This wasn't what I expected. It's basically a memoir of a researcher, and while it does talk about the relationships between trees and fungi, that doesn't feel like the focus.

Sharing about her involvement in fighting to conserve the forest ecosystem, this story plays out an example of environmental conservation’s challenges going up against industry and profit. The memoir-plus-scientific-knowledge combo is one of my favorites, although the balance of these themes weren’t as strong to me compared to like stories. Still, the contents were interesting and educational, and personal stories touching. The author also shows her rooted passion for cooperative, environmentally-mindful progress opposed to enforcing supremacy and exploitation over the planet, a perspective held by several others throughout this book. All in all, I enjoyed reading this & consider my appreciation for trees expanded.

I really liked this book! It’s an interesting look at Suzanne’s discovery of the mycorrhizal relationship between trees, their kin, and the surrounding plants. Many of us in the plant biology/botany world have heard of the “wood wide web” or “nature’s internet”, but it’s really intriguing to hear the concept’s origin story.

I also really enjoyed the balance between memoir storytelling and scientific study. When a book tends to lean too heavily in one direction, I find it hard to read. This was a really nice look into the world of dendrology. Great book, Suzanne!

"Diversity matters. And everything in the universe is connected--between the forests and prairies, the land and the water, the sky and the soil, the spirits and the living, the people and all other creatures."

"The eagle suddenly lifted, caught an updraft, and vanished past the peaks. There is no moment too small in the world. Nothing should be lost. Everything has a purpose, and everything is in need of care. This is my creed. Let us embrace it. We can watch it rise. Just like that, at any time--all the time--wealth and grace will soar."

"We have the power to shift course. It's our disconnectedness--and lost understanding about the amazing capacities of nature--that's driving a lot of our despair, and plants in particular are objects of our abuse. By understanding their sentient qualities, our empathy and lover for trees, plants, and forests will naturally deepen and find innovative solutions. Turning to the intelligence of nature itself is the key."

Such an excellent book with many interwoven facets: from personal biography, confessional, nature writing to hardcore forestry management science. Heartfelt and nicely paced, this book is a joy to read. I look forward to rereading it for years to come.