out in nature, and given that she lives in the Peak District, the options for meandering paths are endless. She talks about the way that even the way we walk and hold ourselves speaks volumes to our inner turmoil, and the different effects of choosing a familiar path versus a new trail when walking. In our fast paced world full of worry and separation from our physical surroundings, this book is a reminder of our foundations and an invitation to slow down and press our hands against the earth.

Weathering has a wide appeal, and you don’t have to know anything about geology to enjoy it. Allen has an easy, direct tone that feels as if she is walking beside her reader, talking through the points of life and pointing out interesting rocks along the way. It is comforting, insightful, and brimming with wisdom. I highly encourage everyone to pick it up.

I chose this book because of the interesting premise of a connection between geology and psychotherapy. Reading the book was rather like trying to name & place visible layers of rock while on a hike. Some layers can be easily identified while others leave one scratching one's head. Some rather wordy chapters would have benefitted from concise editing to bring focus to her stream of conciousness style . Some of the allegories between geologic formations & the process of therapy felt a bit forced and long winded. Not all Allen's 'layers' yield equal connections. Still, if one has the patience to continue on through the book, there are some real gems in this book, particularly Allen's conversations with a friend about 'elderhood'. Reading 'Weathering' slowly and thoughtfully can result in some surprising insights.