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~ Woman Who Speaks Tree ~ Book Review & Giveaway
April 23, 2009
I love trees. They are one of nature's constants; beautiful in all seasons. Their beauty, regardless of the month, is what gets me through the vegetatively colorless season of winter. It's no coincidence that my outdoor photos from the last 4 months were mostly... trees. There's nothing else growing!
Next to their timeless, all-season beauty I love how trees mark the passage of time. People generally don't buy a new car or cow to mark a special event but they will plant a tree. And reading the growth rings on a fallen tree or coming across a twisted, gnarly trunk never fails to fascinate me. Trees tell stories and I like stories.
So it was with great interest that I picked up the book"WOMAN WHO SPEAKS TREE: Confessions of a Tree Hugger" by Maine author Linda Tatelbaum.
I came across a review in the winter publication of the The Maine Organic Famer and Gardener, found the book at my local library and enjoyed it this winter as a good read. Although I think it would be delightful in all seasons, just like trees are!
Book Review
Where to start? There's so much about this book that I liked but these four points seemed to especially stick out.- Tatelbaum is an honest-to-goodness homesteader. In fact she wrote about her homesteading experience in Carrying Water as a Way of Life: A Homesteader's History, which I just finished reading. Although this tree book is not explicitly about homesteading, Tatelbaum's experience is woven throughout and I just eat up stories of people living outside the mainstream; building a home, garden and life out of the woods.
- I'm a tree hugger, you're a tree hugger. I love trees, I love nature, I love the soil, I love my compost, I love the woods, I love my garden... And I'm doing my best to make choices each day that will preserve these things I love. I have never chained myself to a tree in the face of a bulldozer but I have a deep respect for the natural world. It's not about "saving the environment" it's about preserving the trees, soil, plants, water and air that are necessary for our survival. Linda speaks this message loud and clear by pulling you into the fascinating story of her life. Like my mother says, "a good writer shows not tells". Tatelbaum is very good at showing.
- Without trying to sound corny, this book is as much about self discovery (perhaps more?) as it is about trees. As Linda chronicled finding out who she was through her twenties and thirties I could relate. My passion for an environmentally in-tune lifestyle (not-fully-realized-yet) began later than most. I was well out of university before the typical youthful idealism started to kick in. But I could relate to Linda's story of finding herself - who she was/is and what she values - through her relationship with trees. My own growing relationship with the natural world is ever defining my values. Granted, I'm not homesteading in the woods but I do spend a fair amount of time in them. The more time I spend camping, hiking and backpacking or gardening and visiting the farm the more I discover about myself.
- The natural world connects us to our Creator. I don't want to put words in Tatelbaum's mouth, especially in matters of faith but in this book it is clear that through the process of homesteading, being a member of a community and understanding trees Linda returns to her Jewish roots. That is her story. My story is that the natural world shows me the beauty and creativity of God each and every day. I don't need a temple, church building, synagogue, prayer mat, icon or otherwise to connect with God. Give me a green forest, a mossy tree trunk, the smell of warm pine, a newly opened bud and my heart sings worship to my Creator. A book like this encourages me that I'm not the only one who experiences God when I spend time with trees.
Giveaway
I'm very pleased to offer a signed copy of this book to one lucky reader. I contacted Linda a couple months ago and asked if she would be willing to give a copy of her book - and she said yes! Thank you Linda! Speaking of which, she is a recently retired Professor of English & Environmental Studies and knowing that she is going to read my review makes me feel slightly nervous.But I'm putting all that aside so you can have a chance to own this lovely book. To participate in the giveaway please leave a comment. And I would appreciate it if you would spread the word, and not for FIMBY's sake. I think we should do our best to advertise for independent authors and publishers, (Linda self-published this book). To that end, I'd be grateful if you'd tweet or otherwise promote this giveaway. Let's get out the word for quality writing and publishing.
{Kathy D. is the randomly chosen winner for this book, thanks all for commenting, hope you all can find it at your local library or bookstore}
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Spring on April 24, 2009, 12:24 p.m.
I love reading books by Maine authors. And I, too, have a passion for trees, and am so thankful for the 2 huge beauties on my little city house-lot! We have even named the area under the big maple tree out back, where the kids spend so much of their outside time, The Maple Room! :) This tree holds swings, ropes for being Tarzan, and a "sand" box, is great for climbing, and provides delicious shade in the summer.
We had a wonderful time time exploring the trees in the Walden Woods in January. And this post reminded me that I never posted our pics of those trees... The Guardians, The Philosopher, and others. (We like naming things). :) I need to find those pics!
Thanks for the tip on this book! I'm looking forward to reading it, even if I have to buy it. :)
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zhakee on April 24, 2009, 3:38 p.m.
Trees are amazing things, especially ancient, massive trees that have lived for hundreds or even thousands of years. I always find it inspiring to walk amidst an old growth forest, with towering trees that have witnessed life long before we humans spread out in such huge numbers. I'm fortunate in that I live just an hour's drive from some of the largest trees on the planet, the giant sequoias. Now those are amazing in size, color, and age. One of my goals is to visit as many groves of these massive trees as I can during my life. Why? Because they are there, and they are so huge, and beautiful, and it feels me with awe every time I walk beneath such trees.
