We’re into summer now in the northern hemisphere. In my mind, I often associate winter with cosying up with a good book. But summer is a time for books too. One of my favourite summertime pastimes is to sit in the shade of a tree in a garden reading, a habit formed when I was a child. I’m also delving into some further tree research at the moment so have a selection of books on my desk. Today, I sat in the shade of an apple tree reading about the birch tree. So my subject for this week is a short summer reading list to be read under the shade of a tree. I’ve focused here on books related to plant intelligence, books which have been a gateway for me into hearing the trees speak.
NOVELS
The Overstory
by Richard Powers
An incredible book, linking together the stories of different trees and people - and puts trees at the heart of the story, recognises them as beings. Possibly my favourite novel ever. One that I would like to re-read, if there weren’t so many other books on my list. For those who want to lose them in a compelling story and hang up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign.
NON-FICTION
Thus Spoke the Plant by Monica Gagliano
Monica Gagliano is a scientist based in Australia, who is a pioneer in proving plant intelligence. Her work has been informed by her own experience listening to plants, including working with cuyanderos in South America. From her research, she was able to prove that the mimosa plant can learn and has a memory. After being dropped repeatedly, the plants learnt that being dropped was not actually a threat and therefore they didn’t need to spend precious energy in closing their leaves. And they remembered this behaviour three days and even a month later after the experiment.
When I spoke to her as part of my research, she talked about how cultural background defines what is allowed in science. And she was clear that listening to the plants has enabled her to make the breakthroughs that she has in science. It makes sense that someone who has taken time to develop a relationship with plants can understand them better - it is like any relationship.
The book tells the story of her discovery of plant communication and intelligence and how it has influenced her research and changed her life.
Plant Intelligence and the Imaginal Realm by Stephen Buhner
This ability to feel and connect with nature is one that we have lost in our western culture. Stephen Buhner has written about how we can open these doors of perceptions again, if we so choose. This ability is still latent within us. And one of the primary ways that we can do this is to simply approach the natural world with the question, “How does it feel?” and an open heart, and listen for the answer. Asking the question, he writes, will “significantly increase both the visual and feeling inputs that are normally gated for you by your unconscious.” It’s a question that I have practiced with. And it highlights the link between embodiment and listening to the trees.
The book itself is quite a heavy tome, maybe one to dip into, a reference book to keep coming back to.
And, in case you want further inspiration, I was delighted to see a tree-focused book section at the Foyles book store on Charing Cross Road, London. I am visualising seeing my book on that shelf in the not too distant future. Titles include Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree by David George Haskell (great title and looks so good, about using our senses to connect with trees, I’ve bought it now); and How I Became a Tree by Sumana Roy (I loved this title, and bought it but haven’t read it yet).
I would love to hear any recommendations you have for tree or plant-related books, books which are on your reading list or if you’ve read any of the ones mentioned here.
There is so much to read here, and very interesting reviews. I’m just reading The Overstory at the moment! An intriguing , fascinating read. Probably like you I’m an avid reader but I can say I haven’t read anything like this for a long time. You’ve summed it up well. Kind regards Ruth
Probably obvious but I enjoyed The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Also Ghost Trees by Bob Gilbert, which is all about trees in London.