What We Take

By Dana Stewart Quinney

In an autobiographical narrative that travels through decades and countries, Dana Quinney entertains and enlightens in her most recent journey What We Take: Memories of an Outdoor Biologist. Spanning from the 1960s to the early 2000s, Dana recounts her stories of adventure, overcoming personal struggles, and studying fascinating wildlife during her career as an Outdoor Biologist. From the arid deserts of Mexico to the tumultuous weather of Australia, she offers tidbits of herself as well as our world at large and shows that what we take—what we remember—is worth keeping.

“I loved Dana’s book. Dana’s stories of watching and studying wildlife, remind me of some of my favorite natural history writers I read growing up: David Attenborough, Gerald Durrell, and Jane Goodall! Dana is a gripping writer. I read this book in only two sittings. It is hard to put down.”

–Dr. Julia Sankey, Professor of Palaeontology, University of California Stanislaus

Once again, Dana has written an interesting and easy to read book. Many of these short stories take us back to simpler times. Dana has a good eye for helping explain the natural world. I think she sees things that trained field biologists might miss. This is a good example of the value of a liberal arts (The College of Idaho) education.

— William Clark, Director, Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History