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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

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Definitely way more scientific detail than would allow categorization as strictly a memoir, this book has the framework of journeying through a person's life, but the emphasis is on answering a certain tree-based question, and all the questions that arise from it through decades of field work, research and teaching. 1/2

Robotswithpersonality 2/2 I am proud to read of a fellow British Columbia Canadian surviving sexism and narrow-minded profit-based scepticism in the forestry service (aka lumber industry 😑), divorce, cancer and multiple encounters with bears, but most importantly never waning in providing evidence for a new connected way of looking at forests. For demonstrating the value in ecological diversity, and never underestimating the possible shared contributions and actions of not just the fungal network that provides connections, but the trees who also share and communicate via such a system. And finding new, queer love along the way! I don't suppose publishers would use 'feel good' as the first descriptor, but that's what it did for me. 9mo

TheBookHippie I loved this book. LOVED. 9mo

Suet624 Great review. Stacked. 9mo

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

So fuzzy!!!

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

*inhale* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!😤
Really difficult reading about events of the past you can't fix. 'Forest Service' aka timber harvesters first and foremost.
Monsanto = 👿.

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

Bougie squirrel. 😉

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

Pfft, comes with a flannel shirt. 😏🧔🏻‍♂️

Texreader 😂 9mo

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

Not gonna lie, I'm already skeptical about how much factual evidence there is for the emotional claims made in the introduction, but it sounds really pretty! 🌳🌲💚

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SamAnne

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

When you are watching guilty pleasure Ted Lasso and Coach Beard is reading the same book you are. 😂😂😂

Graywacke That picture just makes me laugh. (And I‘ve read that! ☺️ ) 2y

AvidReader25 That‘s amazing! 🤣 2y

TheBookHippie Yay!!!! 2y

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Cuilin Lol 2y

OriginalCyn620 That‘s awesome! 🤣 Gotta love Coach Beard! 2y

CarolynM 🤣 2y

BkClubCare 👏 👏👏 2y

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SamAnne

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

I started this months ago and then got distracted by shiny new things. The science in it is not new to me—grew up in a logging town which turned me into a forest conservation activist. Learning a few things, but the memoir part really has me sucked in. It struck me pretty quickly that Simard is the inspiration for the female forest ecologist in Richard Power‘s The Overstory. Flipped to the scknowledgements and sure enough, they are friends.

SamAnne And just finished Ducks, Kate Beaton‘s graphic memoir about working in the Alberta tar sands. More than a few tie ins. 2y

TheBookHippie I loved this read. 2y

lynneamch Very cool! Loved

The Overstory: A Novel

JuniperWilde Intersting - I didn‘t know that either and I loved The Overstory. I feel like I‘ve read this book even tho I haven‘t. I have heard the author speak several times. The Arbornault is another excellent non fiction book about trees. It‘s also an autobiography of the author‘s life including the struggles and triumphs of being the only female in her field. 2y

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Sunwren

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

Just a little light Non-Fiction in between the Fiction, as well as actually. Does anyone else find that‘s how they read Non-Fiction?

Sunwren In blurbs between Fiction, like a chapter here and there…. 2y

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rockpools

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

so-so

An overdue review of this one, which I read with #NaturaLitsy.

Parts were fascinating- Simard‘s research into how trees co-operate/communicate, and the fights she had to put up just to get heard. Just amazing.

We also learned of her life, her family, her background - all interesting. But.

rockpools I felt that her memoir sections were all trying too hard to demonstrate the science, the parallels didn‘t always work for me and the stories often felt forced.

I‘m glad I read it and I learnt a lot, but I‘m not sure I enjoyed it. 2y

ravenlee I‘ve been trying to decide if I‘m going to pick this one back up. I returned it to the library halfway done when kiddo went to the hospital, and now that things are getting a bit more stable I‘ve been reconsidering it. I‘m interested in the science, but the memoir parts…not so much. I think it‘s not worth the effort to request it again and then find where I left off… 2y

rockpools @ravenlee I get where you‘re coming from - I don‘t honestly think I‘d recommend it as a read. Maybe have a half-hour pootle round the website instead? https://mothertreeproject.org . How‘s little doing now? Hope they‘re well on the way to recovery. 2y

AllDebooks Great review, it certainly made for a very stimulating discussion 2y

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Blackink_WhitePaper

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

pick

I enjoyed reading this book along with fantastic #naturalitsy group. Though I was behind my reading schedule in the last few chapters I thoroughly enjoyed the group discussion. This book covers the years of academic research about forest fungal network. It includes both professional & personal journey of the author, with ups & down. It is sad to know about the discrimination faced by female researchers. Learned a lot about designing expts ⬇️

Blackink_WhitePaper I love reading about plant intelligence & plant communication. So I enjoyed reading this. Looking forward for more buddyreads from this group. Thanks for hosting @AllDebooks. P.S: my 2.5 year old daughter saw few coloured mushrooms in our backyard & excited. So I took her for a small walk. We both enjoy it. I silently prayed for all the mother trees & mothers 🙏💐 2y

AllDebooks @Blackink_WhitePaper oh how much do I love this? She's adorable with that beaming smile. 😍 2y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 😍 2y

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CBee Your daughter is lovely ♥️ 2y

Blackink_WhitePaper @AllDebooks thank you 😊 when are we starting our next read ?

