A Psalm For the Wild-Built

A guidebook for those who are seeking

I discovered this book’s existence in late 2022. Often when I put books on my list I will try and determine if it’s a book to buy or a book to request at the library. Something in my gut told me to buy. Still, I waited. I made plenty of trips to the bookstore, namely to Barnes and Noble where I had been cashing in on Christmas gift cards, but this particular book isn’t kept in stock at my Barnes and Noble, so the wait continued. 

My city has an amazing independent bookstore which I try to frequent. I had looked online at their catalog when first discovering A Psalm for the Wild Built and they had one in stock. I don’t have an explanation on why I didn’t go buy it immediately, I was quite content with the idea that it wasn’t time yet. Until it was very much the right time. 

I was plotting a typical busy work day and making a list of errands that needed to be ran when a voice in my head said “and go to the bookstore to buy the book” as if it was just as normal and essential as “don’t forget to buy bread.” The pieces continued to fall into place on the journey to acquire the book including a nod from each of the lovely women working at my local bookstore, solidifying the book as a must read and that now was the time to read it. 

It’s a quick read, only 160 pages. After finishing the book I put it down and ruminated on it for a few hours until ultimately making the decision to sit back down and begin it again. There have been many books that I reread in my life, but never back to back, especially not in the same day. I knew I needed to reexamine what I had just read, and catch any moments I may have missed. 

There are books to enjoy and there are books that become lessons. Sometimes a book can touch you on a deeper level, offering you guidance or show you something you weren’t able to see for yourself just yet. This book did that for me. And I believe it’s why my subconscious was waiting for the moment I was ready to receive it. I needed a nudge and the universe was waiting until I was ready for the gentle yet loving push. 

You see, there have been a lot of things happening in my life. Things that have been difficult and things that have made me stop and think about what I really want out of my life. What trials are worth putting myself through. It’s easy to get lost in those moments, to feel overwhelmed. But sometimes the tiniest bits of light to help show you the way can be found in the simplest of places, like a little book about a monk and a robot. 

I thought about going into detail about the book but have decided against it. I would rather readers take it in without preconceived notions. It changed my life a little, maybe it’ll do the same for you, but only if you’re in a place to accept it’s lessons. Maybe if we all keep this book close to our hearts it’ll remind us to keep chasing the crickets.