If you are concerned about the planet, if you garden, if you work in or own a big business, if you like science memoirs, you must read Braiding Sweetgrass.
I adored this book. Granted, I am a double major in English and Biology, so science texts with reflections on humanity and our place in the universe are *chef’s kiss* perfection for my soul.
This is a collection of essays that weave scientific and indigenous knowledge together to present a nuanced argument for restoring our planet’s health. Because she has studied nature through her Potawatomi experience and formal education as a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has a beautiful perspective on the interaction between humans and nature.
Each of these essays can stand on its own, so if you don’t really do nonfiction, see if you can try out a couple chapters. In fact, if I were still teaching, I’d probably pull a few of these essays to analyze with my AP English Language students because College Board does tend to like nature essays.
But if you have the ability to read the entire book, do. Each section of the book is named after a part of the tradition of growing and using sweetgrass. At the end, so many parts of the book come together with a gorgeous sense of closure and hope.
I made a few bookmarks to celebrate this lovely book and wanted to share! Print these out and then go check out Braiding Sweetgrass! (Here’s the link to print/download the bookmarks)
NLD x Swapna 