Through diverse characters like these and their stories, Powers explores the complex ecological, economic, legal and ideological questions of our times, sharing cutting-edge science about trees … how they communicate, nurture their young, relate to each other, share resources and protect one another from danger. The only dependable things are humility and looking.”

Patty, watching her father, learns that “real joy consists of knowing that human wisdom counts less than the shimmer of beeches in a breeze … the things people know for sure will change. Patricia Westerford, a child who is “hard of hearing” and “hard of speech”, learns to see trees through the eyes of her father. Nick Hoel, from a farm in Iowa where an American chestnut tree has become a family icon, and Olivia Vandergriff, who survives a harrowing, life- changing experience with death, meet and join with other forest defenders in “illegal” attempts to protect the redwoods from encroaching timber industries. He seamlessly weaves story with science how new discoveries about the invisible world of trees connect with our stories.

Beginning with a series of short stories with quirky characters from diverse backgrounds, Powers relates each one’s story and brings them together to reveal truths about our relationship to trees. This Pulitzer Prize winning novel is the perfect winter read for anyone who cares about the preservation of public lands, and especially trees. Black cherry grove…a family of trees on the Kanyoo Trail.

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