Summer reading with the GreenUP team
Environmentally focused books as recommended by the staff
We are about midway through the summer. As you settle into the backyard hammock or a lounger on the dock, what books are you looking forward to reading?
GreenUP is here to help you fulfill all of your summer reading plans with suggested favourites from our staff members. Whether you’ve already planned a couple of reads for the beach this year, or are still considering your options, put one or more of these green books on your summer reading roster. Most books on our list are available through the Peterborough Public Library.
1. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer draws on her experiences as a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, writing Braiding Sweetgrass as a collection of reflections that weave together the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers, offering us gifts and lessons.
“Braiding Sweetgrass is beautifully written,” shares Laura Keresztesi, GreenUP NeighbourPLAN program co-ordinator, “The book shares so much information about natural systems and our connection to them in a very accessible way, and the story telling is excellent.”
This book is compelling and thoughtful, and does not shy away from the challenges facing our world, but offers helpful, gentle, and loving advice for healing ourselves, our community, and our planet.
“One of my favourite chapters was on her reflections on the Thanksgiving Address,” continues Keresztesi, “Kimmerer asks how the world might be different if we all took time each day to be thankful for what we have rather than focusing on always wanting more.”
2. The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf
The Invention of Nature follows the life of Alexander von Humboldt, a visionary German naturalist whose ideas changed the way we see nature. This story takes place when the New World was new to explorers. At this time, Humboldt instead was exploring the natural world and discovering it as a complex and interconnected force – an idea that was revolutionary at this time.
“The Invention of Nature is a great summer read for those lazy days when you don’t feel like doing much, but want to live vicariously through an amazing naturalist and adventurer,” shares Matthew Walmsley, GreenUP water education co-ordinator, “This book is a thrilling travel story, and gives us insight into the world of someone absolutely passinate about extending our knowledge of nature.”
Humbooldt’s name is now very much forgotten in Canada and North America, but his ideas and discoveries are what inspired the work of Charles Darwin, David Thoreau, and John Muir.
3. Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
Prodigal Summer is a fictional story that weaves together three stories along with the tapestry of lives inhabiting the forest, including a wildlife biologist, a young hunter, local farmers, and a den of coyotes.”
“This is a great summer book because it is set during a humid summer in the Appalachian mountains and the narrative pays close attention to the local ecology and nature,” says Hayley Goodchild, GreenUP sustainable urban neighbourhoods co-ordinator, “It is also a beautifully woven story about the lives of unique characters - it’s one of my favourite books!”
4. The Sweetness of a Simple Life: Tips for healthier, happier and kinder living from a visionary Natural Scientist by Diana Beresford-Kroger
The Sweetness of the Simple Life mixes science with storytelling and myth. The author shares practical every day solutions for living well mixing a back to basics mentality with modern science, and aboriginal traditions.
“I picked up a copy of this book after hearing author, Diana Beresford-Kroger speak at the 2018 Fleming College Ecosystem Management EcoHealth Conference,” shares GreenUP water programs manager Heather Ray, “I recently cracked open this book while enjoying a quick moment of lounging in the hammock. What I love about it, is the short essay structure, which is a perfect format for when I don’t have a lot of time of nestle in for a longer read.”
The best location to take in this book, is under a tree; the author takes readers on a journey of connection with nature, science, humour, truth, and one’s self.
Ray continues, “Diana’s essays are light, yet powerful and always come from a place of ecology, true heart, and inspiration. “
5. The Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson
The Triumph of Seeds explores how grains, nuts, kernels, pulses, and pips have conquered the plant kingdom and shaped human history. Seeds support diets, economies, and civilizations around the globe.
“This is a great book to read in August as plants in our region are starting to turn to seed,” explains GreenUP educator Danica Jarvis, “As you read about the history of how seeds and humans have grown and changed together, you can start to think about seed collection in your own yard.”
This book is a scientific journey that is told with charm and wonder; an essential read for anyone who loves to watch a plant grow.
6. The Forest Unseen by David Haskell
“The Forest Unseen is a perfect summer read because you can quickly pick it up and read a small passage and then put it down again,” says GreenUP water education programs co-ordinator Matthew Walmsley.
Focusing on a single spot in the forest throughout the book, Haskell creates a meditative place exploring the changes that happen in a year’s time. While we often expect nature to be as exciting as an episode of Planet Earth, Haskell demonstrates how amazing and inspiring even the smallest lichen is. After reading even a chapter of the Forest Unseen you will be inspired to find a spot and spend a few moments enjoying the beauty and complexity of nature.
7. Nurdle the Turtle by Rochelle Archibald and Amanda Hashimoto
Nurdle the Turtle is a children’s book based on the true story of a red-eared slider turtle whose foot was caught on a fishing hook, but who has now recovered after having her foot removed.
This is an illustrated storybook with an important environmental message: that our actions have impacts on the environment and on wildlife.
Author Rochelle Archibald is the executive director of A Greener Future, a not for profit orgnaization that improves the environment through litter cleanups, education, and events. Nurdle the Turtle is available for sale at the GreenUP Store, and is a great read to inspire children (and adults) to care for the environment.
8. Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson
Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson shares the writer’s story of reducing waste at home and simplifying her family’s lifestyle in the process. She shares tips, tricks, and tools for you to do the same to save money, time and improve your health in the meantime.
“Earlier this year I read, Zero Waste Home, which offers room by room instruction on how to eliminate waste and change wasteful habits,” says GreenUP store coordinator Kristen LaRocque, “The author delivers her insights with humility and humour and emphasizes that making changes slowly is more sustainable and therefore impactful than a drastic overhaul.”
This book is both comprehensive and playful, making it a great cottage or stay-cation companion this summer.
9. Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
“I think a great summer reading list would have to include Ishmael by Daniel Quinn,’ says GreenUP store associate Tabetha Graham. “It has just enough whimsy balanced with deeper and more philosophical environmental ideas; it really begs you to look at the world in a different light.”
Ishmael is a beloved novel and bestseller that should be on every environmentalist’s book list. The book offers positive solutions to environmental problems while taking the reader on a spiritual adventure. As a relatively short novel, this book is one to return to periodically so that we can ask, “How can we save the world from ourselves?”
10. The Big Book of Nature Activities: A Year-Round Guide to Outdoor Learning by Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg
The Big Book of Nature Activities is a staff favourite and a local essential read for the whole family to enjoy! It is packed full of ideas and activities to get your family outdoors and connecting with nature. The fun continues all year long as the authors take you on a journey through all of the seasons in the Kawarthas.
The Big Book of Nature Activities is available for sale at the GreenUP Store at 378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough. Also, for even more local green events, check out the GreenUP online calendar of events for bike nights, workshops, and activities that get everyone outdoors and moving.