(Nonfiction, 2015)
By Joel Sattgast
Despite strong recommendations for this book, I was hesitant to pick it up due to my minimal interest in cinema and screenwriting. However, Yorke’s narration offers an intriguing scaffolding, which illustrates structural patterns inherent within engaging storytelling—the alchemy of story.
Yorke expands upon how and why we immerse ourselves in compelling stories, weaving in additional insights from psychology, sociology, cultural myths, folklore and historical contexts. The result is an often-harmonious rhythm that flows through the pages, much like the rhythmic gait of a trail run or the flow of a Northwest river.
Applying Yorke’s patterns to the stories I’ve encountered—personally and professionally—revealed an intriguing exploration into the ‘why’ behind narrative creation. Are stories merely a personal power play, a means of finding structure amidst chaos, or a medium for reflection and growth? Or perhaps they serve to offer a momentary escape into a reality where the boundaries between fact and fiction blur, mirroring the temporary escape offered by outdoor adventures.
While some sections leaned heavily on cinema and related media for illustrations, Yorke skillfully invites readers to reflect on their own stories. In doing so, he illuminates how stories act as conduits for passing down wisdom, values and life experiences—a parallel to how outdoor enthusiasts share trail conditions, camping hacks and tales of exploration. While not a conventional outdoor read, “Into the Woods” unexpectedly proved to be a compelling journey with broad application.
