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Reviews
The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature by Peter Wohlleben
rebcamuse's review against another edition
4.0
I don't typically like the word "accessible" (at least in this context) because I think it comes loaded with bias and subtexts that don't really serve anyone, but this book does a remarkable job of blending solid research (yay! there are endnotes!), personal anecdotes, and let's say inspirational sensibility, if such a thing exists. Particularly wonderful is the way that Wohlleben tests his own cynic at times. I was prepared for a diatribe against some of the more touchy-feely assertions made by the tree-loving community, but Wohlleben's success lies in his willingness to explore all facets of an issue. He patiently explains how voltage works when it comes to touching trees, but also how our touch can impact plants through thigmomorphogenesis. Somehow the author manages to introduce a term like thigmomorphogenesis without losing his inviting tone. Part of this is because it is a story of Wholleben's learning instead of a simple narrative of what he has learned. There are a few awkward bits of English translation, particularly for English speakers in the US, but they shouldn't disrupt one's ability to appreciate this book.
Most valuable is how Wohlleben disrupts conventional/popular notions: e.g. using wood is NOT carbon-neutral. He seems to believe we all have a part to play -- forest-bathers, foresters, lumber companies alike-- and he often offers an idea of a solution (though we lack the blueprint for said solutions). A good read, and perhaps mildly frustrating as there were many times I wanted to put it down to go walk in the forest. :-)
Most valuable is how Wohlleben disrupts conventional/popular notions: e.g. using wood is NOT carbon-neutral. He seems to believe we all have a part to play -- forest-bathers, foresters, lumber companies alike-- and he often offers an idea of a solution (though we lack the blueprint for said solutions). A good read, and perhaps mildly frustrating as there were many times I wanted to put it down to go walk in the forest. :-)
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
3.0
My first book by this author. Quite an interesting audiobook but not a new favorite. Love trees and such but never really thought about learning about them further.
smitchy's review against another edition
2.0
This is no-where near as readable or as interesting as Peter Wohlleben's first book The Hidden Life of Trees. While the concepts are interesting, Wohlleben's waffling style was too meandering for my taste and some of the theories just too far out there.
Drawing on new scientific discoveries, and with a good bit of philosophy as well, he looks at the idea of plant consciousness, the physiological impacts nature has on people, and the harm and good we can cause with our interventions, attitudes and connection to nature.
Some of these ideas are pretty out there: I admit I struggled to wrap my head around some of them. But they are certainly interesting and if you enjoyed The Hidden Life of Trees then there will be plenty in this book to keep you interested.
Naturally, given that Wohlleben is German, most of the information about trees and forests imparted here has a Northern Hemisphere / deciduous forest bent. I found myself wondering how much things applied to Australian bush, or if the same type of studies mentioned are being done over here too. I often had the same thought when reading Hidden Life of Trees too - do these same things apply to an evergreen, drought and fire tempered, eucalypt bushland?
While I am of the opinion that forests / bushland / etc. are vital for us and can indeed affect our emotional and physical health and are equally vital for the state of the planet in general a lot of what is presented here is more about philosophy than facts.
Nothing wrong with philosophy if that is what you want. I just wasn't expecting it and didn't enjoy it. And I'm kind of sad that I didn't because I was really excited about this one.
Drawing on new scientific discoveries, and with a good bit of philosophy as well, he looks at the idea of plant consciousness, the physiological impacts nature has on people, and the harm and good we can cause with our interventions, attitudes and connection to nature.
Some of these ideas are pretty out there: I admit I struggled to wrap my head around some of them. But they are certainly interesting and if you enjoyed The Hidden Life of Trees then there will be plenty in this book to keep you interested.
Naturally, given that Wohlleben is German, most of the information about trees and forests imparted here has a Northern Hemisphere / deciduous forest bent. I found myself wondering how much things applied to Australian bush, or if the same type of studies mentioned are being done over here too. I often had the same thought when reading Hidden Life of Trees too - do these same things apply to an evergreen, drought and fire tempered, eucalypt bushland?
While I am of the opinion that forests / bushland / etc. are vital for us and can indeed affect our emotional and physical health and are equally vital for the state of the planet in general a lot of what is presented here is more about philosophy than facts.
Nothing wrong with philosophy if that is what you want. I just wasn't expecting it and didn't enjoy it. And I'm kind of sad that I didn't because I was really excited about this one.
seaglanz's review against another edition
4.0
Learned quite a bit, but felt it was a little repetitive in it’s delivery. Still worth a read, I did enjoy it!
banjopatti's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0