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm

Blackink_WhitePaper @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🥰💐😍thanks 2y

Blackink_WhitePaper @CBee 🥰thank you 2y

AllDebooks @Blackink_WhitePaper having a week off and starting on the 7th x 2y

jlhammar What a sweet photo! Great review. 2y

Blackink_WhitePaper @AllDebooks that‘s great 😃 looking forward 🥰 2y

Blackink_WhitePaper @jlhammar thank you 🥰💐 2y

Blackink_WhitePaper @jlhammar thank you 😊 🥰💐 2y

AnnR Lovely review and photo! 2y

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

pick

4 ⭐️s
This book and I had a rough start at first. I wasn‘t sure about the author moving back and forth between life stories and the scientific work she was doing. But by the midpoint, it makes sense why her family‘s stories are so tightly interwoven with the rest of the book. Although I think it should be marketed more as a memoir, it‘s still an amazing book that opens your eyes to how connected everything in nature is.

#Naturalitsy

DieAReader, Texreader, StayCurious, Andrew65, Catsandbooks, GHABI4ROSES

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm #Scarathlon2022 #TeamMonsterMash #31by31 #Pointsathon #AutumnAtoZ #20in4 #OutstandingOctober 2y

Texreader Excellent review 2y

DieAReader 🎉🎉🎉 2y

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Catsandbooks 🙌🏼✨🧡 2y

Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 2y

AnnR Nice review! I agree this book should be marketed and categorized as a memoir. 2y

AllDebooks Great review, definitely agree on the marketing 2y

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Chelsea.Poole

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

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Thanks to @AllDebooks for hosting the buddy read for this for #NaturaLitsy. I love nature writing but find I rarely make time for it, so glad to get the chance to dedicate time with this group! Now the book: such a fascinating relationship between some trees and fungi — mycorrhiza connection. I love it! However, Simard focuses on her personal life early in the book, so much so that I would consider this a memoir but that‘s not how it‘s marketed.

AllDebooks It was a great read for our 1st book, lots to discuss. Excited for the next one and challenge in 2023 x 2y

jlhammar Great review! It was a lot of fun to read and discuss this with you and the rest of the group. Look forward to prioritizing more nature writing next year for #naturalitsybingo2023! I read Braiding Sweetgrass a few years ago and absolutely loved it. Hope you all enjoy. 2y

AnnR Nice pic and review! 🍁🙂 2y

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Graywacke

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

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A memoir with a lot real science - with pioneering research tracing nutrient sharing between different and competitive tree species, creating a kind of symbiosis through specialized fungi, and later on how old large “mother” trees support their own young. A theme here is everything is connected and we to manage climate change with this knowledge.

A fun group read with #naturalitsy - our first one.

Chelsea.Poole Great review and image! 2y

AnnR You summed up the book well. I'm glad to have read it, mostly for the research related stuff. That part was fascinating and also frustrating. 2y

Graywacke @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads thanks! 2y

AllDebooks Great review, particularly the science summary. It was fun reading it alongside you all. 😊 2y

Graywacke @AllDebooks thanks and ditto. I enjoyed the whole group read experience. 2y

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

pick

This book details the extraordinary research Simard started over 30 years ago. It does read as a memoir with scientific parts rather than all science. The 1st few chapters are pretty eclectic in form but do start to make sense as you move through her story. She discovers the interconnectivity between a mother tree and offspring, sharing resources through a network of mycorrhiza. But also the crucial impact the mother tree has on other species ⬇️⬇️

AllDebooks Sharing a symbiotic relationship, helping the forest thrive. Connection and communication are key aspects of all relationships, be you human or tree. Highly recommended. This was our 1st #Naturalitsy readalong and was a great choice for discussion. 2y

AnnR A good review! Between the science and some of the imperfections in the writing, there was plenty to talk about in the discussion. 🙂 It worked out well to only read a few chapters a week for nonfiction. (At least for me) it makes it easier to absorb more of author's message. Thanks again for hosting and adding the weekly reminders, plus discussion posts. 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads thank you. The pace did work well for this, didn't it? It was so much fun, thank you for your contributions to our discussions 😊 2y

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jlhammar

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

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And that‘s a wrap! Our first #naturalitsy group read was a good one. It was so enjoyable to read just a couple chapters each week and discuss. I learned a ton and found it all fascinating.

