Books Like...
'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a blend of indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, focusing on the interconnectedness between nature, culture, and humanity. Through a series of essays or stories, Kimmerer shares her personal journey as a Potawatomi person and a biology professor, exploring themes of reciprocity, gratitude, and sustainability. Her writing style is described as poetic, reflective, and meditative, offering a unique perspective on environmentalism and indigenous philosophy.
If you liked Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures" by Merlin Sheldrake is a fascinating exploration of the world of fungi, delving into the science, lore, investigations, and potential uses of these often overlooked organisms. The book introduces readers to the interconnectedness of fungi with the natural world, showcasing examples of truffles, psilocybin, and mind-altering mushrooms. Sheldrake's writing style is engaging and informative, presenting a mix of scholarly research and entertaining anecdotes to keep readers intrigued. Through the book, readers are taken on a journey to uncover the mysteries of fungi, their symbiotic relationships with plants, and their potential to shape our future, particularly in addressing the climate crisis.
Sheldrake's "Entangled Life" offers readers a deep dive into the complex and essential role that fungi play in our ecosystems, challenging readers to rethink their perceptions of these organisms. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the symbiosis of plants and fungi to the mind-altering effects of certain mushroom species, providing a comprehensive overview of the fascinating world of fungi. With a blend of scientific detail and accessible language, Sheldrake captivates readers with strange facts and intriguing insights, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for the often underestimated realm of fungi.
IMAGINE THAT YOU could pass through two doors at once. It’s inconceivable, yet fungi do it all the time. When faced with a forked path, fungal hyphae don’t have to choose one or the other. They can br... - #2
Save:"The Overstory" by Richard Powers is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of various characters who have a deep connection with trees. The book starts with seemingly disconnected short stories that gradually intertwine, highlighting the importance of trees and the impact they have on people's lives. The writing style shifts between individual character narratives and an overarching theme of environmental activism, creating a complex yet compelling storyline that explores the relationships between humans and nature.
The narrative of "The Overstory" delves into the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, particularly focusing on the significance of trees in shaping individual destinies and the collective fate of the planet. Through a mix of poetic language, overlapping storylines, and thought-provoking events, the book presents a powerful and emotional tale that challenges readers to rethink their perspectives on environmental conservation and the beauty of nature.
People are hurling stones at the giant trunks. The nuts fall all around them in a divine hail. It happens in countless places this Sunday, from Georgia to Maine. Up in Concord, Thoreau takes part. He ... - #3
Save:'The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate ? Discoveries from a Secret World' by Peter Wohlleben explores the intricate lives of trees and forests, revealing their social networks, communication methods, and complex interactions with other organisms. Wohlleben, a former forestry manager, presents trees as sentient beings with memory, sensory input, and even emotional responses. delves into the mysteries of nature, showcasing the resilience and intelligence of trees while highlighting their vital role in the ecosystem. Through a blend of scientific facts, personal observations, and storytelling, Wohlleben offers a new perspective on trees, challenging readers to see beyond the human-centric view of the world.
YEARS AGO, I stumbled across a patch of strange-looking mossy stones in one of the preserves of old beech trees that grows in the forest I manage. Casting my mind back, I realized I had passed by them... In "Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses" by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author beautifully intertwines science and personal reflection to explore the elegantly simple lives of mosses. Kimmerer leads readers through a series of linked personal essays, sharing her experiences as a scientist, mother, and Native American to shed light on the biology and cultural significance of mosses. Through her lyrical prose and unique storytelling, Kimmerer delves into the interconnectedness of mosses with the natural world, inviting readers to learn from these fascinating organisms and indigenous ways of knowing.
