Robin Wall Kimmerer

"As a leading researcher in the field of biology, Robin Wall Kimmerer understands the delicate state of our world. But as an active member of the Potawatomi nation, she senses and relates to the world through a way of knowing far older than any science. In Braiding Sweetgrass, she intertwines these two modes of awareness--the analytic and the emotional, the scientific and the cultural--to ultimately reveal a path toward healing the rift that grows between people and nature. The woven essays that construct this book bring people back into conversation with all that is green and growing; a universe that never stopped speaking to us, even when we forgot how to listen"--

Braiding Sweetgrass

Explains how developing a wider ecological consciousness can foster an increased understanding of both nature's generosity and the reciprocal relationship humans have with the natural world.

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

Laura Mei

However alluring the thought of warmth, there is no substitute for standing in the rain to awaken every sense — senses that are muted within four walls, where my attention would be on me instead of all that is more than me. Inside looking out, I could not bear the loneliness of being dry in a wet world. Here in the rainforest, I don’t want to just be a bystander to rain, passive and protected; I want to be part of the downpour, to be soaked, along with the dark humus that squishes underfoot. I wish that I could stand like a shaggy cedar with rain seeping into my bark, that water could dissolve the barrier between us. I want to feel what the cedars feel and know what they know.

sam kruczek

 We have constructed an artifice, a Potemkin village of an ecosystem where we perpetrate the illusion that the things we consume have just fallen off the back of Santa's sleigh, not been ripped from the earth. The illusion enables us to imagine that the only choices we have are between brands.

The cultural landscape may have changed, but the conundrum has not-the need to resolve the inescapable tension between honoring life around us and taking it in order to live is part of being human. 

 I can muster no reflective moment for plastic. It is so far removed from the natural world. I wonder if that's a place where the disconnection began, the loss of respect, when we could no longer easily see the life within the object.

What would it be like, I wondered, to live with that heightened sensitivity to the lives given for ours? To consider the tree in the Kleenex, the algae in the toothpaste, the oaks in the floor, the grapes in the wine; to follow back the thread of life in everything and pay it respect? Once you start, it's hard to stop, and you begin to teel yourself awash in gifts. 

To be heard, you must speak the language of the one you want to listen. 

fvrests

It is not just changes in policies that we need, but also changes to the heart. Scarcity and plenty are as much qualities of the mind and spirit as they are of the economy. Gratitude plants the seed for abundance.

The stories are piling up all around in scraps of land being restored: trout streams reclaimed from siltation, brownfields turned into community gardens, prairies reclaimed from soybeans, wolves howling in their old territories, schoolkids helping salamanders across the road. If your heart isn't raised by the sight of whooping cranes restored to their ancient fly-way, you must not have a pulse. It's true that these victories are as small and fragile as origami cranes, but their power moves as inspiration. Your hands itch to pull out invasive species and replant the native flowers. Your finger trembles with a wish to detonate the explosion of an obsolete dam that would restore a salmon run. These are antidotes to the poison of despair.

When times are easy and there's plenty to go around, individual species can go it alone. But when conditions are harsh and life is tenuous, it takes a team sworn to reciprocity to keep life going forward. In a world of scarcity, interconnection and mutual aid become critical for survival. So say the lichens.

Karolina

Something is broken when the food comes on a Styrofoam tray wrapped in slippery plastic, a carcass of a being whose only chance at life was a cramped cage. That is not a gift of life; it is a theft.

In the settler mind, land was property, real estate, capital, or natural resources. But to our people, it was everything: identity, the connection to our ancestors, the home of our nonhuman kinfolk, our pharmacy, our library, the source of all that sustained us. Our lands were where our responsibility to the world was enacted, sacred ground. It belonged to itself; it was a gift, not a commodity, so it could never be bought or sold.

As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take us on "a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise" (Elizabeth Gilbert). Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, a mother, and a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings-asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass-offer us gifts and lessons, even if we've forgotten how to hear their voices.

Wei-Meng Lee

Ceremony focuses attention so that attention becomes intention. If you stand together and profess a thing before your community, it holds you accountable. Ceremonies transcend the boundaries of the individual and resonate beyond the human realm. These acts of reverence are powerfully pragmatic. These are ceremonies that magnify life.

This is our work: to discover what we can give. Isn't this the purpose of education, to learn the nature of your own gifts and how to use them for good in the world.