The book sounds intriguing. I'll have to find a copy to read. Can't really post a review until I read the thing. Your review is well written and makes me want to find a copy.
zhakee's last blog post... Death Valley 2009
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nicola on April 24, 2009, 5:29 p.m.
what a well written post. i feel similarly about trees and nature, but couldn't have written as perfectly as you do. thanks for the links and the give-away. i would love to win a copy and will link to this post from my blog. happy friday. may you spend it with your favorite people and favorite trees. nicola http://whichname.blogspot.com
nicola's last blog post... friday (internet) finds
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Sharon on April 24, 2009, 6:41 p.m.
What a lovely post. And I would love the chance to win Woman Who Speaks Tree. Ever since I was a child, trees have held a deep fascination for me . . . what they've lived through, how they stand and protect us. Thanks for the great post, your lovely blog and this chance to share a great book.
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casey on April 24, 2009, 11:36 p.m.
Hi renee, I was delighted to visit your blog tonight after not having done so for a long time and find it about trees (close to my heart) also even more delighted to see these images. Beautiful. Your work has grown so much!
I actually logged on to find the recipe for the lotion/cream :-)
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Annette on April 25, 2009, 12:59 a.m.
This sounds like just the book I've been looking for! Nothing has been hitting home lately and I have a feeling that I've been waiting for this one. Thanks for the opportunity!
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June on April 25, 2009, 2:55 a.m.
Hello, This is Mollykate's sister-in-law! Thanks for your fun blog. Please sign me up for your book give-away! Blessings!
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Beth on April 26, 2009, 6:56 p.m.
Hi, I have been following for a little while, and have enjoyed your photos and snippets of life. The unschooling/homeschooling has interested me, as I have kids in public school - where we aren't always happy... I, too, have been looking at your recipes for lotions, etc! I love trees, too, and have found such pleasure and restoration in looking at trees throughout the year. I would love to read this book!
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Karen on April 27, 2009, 12:56 p.m.
Trees are good benchmarks of seasons, the passing of time and a change in our view. It would be an interesting study to compare peoples of the world in relation to the trees of their environment. Today in my yard, I'm thrilled for tiny bright blossoms, bursting buds, and cautious tender leaves.
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Sharon Fairclough on April 28, 2009, 2:25 a.m.
Sounds like a really good book,I love to sit under a nice shade tree and enjoy a great write. Thanks for the giveaway
sharr1226 at yahoo dot com
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Kathy D on April 28, 2009, 3:01 a.m.
WHAT A GREAT BOOK...... I WOULD LOVE TO SPEND THE WEEKEND DOING NOTHING BUT SITTING UNDER A TREE AND READ READ READ THIS IS MY DREAM WEEKEND
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Laura on April 28, 2009, 1:59 p.m.
Looks like a lovely book. I have finally learned to embrace the Texas trees for what they are (short, spindly, prickly...) and it's made a big difference in my outlook on life here! Heh.
Laura's last blog post... strawberry bread
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Jason Nickolay on April 28, 2009, 5:42 p.m.
This looks like a wonderful book. Thanks for the chance
jason@allworldautomotive.com
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christina singer on April 29, 2009, 12:50 a.m.
sounds like an interesting read. please count me in.
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Sharold on April 29, 2009, 1:32 p.m.
I love trees. I remember as a child in the summer sitting under a big old maple reading away my summers.
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Ellen on April 29, 2009, 3:44 p.m.
Count me in!
I was glad to see your Tweet about this, I almost forgot to comment! The book sounds lovely, I have always been attached to trees and often have a favorite wherever we happen to be living. I think they are such an important connection to the natural world.
Ellen's last blog post... Proud
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rosie seymour on April 29, 2009, 5:25 p.m.
I also love trees. Here in northern Minnesota I am surrounded by old growth trees which escaped the local fires of 1918. The fires decimated many homesteads and towns in the area, but my little corner of the world escaped, and the trees are living proof. I marvel at their height, resilience in storms, and numerous cones which are piled up on the ground. The provide cover for birds and small animals, protect my tiny cottage from storms and winds, and are a daily visual delight. Thanks for the blog.
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Wendy Wallach on April 29, 2009, 8:39 p.m.
I love the way that this book ispresented. You did a great job to make it sound interesting and inviting and I am sure the author would be proud!
madamerkf at aol dot com
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Sharon A on April 29, 2009, 9:05 p.m.
I share your feeling about trees. I love to watch the world around me awaken in the Spring, mature through the summer and then relax in the Fall and sleep in the winter.
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Kathy D on May 15, 2009, 9:24 p.m.
Thank you it came in the mail today.... I have forward you blog to a friend who is a Vegan and always looking for new things too cook
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Lynn on April 24, 2009, 11:59 a.m.
Oh what a lovely sounding book! Kudos to the author for embracing trees as the subject in her book. There is something so magical about a big old tree. I always wonder what stories they would tell if they could. I would love to comment further but I am off to pass the word! In the chance that I win, I would like to thank FIMBY and Linda. If I don't win, thanks for the opportunity and I will be looking the book up! :)