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mavemarie's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I had hoped to be moved by this book as a whole, but only found that magic in (albeit many) disjointed parts. This book is written for a timeline that is not for humans, and I don't think that's a fault, but ultimately left me floating and wanting for something I didn't receive. There is magic here. True and moving content, but not on the same level as Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass.
I didn't feel like any of the eight(??) storylines ended in a remotely satisfying way, but that they could have and should have.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Police brutality
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Excrement, Violence, Grief, Toxic relationship, Gore, Cursing, and Fire/Fire injury
rachel17's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I have so many thoughts. My climate friends recommended this book to me, saying, “I didn’t really enjoy it, but it’s important.” I kind of agree. Mostly, I thought this was a beautifully-written, piercing set of stories about our relationship with the natural world. But that doesn’t quite encompass all the layers. Some parts were flowery and soothing, other parts: caustic and disturbing. Generally, I think this is a Good Book.™
But I’ve a few criticisms. I continue to be frustrated by white male authors. While I appreciated the diversity of the characters, some of the “broken English” parts made me cringe, particularly the parts that were referenced repeatedly. I also thought this book was sorely lacking Indigenous Knowledge attributions, which he sort of touched on in the very end, but barely. And to any male authors out there who may still somehow be unsure: You Don’t Need To Write About Women’s Chests. Though, slightly ironically, I had a hard time keeping the white dudes straight.
I’ve got a lot more opinions about other things in this book, but I think that might make this review into a novella.
But I’ve a few criticisms. I continue to be frustrated by white male authors. While I appreciated the diversity of the characters, some of the “broken English” parts made me cringe, particularly the parts that were referenced repeatedly. I also thought this book was sorely lacking Indigenous Knowledge attributions, which he sort of touched on in the very end, but barely. And to any male authors out there who may still somehow be unsure: You Don’t Need To Write About Women’s Chests. Though, slightly ironically, I had a hard time keeping the white dudes straight.
I’ve got a lot more opinions about other things in this book, but I think that might make this review into a novella.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Police brutality, Gore, and Death
amelianotthepilot's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
this book is sooo longgg
talking about a bunch of different people all connected eventually through their love of trees
talking about a bunch of different people all connected eventually through their love of trees
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Suicide attempt, Grief, Police brutality, Death of parent, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Medical content
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