In her essay collection, "The Solace of Open Spaces," Gretel Ehrlich reflects on the transient nature of life and our desire for permanence. She explores how our homes, bodies, and experiences are all impermanent, and yet it is our ability to be attentive and alive that makes the uncertainty bearable. Ehrlich learns that loss can bring a deeper appreciation for life and that paying attention to the world around us allows us to see it more clearly and love it more deeply. The book serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.