Years ago, naturalist and writer Brooke Williams had a vivid dream about a dragonfly. Moments after waking, he began seeing real ones everywhere he went. That moment blurred the line between his waking life and the deeper, imaginal world—a crossing that inspired his new book, Encountering Dragonfly: Notes on the Practice of Re-Enchantment.
Williams describes the experience as a turning point: “That dream marked the re-enchantment of my life.” The book chronicles his journey toward rediscovering wonder, weaving together natural history, mythology, and the subtle conversation between the seen and unseen worlds. Through observing dragonflies, he invites readers to question where the edges of reality end and imagination begins.
On October 21, The Book Bungalow welcomes Williams for a special talk and signing from 3 to 5 PM at the St. George Chamber of Commerce. Attendees can expect reflections on dreamwork, nature, and what it means to “re-enchant” the world—something Williams argues we need now more than ever.
The evening continues at Station Two Brewery from 6 to 8 PM, where Williams will host informal conversations titled “Re-enchant Ourselves / Re-enchant the World.” Over a beer and a burger, he’ll invite guests to share stories, observations, and questions about reconnecting with wonder in everyday life.
Williams is the author of numerous essays and books exploring evolution, consciousness, and wild places. His work has appeared in Orion, Outside, The Huffington Post, and Best American Essays. He lives near Moab with his wife, writer Terry Tempest Williams, where they watch light and wait for rain.
Published by Uphill Books, Encountering Dragonfly blends field notes, mythology, and dream symbolism into what biologist David George Haskell calls “an inspiring meditation on the marvels and mysteries that emerge at boundaries.” The book is available now wherever books are sold or directly through uphill-books.com.
For those seeking a moment of stillness, reflection, and a rekindled sense of awe, Brooke Williams’ visit offers a reminder that sometimes, the path to understanding begins with something as small—and as luminous—as a dragonfly.
