In contemporary times, there are several novels written. Each of them has its own merit, and there are several novels that may be compared because of the many similarities they have with one another. It is indeed rare to come across a book that is entirely different to the bulk that is written in these times. However, this does not mean that one can never come across a novel that is different or surprising because of its content.

While most novels focus on subjects like adventure, murder, horror, etc. it is rare to come across books that make ‘nature’ their story line. However, ‘nature’ is also something that one can write a great deal on, and it is a subject that has immense scope for exploration. An example of a book that is quite surprising because of its content is Annie Dillard’s ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek’. This book is considered surprising because of its content that explores nature. This is something that is rare, and there are few writers who would spend their time writing about nature. The whole exploration of nature takes place through a narrative, and the narrator explores nature and describes her experiences completing her ‘pilgrimage’ on foot.

Examples of some of the narrator’s activities while on her pilgrimage include: Dillard stalking muskrats at Tinker creek, closely observing a monarch butterfly migration. In addition to this, Dillard takes a sample of pond water and investigates its contents using a microscope. She also observes a flood as it takes place and plays ‘King of the Meadow' with grasshoppers in a field.

These actions of the narrator are clearly ones that demonstrate the eagerness of her to investigate details in nature, In addition to this, it is evident that the narrator is keen to also enjoy nature and not simply get entangled in investigations. It might be therefore said that Dillard is keen to learn about nature as she experiences it, and this is what makes it most enjoyable and fulfilling to her. Having said this, it must be asserted that Dillard has gone about her descriptions in such a fashion that absorbs a reader.

Dillard begins describing her experience with each subject at the creek, and then goes off into a philosophical discussion about it. Gradually, she brings the reader back as though she has to get back to her original point or particular query she may have had.

Generally, Dillard writes her narrative with a general segregation between the Creek and Mountain. With this segregation she is able to almost create two different worlds; the mountains and the Creek. She considers the Creek where she lives, the busy place where everything happens, but it is the mountains where everything is absorbed. Though she acknowledges that she lives at the creek, she says that the mountains are her home.

The descriptions that the reader is presented are quite similar to ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance’. This is of course one of the few books that can be compared because of similarities; the major similarity between these two books is their narration and in depth consideration about nature.

Zen and the Art of Motor Cycle Maintenance, is also about exploration of nature out in the open. However, it probably does not beat Dillard’s narration of experiencing nature the way that she does. This is because of the fact that she is more in touch with nature than the description in ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’. In the latter, the father and son both ride a motorcycle and experience nature, and in Dillard’s narration, she is actually in touch with nature. There is also no mention of mechanics involved in her experiences, as Dillard narrates all her encounters with nature with descriptions and discussions about the animate and inanimate surroundings at the creek. This is not to discredit Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’, as it has its own merits. However, Dillard’s book is another work of art. It is one that a reader can find little to criticize if one appreciates nature narrations and discussions. Even for readers who are not used to reading books on nature, the use of language, descriptions, etc. are interesting, so much so, that one might feel reluctant to put the book down.

Certainly, Dillard’s ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek’ is a novel worth reading, and with its main idea being about nature and the worlds that exist within nature, it would surely appeal to any reader.