emily_1215's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
I've gotten a lot more into nonfiction this year, and this book seemed like a good one for the late summer, and even within the first ten pages, I was blown away. Kimmerer's writing is so insightful, wise, and personal, like she's sitting right next to you as she tells these stories.
This essay collection also changed how I view the world. One of my favorite essays is "Allegiance to Gratitude," and that essay in particular made me more aware of nature and the earth. I notice and appreciate so much more in the world, and it's made me question the cost of industry, manufacturing, and oil-drilling. Each essay celebrates a different plant and tells a story centered around it, as well as cultivating appreciation for the earth.
I've marked my favorite essays, and they're things I want to return to. I've started thinking much more about sustainability and my own ecological footprint, and that's a significant part of Kimmerer's purpose. I didn't love every chapter in this collection, but I love it as a whole, and it's had a huge impact on me. This is perfect for nature-lovers or nature novices, and this would also make a great gift for those people in your life.
I've gotten a lot more into nonfiction this year, and this book seemed like a good one for the late summer, and even within the first ten pages, I was blown away. Kimmerer's writing is so insightful, wise, and personal, like she's sitting right next to you as she tells these stories.
This essay collection also changed how I view the world. One of my favorite essays is "Allegiance to Gratitude," and that essay in particular made me more aware of nature and the earth. I notice and appreciate so much more in the world, and it's made me question the cost of industry, manufacturing, and oil-drilling. Each essay celebrates a different plant and tells a story centered around it, as well as cultivating appreciation for the earth.
I've marked my favorite essays, and they're things I want to return to. I've started thinking much more about sustainability and my own ecological footprint, and that's a significant part of Kimmerer's purpose. I didn't love every chapter in this collection, but I love it as a whole, and it's had a huge impact on me. This is perfect for nature-lovers or nature novices, and this would also make a great gift for those people in your life.
anxiousplanter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
kitchensensei's review against another edition
5.0
A really compelling read. Unlike other books that I have loved, this book forced me to slow down to read. Each section, each line read more like poetry and required me to sit with it. I loved many chapters in the book but none more than Witness to the Rain. The book makes me want to have a different relationship with the natural world. I highly recommend it.
littlespider9's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
mamireads's review against another edition
5.0
I predict this book will be on my top ten books of the year. As soon as I finished listening to the audiobook I bought a paper copy and I'm already rereading it. Every page is full of Native wisdom, beautiful metaphors, and subtle life lessons I want to learn. This book made me have group hugs with Brussels sprouts and kiss tomatoes before cutting them up. I love how it's full of scientific facts and poetry all at once. How it's full of spiritual teachings as well as botany and ecology lessons. The second reading is even better, like savoring a second serving of your favorite dessert.
ameeth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
I could write an entire essay about this book, and it would still not be enough praise. I feel so strongly about how it has changed my worldview; Kimmerer opens a linguistically awesome and lyrical bridge into ways of knowing, respecting, and acting to care for our human and non-human communities-- as someone not of Indigenous descent, I feel immensely grateful for the shared gift of these stories. It is a long book, but one that merits deep reflection and should be read everywhere.
maddierose_m's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
Just beautiful. This should be required reading.
mooncrab's review against another edition
3.0
It is hard giving this a mediocre rating because I think this book is an invaluable gift of wisdom, drawing on science and the innate Indigenous connection to nature. In so many ways, this special book deserves 5 stars. But it took me so long to read it because I found myself really unmotivated to pick it up. It didn’t capture my attention consistently and after finishing an essay or two, I’d set the book down and forget about it, almost losing interest in the same way I might struggle to binge-read a textbook. It is clear that this book is meant to be savoured and enjoyed in small bites for the most impactful reading experience.
kelsey747's review against another edition
5.0
Over 30 years of avid reading has always had me unable or unwilling to claim a “favorite book”. I’ve loved too many books for too many reasons to place one above the rest. Until now.
This book is a piece of art. It is a perfect balance of science and spirit, humanity and divinity, gravity and lightness, story and guidebook. It’s taken me months to read a book I could have read in a week because it asks so much deep, honest reflection. Reading this has changed me and I can’t imagine anyone with any love for nature or any concern for our future not being deeply impacted by it.
Please read this book. Please share this book. It’s message is a way forward for us.
I’m purchasing another copy to lend out, because mine will always have a bookmark in it somewhere.
Just wow.
This book is a piece of art. It is a perfect balance of science and spirit, humanity and divinity, gravity and lightness, story and guidebook. It’s taken me months to read a book I could have read in a week because it asks so much deep, honest reflection. Reading this has changed me and I can’t imagine anyone with any love for nature or any concern for our future not being deeply impacted by it.
Please read this book. Please share this book. It’s message is a way forward for us.
I’m purchasing another copy to lend out, because mine will always have a bookmark in it somewhere.
Just wow.