Being naturalized to place means to live as if this is the land that feeds you, as if these are the streams from which you drink, that build your body and fill your spirit. To become naturalized is to know that your ancestors lie in this ground. Here you will give your gifts and meet your responsibilities. To become naturalized is to live as if your children's future matters, to take care of the land as if our lives and the lives of all our relatives depend on it. Because they do.

'A hymn of love to the world ... A journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise' Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two ways of knowledge together. Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, a mother, and a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings - asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass - offer us gifts and lessons, even if we've forgotten how to hear their voices. In a rich braid of reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, she circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.

Emily Morris

We are no more than the buffalo and no less, governed by the same natural laws.

We set ourselves up as arbiters of what is good when often our standards of goodness are driven by narrow interests, by what we want.

Noreen Farsai

In the Western tradition there is a recognized hierarchy of beings, with, of course, the human being on top-the pinnacle of evolution, the darling of Creation-and the plants at the bottom. But in Native ways of knowing, human people are often referred to as the younger brothers of Creation." We say that humans have the least experience with how to live and thus the most to learn-we must look to our teachers among the other species for guidance. Their wisdom is appar- ent in the way that they live. They teach us by example. They've been on the carth far longer than we have been, and have had time to figure things out. They live both above and below ground, joining Skyworld to the earth. Plants know how to make food and medicine from light and water, and then give it away.

Jamie Neely

“Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the Earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.”

Rebecca Lumbantobing

Mandatory reading. 

“Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the Earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.”

I haven’t come across a nonfiction work that has spoken to my soul this much since the first time I read Silent Spring. Every chapter moved me to tears.

There are definitely moments in this book where metaphors feel contrived or information gets repetitive, but these are minimal. Push through and you will be rewarded.

Multiple people recommended that I listen to the audiobook version of this, and I have to agree (even as an audiobook hater). Hearing Robin Wall Kimmerer’s voice really adds another dimension to the experience. 

I feel both humbled and renewed after finishing Braiding Sweetgrass. This book reminded me of my purpose on this Earth. I really think everyone should read this, not just those working in ecology-related careers.

Madi

Wow. 

I haven’t come across a nonfiction work that has spoken to my soul this much since the first time I read Silent Spring. Every chapter moved me to tears.

There are definitely moments in this book where metaphors feel contrived or information gets repetitive, but these are minimal. Push through and you will be rewarded.

Multiple people recommended that I listen to the audiobook version of this, and I have to agree (even as an audiobook hater). Hearing Robin Wall Kimmerer’s voice really adds another dimension to the experience. 

I feel both humbled and renewed after finishing Braiding Sweetgrass. This book reminded me of my purpose on this Earth. I really think everyone should read this, not just those working in ecology-related careers.

Joy Bush

WOW!! This is my favorite non fiction of all time! 

It has my morals and values, ecology, nerdy stuff, nature, and stories all wrapped up in one gift. 
Also the authors voice is very soothing, highly recommend the audio book. 

I bought a physical copy for my bookshelf too!

Sarah Schumacher

My favorite book; certainly in my top 5. Incredible writing, and an absolute masterpiece.

Bo Jeanes

Highly recommend the audiobook route for this one. Her writing is beautiful, the content is impactful and important, and her spoken word communicates and underscores that all the more.

momo-reads

Sweetly told stories but at a pace that made it hard to stay engaged. Took nearly a year to finish.

The best book I read on plant life, Native American ways, ecology, and motherhood

Such an important reading for our times. To rediscover the gifts of the earth with an indigenous point of view. Speaks directly to the heart and the spirit. In reciprocity.

Zack

Braiding Sweetgrass reads more like a novel than non-fiction. It carries a critical message describing the relationship with non-human life, but at some points, too it ends up being too repetitive.

Keven Wang

Ivy X

Really enjoyed this.
So many parts touched my soul…but it did get a bit cheesy and repetitive at the end.

conjuction of spirit and matter viewed through the lens of stories. 

didn't think i needed this one as much as i did.

Klára Kováčiková 

conjuction of spirit and matter viewed through the lens of stories. 

didn't think i needed this one as much as i did.

Simply amazing. Every naturalist/nature appreciator should read this book.

Brilliant & perfect in every way. Will continue to re read forever. 

