Majestic and Wild: by Canadian author, Murray Pura
published by Baker Books
released April 15.13


Inspiring adventures in the wilds of Canada, Canadian author, Murray Pura, provides greater glimpses into the majesty and beauty of our country and Creator.

From camping tales to heroics, we journey outback trails and wilderness with Pura. Sometimes solitary, sometimes in company with his family or wild menagerie. But always with increased insights into the ways of nature and of God.

Pura's writings vividly portray roaring mountain rivers to the dance of the Aurora Borealis; scents of the pine to freshly falling rainshowers.
Captivating stories of forest fires consuming vast areas of forest and relational loneliness of isolation in the midst of overwhelming beauty.

Spiritual insights are offered with gentleness; woven naturally into the fabric of the adventure. Some quotes of note-

"The wild is one of the best regions to rediscover your faith."

"A wild place in the wet is altogether different. There is a hush, the birds are not calling... everything is waiting for the rain to finish its work..."

"The woods during a long rain are a gift from God, custom made for deep thought... for worship of God that is personal and profound..."

"..rainfall is seen as a nuisance or inconvenience.. when, in fact, its beauty can offer us rare experiences if only we enter into it. Unfortunately, we withdraw from many of life's trials and challenges which could be transforming if properly embraced."

"we need to pray for a fearless heart that retreats from nothing but faces everything"

Pura adds nature quotes from various others such as Luther, Browning and Muir and relevant writings that illustrate the scriptures referenced in each chapter.

Highly recommended for all who enjoy adventure and well suited for gift giving such as Father's Day or birthdays.

Thank you, Murray, for sharing these enlightening perspectives on your abundant spiritual journeys.






Gratefully received from Baker Books for reading and review without obligation.




1st book read for Day 1 in the Bout of Books Read a Thon May 13 thru 19th ( )

Murray Pura’s Majestic and Wild is quite possibly the most peaceful book I’ve read in a long while. This collection of religious nature essays details the daily work and spiritual life for him and his family while living in Canada over the last three decades. While originally an author of religious paperback novels, his affinity for the natural world could perhaps be his second calling. Each essay is centered around a Bible verse that helps him better understand an experience he has while out in nature. To Pura, the grandeur of the natural world is the closest way to approach the grandeur of God. Each vignette, whether it be a close encounter with an enraged bear or moose or a simple jaunt into the countryside with his dogs, offers the ability for reflection not only on the wonder of the wild but also the awesomeness of the Creator. While I may not readily agree with his theology, there is no escaping the sense of how genuinely calming and calamitous nature can be. Like a few books I’ve read before, this one is written simply and reads quick but, like many other things, resists simplicity. A quiet and pleasant book. ( )