The Author

Introducing his adventurous memoir, Dear Park Ranger: Essays on Manhood, Restlessness, and the Geography of Hope, Jeff Muse often says, “I’m a fatherless, childless Hoosier who wouldn’t and couldn’t stay put.” Professionally speaking, he’s an accomplished learner and educator of natural and cultural history. With master’s degrees in science and creative writing, he’s worked throughout the United States as an environmental educator, historical interpreter, and park ranger - often while publishing. Muse connects people to places and people to each other - all ages, all walks of life.

Learn more about Jeff at https://jeffdarrenmuse.com/bio

The Book

Dear Park Ranger: Essays on Manhood, Restlessness, and the Geography of Hope

Part Generation X travelogue, part love letter, part reflection on White male identity, Dear Park Ranger searches for purpose, companionship, a lost father, and home. Muse must break trail to find his way. From the farms and football fields of central Indiana, to snowy West Coast wildlands, from desert canyons, to meandering rivers, to a city built by slavery, he interrogates his younger years shaped by insecurity and wanderlust, as well as later choices such as marrying “Ranger Paula” and pursuing a tree hugger’s career. At turns humorous and self-deprecating, redemptive and resolute, this is one man’s stirring gut check through inner and outer terrain.

Learn more at https://jeffdarrenmuse.com/dear-park-ranger