Brianna Santina

Marisel 

If you can only read one book this year, let it be this one.

When reading books about climate change there seems to be a sense of impending doom from the very first page. While the coming destruction of earth is a cause for fear of discomfort these feelings are also accompanied by a residual defeatism. The earth is going to die and there's nothing we can do about it. That’s why Braiding Sweetgrass is such a breath of fresh air. It looks to the future of earth with optimism. This book evaluates the climate crisis and individuals' relationship with the earth through an indigenous perspective.

This book tells us how our relationship with the planet can be mutually beneficial and highlights the need to give as much as we take. Our relationship with earth and nature doesn’t have to be contentious. It can be beautiful, helpful, and educational. Not only is the book beautifully written but gives tangible solutions on how to help the earth and change our view of the climate crisis.

If you’re interested in reading and engaging with information on climate change without all of the doom and gloom this book is perfect for you. It is also a great primer on indigenous sustainability. 

Sydney Alston

When reading books about climate change there seems to be a sense of impending doom from the very first page. While the coming destruction of earth is a cause for fear of discomfort these feelings are also accompanied by a residual defeatism. The earth is going to die and there's nothing we can do about it. That’s why Braiding Sweetgrass is such a breath of fresh air. It looks to the future of earth with optimism. This book evaluates the climate crisis and individuals' relationship with the earth through an indigenous perspective.

 

This book tells us how our relationship with the planet can be mutually beneficial and highlights the need to give as much as we take. Our relationship with earth and nature doesn’t have to be contentious. It can be beautiful, helpful, and educational. Not only is the book beautifully written but gives tangible solutions on how to help the earth and change our view of the climate crisis.

If you’re interested in reading and engaging with information on climate change without all of the doom and gloom this book is perfect for you. It is also a great primer on indigenous sustainability. 

Stefanie  Uwah

This was a mixed bag for me. I really loved the first 10 chapters. If I were rate just off of those, this would be a 5 star read. But the stories and messages grew repetitive and I would lose focus when listening to the audiobook. I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I read a chapter or two per week. But trying to finish this before it was due at the library was a struggle. Stretching out the stories would have made the book feel less repetitive.

Stephanie Ridiculous

Phenomenal. 

"If grief can be a doorway to love, then let us all weep for the world we are breaking apart so we can love it back to wholeness again."

Natalie Patino

Deeply educational and moving read that satisfied both the spiritual and scientific sides of my brain. I have learned so much from this book. “Biocultural restoration raises the bar for environmental quality of the reference ecosystem, so that as we care for the land, it can once again care for us. Restoring land without restoring relationship is an empty exercise. It is relationship that will endure and relationship that will sustain the restored land.”

Kyle S

3.5 out of 5 really. The book is a really well written book and Kimmerer has proven herself to not only be an exceptional writer and communicator and I've left the book feeling my responsibility as a human on this planet to not only make it better for people but for all of Earth's species. My only complaint with the book is that it needs to be shorter, like 200 pages shorter.

Kimmerer has proven herself to be a wonderful author, educator and environmentalist with this book but I just think she needs a better editor. Perhaps an abridged version of this book should be published? It certainly would help with getting her message out to the masses but can't dedicate their time to a 400ish page book.

Cindy Lieberman

Wow. This book, written by a professor of environmental and forest science, is a revelation. A masterful weaving of her Pottawatomi heritage with her academic work and her passion for nature. Native American lore, biology, and the people in her life are interwoven - braided like sweetgrass -into stories that range from occasionally horrific to hopeful. In addition to all the interesting things I learned, what stood out were these imperatives: we have so much to learn from those who came before us. From the plants and trees. From the algae and invertebrates. And that it may not be too late for humans to start listening and to start giving back to the planet. We must change from a take-take-take (it's mine-mine-mine) mindset to one in which we have a reciprocal relationship with the Earth. Highly recommended listening!

Sabrina B.

This book was transformational and I will definitely have to go through it again. Not just the content but the narration elevated the experience and I felt like I was listening to a relative tell me a story. This has been one of the more pinnacle works that have lead me to reframe my perspective around the living/natural world and my place in it and I am so grateful to have experience it's content!

Mark Stenberg 

Capucine Fachot

I highly recommend the Audible version read by the author, it was incredible to go along her storytelling with her voice, living out her stories and connection with Nature.

Braiding Sweetgrass

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