- #5
Save:Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard is a collection of meditations on nature, spirituality, and the human experience. The book takes readers on a journey through the author's observations and reflections on the beauty and brutality of the natural world around Tinker Creek in Virginia. Dillard's writing style is described as poetic, introspective, and deeply insightful, as she delves into themes of wonder, awe, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The book is a blend of personal narrative, philosophical musings, and detailed observations of the flora and fauna in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dillard's prose is praised for its vivid imagery, lyrical quality, and ability to evoke a sense of reverence for the mysteries of the universe. Through her contemplations on nature, she invites readers to see the world through her eyes and find meaning in the intricate tapestry of life on Earth.
I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest. I’d half-awaken. He’d stick his skull under my nose and pur... Trevor Noah's memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood," offers a unique perspective on growing up during and after apartheid in South Africa. Through a series of vignettes, Noah intertwines seemingly unrelated stories to illuminate the forces that shaped his childhood. The book delves into the complexities of race and culture in South Africa, providing insights into the author's upbringing, his family dynamics, and the societal norms that influenced his life.
Sometimes in big Hollywood movies they’ll have these crazy chase scenes where somebody jumps or gets thrown from a moving car. The person hits the ground and rolls for a bit. Then they come to a stop ...- #7
Save:'An Immense World' by Ed Yong is a captivating exploration of the sensory perception of various animal species, offering a unique perspective that challenges human-centric views. Through vivid descriptions and a blend of knowledge, reverence, enthusiasm, and humor, Yong delves into the intricate ways in which insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish experience the world. The book provides readers with a profound understanding of the diverse tools of adaptation used by different beings, encouraging a shift away from a culture of domination towards a more equal and empathetic relationship with the animal kingdom. Despite some criticism regarding excessive detail and scientific complexity, 'An Immense World' delivers a thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to marvel at the wonders of the natural world.
By “he,” she means Finnegan—her ink-black Labrador mix, who also goes by Finn. By “here,” she means the small, windowless room in New York City in which she runs psychological experiments on dogs. By ... - #8
Save:'Ending Aging' by Aubrey de Grey and Michael Rae explores the possibility of reversing human aging through rejuvenation breakthroughs. De Grey presents a comprehensive plan called SENS (Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence) to address the seven types of cellular damage that contribute to aging. delves into the underlying mechanisms of aging at the cellular level and proposes solutions to manipulate these mechanisms to potentially achieve indefinite youthful lifespans. De Grey's writing style combines hard science with Silicon Valley's techno-optimism, making complex biological concepts accessible to readers.
In "A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail," Bill Bryson recounts his humorous and informative journey hiking a significant portion of the 2100-mile Appalachian Trail with his out-of-shape friend Katz. Throughout the book, Bryson blends his witty humor, historical insights about the trail, U.S. Forestry Dept., and wildlife, and the challenges faced while embarking on such an ambitious trek. The narrative captures the essence of the Appalachian Trail, the people encountered along the way, and the dangers and beauty of the trail, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging tone.
A sign announced that this was no ordinary footpath, but the celebrated Appalachian Trail. Running more than 2,100 miles along America’s eastern seaboard, through the serene and beckoning Appalachian ...- #10
Save:'The Soul of an Octopus' by Sy Montgomery is a memoir that explores the author's time at the New England Aquarium, focusing on her experiences working with octopuses. The narrative delves into the intelligence and behaviors of octopuses, shedding light on their capacity for problem-solving, relationships with caretakers, and their remarkable personalities. Montgomery's writing style combines personal anecdotes, scientific facts about octopuses, and character studies of the individuals working at the aquarium, providing a blend of nature writing and insights into the world of these fascinating creatures.
The author's journey not only unveils the wonders of the octopus world but also touches on broader themes of friendship, loss, and consciousness. Through Montgomery's heartfelt storytelling, readers are taken on a captivating exploration of the complexities of octopus life, their interactions with humans, and the emotional connections that can be formed with these intelligent marine creatures.
Athena’s lead keeper isn’t in. My heart sinks; not just anyone can open up the octopus tank, and for good reason. A giant Pacific octopus—the largest of the world’s 250 or so octopus species—can easil...
