Meat Eater: Adventures from the Life of an American Hunter

by Steven Rinella
Meat Eater: Adventures from the Life of an American Hunter cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Nonfiction
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  • ID: 6172
  • Added: 2025-11-04
  • Updated: 2025-11-05
  • ISBN: 9780679645283
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-09-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Meat Eater chronicles Steven Rinella's deep connection with nature and hunting, told through ten pivotal hunts from his childhood to adulthood. From his early days as an aspiring mountain man to his adventures in the remotest corners of North America, Rinella explores the role of the hunter in shaping America and the disappearing frontier. /n/nThis book is not just about hunting; it's a reflection on the ethics of killing, the loss of our connection to food sources, and a celebration of a way of life that is part of who we are as humans and Americans. Rinella's thrilling storytelling and unique perspective offer an overabundance of history, nature, and cooking lessons.

Reviews
The Washington Post · 2012-09-28
ambitious 3.00

The book aims to be more than a memoir, but falls short of its aspirations by the end.

The reviewer felt that the book had ambitious goals but ultimately did not fully achieve them. They noted that the author's aspirations to create a poignant memoir about a man's relationship with nature were not entirely met. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledged the book's strengths in providing a unique perspective on hunting and the natural world. The book offers valuable insights into the author's experiences and the broader themes of nature and survival, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in these topics.

Quick quotes

    Unfortunately, Rinella aspires to far more than writing a poignant memoir about a man's relationship with nature.

    The book offers valuable insights into the author's experiences and the broader themes of nature and survival.

    The book had ambitious goals but ultimately did not fully achieve them.

Paste Magazine · 2012-09-18
revealing 4.00

The book highlights the author's skills in catching, cleaning, butchering, and cooking animals, which are crucial for survival.

The reviewer was impressed by the author's ability to catch, clean, butcher, and cook animals, which are essential skills for survival. The book provides a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and nature, and the reviewer found it to be a revealing and educational read. The author's experiences and insights into hunting and cooking are presented in a way that is both informative and engaging, making it a valuable addition to the genre.

Quick quotes

    Not once but multiple times in the book, Rinella's ability to catch, clean, butcher and cook an animal decides the difference between hunger and survival.

    The book provides a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and nature.

    The author's experiences and insights into hunting and cooking are presented in a way that is both informative and engaging.

Food for Hunters · 2012-09-03
engaging 4.00

The narrative is engaging and sporadic, yet it maintains a powerful and persistent delivery. The book is packed with exciting asides and digressions.

The reviewer found the book to be a refreshing and engaging read. They appreciated the sporadic yet persistent narrative style, which kept the content exciting and varied. The book is filled with interesting asides and digressions that add depth to the overall reading experience. The reviewer also highlighted the author's ability to capture the essence of hunting and cooking, making it a compelling read for those interested in outdoor adventures.

Quick quotes

    Packed with exciting asides and digressions, Rinella's narrative is refreshingly sporadic yet powerfully persistent in its delivery.

    The book is filled with interesting asides and digressions that add depth to the overall reading experience.

    The author's ability to capture the essence of hunting and cooking makes it a compelling read.

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