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4.5 This book is a treasure, a weaving together of memoir, Celtic wisdom, science, and activism. I was especially moved by the way the author’s Celtic community encircled her in the trauma of her childhood.
Her life is an integration of her Celtic wisdom, passed down through generations and her career in science. She invites us to see trees as integral, sentient beings on this planet, worthy of protection. She speaks to the overwhelm of climate change with practical ideas that foster deeper awareness of our interdependence with the natural world.
Although I appreciated learning about Celtic trees, the final section of the book, on the Celtic alphabet, was harder to get through (the only reason I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5). Do read it.
Her life is an integration of her Celtic wisdom, passed down through generations and her career in science. She invites us to see trees as integral, sentient beings on this planet, worthy of protection. She speaks to the overwhelm of climate change with practical ideas that foster deeper awareness of our interdependence with the natural world.
Although I appreciated learning about Celtic trees, the final section of the book, on the Celtic alphabet, was harder to get through (the only reason I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5). Do read it.
Diana lays out a shockingly simple solution for combating global temperatures rising: plant more trees. One tree per person on earth for six years. Even if one or two countries did this, it would make a difference, just by raising awareness and re-introducing citizens to their connection with nature.
informative
inspiring
reflective
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
An incredible memoir from an Irish-Canadian botanist and climate change activist about her life growing up in Ireland, becoming orphaned and how trees and books gave her hope and meaning. I also really enjoyed her stories about life in academia in Canada and just how hard it was for women scientists to get taken seriously. Lots of anecdotes about her adventures planting, growing and searching for rare species of trees. My favorite was definitely her hanging out of a helicopter in Texas trying to track down what was believed to be the last tree of its kind. An incredible woman with so much wisdom to share! Highly recommended for any lover of trees or fans of nature memoirs like Finding the mother tree and Braiding sweetgrass. Excellent on audio read by the author with her transporting Irish accent.
Favorite quote:
"From my first proper introduction to trees...I was enchanted by them. The trees I knew were the most wonderous and dependable beings in my life and I was eager to meet more of them and learn about each one."
Favorite quote:
"From my first proper introduction to trees...I was enchanted by them. The trees I knew were the most wonderous and dependable beings in my life and I was eager to meet more of them and learn about each one."
Read to part 2. Just couldn't get into it. Would retry at some point
I read this book slowly, but I immensely enjoyed learning from Diana's vast knowledge. I'm going to get my own copy so I can read it again in the future. I hope we regrow the trees of the earth, so that we may heal our land and ourselves.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced