Review of Meat Eater: Adventures from the Life of an American Hunter by Steven Rinella
When a friend recommended Meat Eater: Adventures from the Life of an American Hunter, I was initially unsure. Sure, I’ve dabbled in outdoor adventures, but hunting has always felt like a world unto itself, steeped in tradition and often shrouded in controversy. Yet, with an introduction from Anthony Bourdain, calling it “a unique and valuable alternate view of where our food comes from,” I was intrigued. I dove in, and what I uncovered was not just a book about hunting but a profound exploration of humanity’s connection to the natural world.
Rinella’s storytelling is captivating and genuine, weaving a narrative that spans his childhood aspirations of becoming a mountain man to his more recent experiences as a father living in Brooklyn. Each chapter chronicles a different hunt—from pursuing elusive Dall sheep in Alaska to fishing steelhead in frigid waters—yet it’s not merely about the act of hunting; it’s a broader meditation on the ethical imperatives behind it. There’s a raw honesty in Rinella’s experiences; he shares not only the triumphs but also the challenges—the struggles of a career as a fur trapper, moments of self-doubt, and a complex relationship with the animals he hunts.
What struck me most was Rinella’s ability to bridge the gap between hunters and non-hunters. He doesn’t gloss over the moral questions surrounding the act of hunting; instead, he delves into them with a refreshing straightforwardness. His anecdotes not only entertain but provoke thought, stirring a nuanced understanding of the primal force driving us to seek sustenance from the wild. Sam Thayer, one of the readers, described this book as “the first true hunter/non-hunter crossover book,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Rinella’s voice is conversational and accessible, and his writing flows effortlessly, balancing informative insights with relatable anecdotes. The pacing keeps you engaged, with each story building upon the last to paint a vivid portrait of what it means to be a modern hunter. I found myself particularly moved by his reflections on ethical hunting and the importance of knowing where our food comes from, themes that resonate deeply in today’s discourse around sustainability and consumption.
One of the book’s most memorable moments involves Rinella’s musings on the balance of nature—a theme that really resonated with my own view of the interconnectedness of all life. He writes about the beauty of the animals he hunts with such respect and admiration that it’s impossible to view them merely as trophies. This profound respect elevates his narrative and transforms what could be dismissed as a simple hunting tale into a meditation on life itself.
I would recommend Meat Eater not only to hunters but also to anyone curious about our place within the natural world. Whether you’re a dedicated environmentalist, a casual reader, or someone who simply enjoys compelling storytelling, Rinella’s work encourages us to rethink our approaches to food, nature, and tradition. It’ll challenge you, entertain you, and, most importantly, it’ll make you think.
Reading Meat Eater was an enriching experience that deepened my appreciation for both the wilderness and the ethical considerations of how we interact with it. Rinella’s journey is one I believe everyone should embark on, even if just for the adventure—and the delicious recipes that follow.
You can find Meat Eater: Adventures from the Life of an American Hunter here >>