Wild is Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of her 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. It details her struggles and discoveries about herself and her life after the loss of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage.
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben unfolds the fascinating world of forests, sharing insights about the remarkable social networks of trees. The author uses scientific research to demonstrate how trees are like human families, capable of communication, support, and protection for their loved ones. The book encourages readers to rethink our relationship with trees, promoting a deeper understanding and respect for the natural world.
Into the Wild is a non-fiction book written by Jon Krakauer. It tells the gripping true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his life of comfort to pursue the thrill of life on the road and in the wild. Despite his tragic death in the Alaskan wilderness, McCandless’s story became a symbol of courage, rebellion, and the eternal human quest for meaning and freedom.
Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake is a thought-provoking exploration of the world of fungi, demonstrating their crucial role in Earth’s ecosystems. The book reveals fungi’s astounding abilities to solve problems, support life, and radically alter our understanding of nature. Sheldrake discusses various aspects of fungi, including their networking capabilities, their role in decomposition, and their potential applications in sustainable technology.
Braiding Sweetgrass is a merging of science, spirituality, and traditional indigenous knowledge. The author, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, explores themes of reciprocity with the natural world, gratitude, and indigenous wisdom.
Birnam Wood is a novel written by Josiah Bancroft. The story unfolds in a world where nature is reasserting itself with dangerous consequences for humanity. The protagonist, Elston, embarks on a journey to find his wife in a world transformed by the regrowth of the forests, encountering numerous perils and challenges along the way.
An Immense World is a beautiful exploration of the mysteries of nature and the universe. The book weaves together scientific facts, personal observations, and philosophical thoughts to paint a picture of the vastness and complexity of our universe. The author also explores the place of humans in this grand scheme of things, offering deep insights into our existence and purpose.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson chronicles the author’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, one of the United States’ longest and most challenging trails stretching from Georgia to Maine. The book humorously describes the difficulties Bryson and his friend Stephen Katz face, their encounters with fellow hikers, locals, wildlife, and the trail’s history, and it also explores the environmental challenges threatening the trail.
Set in the 1950s and 60s in the North Carolina marshes, ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ is a coming-of-age story of the ‘Marsh Girl,’ Kya Clark. It intertwines a murder mystery with a tender love story, while portraying Kya’s life of solitude, survival, self-education, and her journey to peace amidst social rejection.