Reviews

Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard

nthurman_dude's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

kssntigger's review against another edition

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informative reflective

4.5

I really love the scientific approach Dr. Simard took when describing the symbiotic relationship between fir and birch trees and various types of fungi. It was really interesting to hear her discussion of how trees communicate beyond competition as previously thought and how the mother tree recognizes her kin.

mbfox's review against another edition

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challenging informative slow-paced

2.75

char_co's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

3.75

secondhandreads's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

A beautiful book, a scientific backing to what people have known in their hearts for eons; the forest is a community. Thriving and living and moving and growing as one, each part equally dependent on the other. A worthwhile read by every metric. 

paradise_library's review against another edition

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4.0

There’s something magical about forests. Trees have an ancient magical quality about them, which is evident in multiple fiction stories. And there's no better place to read a book than under a tree, enveloped in its giant security, savouring the shade it provides to us all.

While Suzanne Simard’s book is fact, it still contains plenty of magic. It might be a story of trees, but it’s about so much more.

Part memoir, part scientific research, Finding the Mother Tree reveals secrets of the forests and explores the harsh reality of being a woman in a man’s world, while also sharing an insight into Simard’s family, its history, loss and perseverance.

Dr Simard is passionate about preserving and enhancing nature’s biodiversity. Her research into the connectivity of trees and plants shows that even in nature, there is nurture and collaboration.

The subject is not for everyone, but it’s written well, making it engaging and compelling; by weaving in her family’s history, the book becomes less dry and more relatable. The picture she paints through her words is one of both beauty and brutality - there are even a few close encounters with bears!

Photographs not only help us to visualise the tree and feel the forest floor under our fingertips, but also give us an insight into the young girl who followed her passions and defied tradition, growing up to become a well-respected scientist and public speaker.

It’s heartfelt, thought-provoking and invites us all to connect with nature before it’s too late!

I was kindly provided with a copy of this book by Penguin. All opinions my own.

sazs's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Outstanding!

ashinonyx's review against another edition

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adventurous informative inspiring

4.5

smellyjellybelly's review against another edition

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5.0

Informative, inspirational

anfweldon's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging reflective slow-paced

3.0

I loved the enviormently conciousness of this novel! While I did find it extremely technical at time & hard to read through. It was a nice novel to read.