The Beast in the Garden: A Modern Parable of Man and Nature - Hardcover Book | Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Ethics & Nature Writing | Perfect for Book Clubs, Classroom Discussions & Eco-Conscious Readers

This book is amazing and riveting in the telling of our encroachment into the territory of wild animals, specifically the cougar, or mountain lion. It is hard to believe that this is the first book by David Baron, because it is everything a book should be: it begins with the heart of the story (the killing of a young runner, probably by a cougar) and then delves into those subjects we never feel we are interested in or can understand, such as science, the natural history of the Wild West, man's insistence on doing what we want, when we want, and living anyplace we choose, and then tells of heart-pounding stalking and serial killer type behavior. Throughout, Baron gives historical retellings of other encounters with mountain lions. The book wraps up as well as this story can be wrapped up, with lose ends flying in the wind as we search for answers to our desire to move into the territory of wild animals. Baron spares no one, including the parents of the young man killed or the Division of Wildlife employees, who in my opinion appear to be worthless.To compare this story to the book and movie Jaws is right on. However, we have to remember that this is a story about real people and real events and real animals and should be taken seriously since attacks by wild animals on humans seem to be increasing at a high rate. It is amazing to me that some people who had their pet dogs carried off by cougars appear to be more upset than some people whose very lives are affected. To read about these people and their silly ideas and patently absurd notions about moving back to nature is eye-opening. When the west was truly wild, we did not live with these magnificent creatures. We hunted them or stayed out of their way; we did not try to live with them. And we certainly did not think they were cute, cute enough to take their pictures as they lolly-gagged on our patios where our pets and children play.This book deserves to be a bestseller since it is both a great read and discusses issues of major importance. I hope the publisher and booksellers give this book the attention it so richly deserves. I also hope that Mr. Baron continues with his writing since he has a unique talent of being able to inform without being preachy and at the same time tell a riveting story. It is one of those books that held my attention throughout and that I read slowly so it would not end so quickly. And the ending is fitting to any book about serial killers and the like, which is to say the ending is truly chilling.