Writer Amy Irvine discussed her new memoir, Almost Animal: A memoir of motherhood, wildness, and the American West, in a report published November 10 by Orion Magazine. The sixth-generation Utah native shared personal reflections on her life and the landscapes of the American West.
Irvine described her connection to the Utah homeland, specifically the Redrock Country and the Great Basin. She identified the Utah juniper as her favorite tree, noting its ability to thrive in harsh conditions. Regarding the environment, Irvine expressed a desire for the full restoration of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments, including Indigenous co-management.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Salt Lake City, Utah, Irvine noted the impact of air pollution and the state of the Great Salt Lake. She also addressed the historical impact of Mormon ancestors on the American West, stating that Native American populations plummeted by eighty-six percent in the fifty years following the initial encroachment of the Saints.
Irvine detailed a non-linear writing routine, stating she works in waves rather than writing or journaling daily. She noted that she waits to write until she has had a significant experience or learned something new to make sense of. Her recent experiences include attending her first rave in March, following her sixtieth birthday.
The author's memoir, Almost Animal, explores themes of motherhood and wildness. Irvine noted that her dreams have shaped the material and course of every book she has written.
