TTT: Books about trees and nature

Top Ten Tuesday: Books with trees or nature on the cover. I extended the prompt to include books about these topics (not exclusively covers.)

Books I've read about trees and nature that I recommend

1. The Overstory by Richard Powers

Seven inter-connected stories all related somehow to trees. In fact, the trees are the real protagonists of the book. This is one of the best books I've ever read. (Fiction, 2018) 

2. Lab Girl: a Memoir by Hope Jahren

This memoir written by a biologist opened my eyes to some many wonders about trees and how they communicate with one another. (Nonfiction, 2016)

 

3. Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

The story centers around the great American Chestnut tree that was nearly wiped out by blight. (Fiction, 2000) 

4. The Big Burn by Timothy Egan

Not a book about trees specifically but about forests and a huge forest fire that led to the formation of 

the Forest Service and National Parks. (Nonfiction, 2009)

5. Serena by Ron Rash

Shows the greed of timber barons as they cut down huge swaths of North American forests in the 1930s leading to devastating results. I guarantee this book will make you furious. (Fiction, 2008)

6. Remarkable Trees of the World by Thomas Pakenham

I love the beautiful photographs in this book about some of the most amazing trees around the world. Now I want to mark a trip and visit all of them. (Nonfiction, 2002)

Books about trees and nature that I want to read

1. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohllenben

"A fascinating and intimate account of how trees grow, socialize, interact with their environment, and even feel. Beautifully written and drawing on groundbreaking scientific discoveries, this book reads like a wondrous fairy tale of the forest that will take your breath away." (Nonfiction, 2015)

 

2. Kiss the Ground by Josh Tickell

"Discover just how incredible the soil beneath our feet really is, and how it has the potential to reverse climate change, feed the world, and improve your health. Beyond focusing on soil, this is a thoroughly researched exploration of the history, politics, and ecology of agriculture." (Nonfiction, 2017)

 

3. The Man Who Planted Trees by Jim Robbins

"This is the story of a man who set out on a mission to reforest the world by cloning the oldest, largest, and most resilient trees - champion trees - to create a Noah's Ark of tree genetics. It's also the story of a New York Times journalist who had his doubts. Through narrative and research, we uncover incredible human accomplishments and the essential role of trees in our survival." (Nonfiction, 2012)

 

4. The Nature Fix by Florence Williams

"Why does a walk in the woods do us so much good? This book explores the amazing benefits that connecting with nature has on our health and happiness, investigating cutting edge research from around the world." (Nonfiction, 2017)

 

*Quotes from 24 Best Books About Nature and Trees 

-Anne