Simard weaves together science/ecology and memoir in a way that reflects how everything in life is interconnected. I am in awe of her groundbreaking research and grateful to her for sharing her story.

AllDebooks Great review, it really was a learning curve wasn't it? 2y

Chelsea.Poole Lovely review! 2y

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AllDebooks @wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @Dilara @jenniferw88 @ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @LeeRHarry @Soubhiville @wanderinglynn @SamAnne 2y

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#Naturalitsy

Our last discussion thread for Finding the mother tree.
What are your thoughts on the final chapters? I would be grateful for any feedback on our 1st readalong.
I've really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for joining me 😊

Chelsea.Poole Thanks so much for hosting! I am glad for the push to read this book. I was a bit bogged down by the writing style in the beginning but it got better as we went along, I felt. Also, a good companion to this, which I happened to read right after is

The Arbornaut

Graywacke Overall I really enjoyed this. It‘s nice to spend time in this science mindset and be able to chat about it. And I thought the pace was great, the conversations fun. Thanks for organizing and leading, @AllDebooks ! I‘m looking forward to the next book. 2y

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Graywacke As for these last chapters, the cancer stuff is scary. To be told if the cancer returns it‘s fatal is a heavy hard thing to know. The mother tree stuff was a little anticlimactic. But it was interesting to see the change in how she perceived her professional acceptance. From struggling to be heard, to being causally appreciated as an expert. Back personal, her marriage still leaves me sad, even if she‘s happy. So typical in so many ways. 2y

TheBookHippie I‘m so sorry I had covid for most of it! Oy vey! It was good to push my mind differently, it‘s been awhile since I‘ve been in this genre type. I wish her writing flowed more easily and funny enough I didn‘t like her but I have no reason really, I agree with @Graywacke I did feel sad about her life. My thought was a few times you don‘t have to live this way. Anyway you hosted beautifully and I look forward to our next book! 2y

AnnR I still need to read Chapter 15 so I'll pop back in later or tomorrow. 🍁 2y

AllDebooks @Chelsea.Poole I think we all struggled a little at the beginning. Ironically, in a book about connections and communication, the flow was severely disjointed, particularly early on. I still think this is a let down by her editors. 2y

Erinsuereads While I didn't actively contribute in the discussions I still really enjoyed reading everything from everyone. I'm looking forward to braiding sweet grass! 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke the cancer treatment was tough going. I did worry about her mindset when told that the cancer would be fatal if returned. You could also be hit by a bus and die tomorrow. I'm not saying that to make light of her situation at all. Having worked in the NHS for 20 years, in cancer and palliative care, I'm not convinced a physician would have said that. 2y

AllDebooks The probability of it coming back, is uncertain, no-one would want to take away someone's hope like that. Particularly after having a successful treatment. This annoyed me, can you tell 😒 2y

AllDebooks @TheBookHippie please don't apologise for being ill, that's tough going. Stupid covid! 2y

AllDebooks @TheBookHippie I agree, she doesn't come across as particularly likeable. I wonder if that us down to her shyness 2y

AllDebooks I felt the memoir sections were still particularly 'factual' and not that emotive. She certainly has had an awful lot of stressful and painful times. 2y

AllDebooks @ErinSueMreads glad you enjoyed the discussions. I'm really excited for our next one too. 2y

AllDebooks @Chelsea.Poole @Graywacke @TheBookHippie thank you for your wonderful comments. It has been so much fun to host and discuss with you all. Thank you 😊 2y

AllDebooks Fyi the link from the epilogue on Simard's current project. https://mothertreeproject.org/ 2y

TheBookHippie I started following her on IG 🌱 2y

TheBookHippie @AllDebooks I wondered about that too? Shy introvert? 2y

Graywacke @TheBookHippie @AllDebooks oh, i liked her. I think this busy research consumed life is the life of most college professor research scientists near our generation or younger. Especially if you‘re breaking new ground. It‘s crazy demanding, especially pre-tenure. 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke that's certainly true. And I LOVE that you put me in the same generation as you, thanks 😊 2y

TheBookHippie @Graywacke Very valid point! We‘re all still young at heart @AllDebooks . 2y

jlhammar The kin-recognition experiment was fascinating. Not only that they know their kin and help them thrive, but that the Mother Trees were bigger when next to kin. I also appreciated learning just how valuable the old, sick, dying Mother Trees can be. That they are actually giving so much back to the forest. Oh, and did anyone else add this book to their TBR (the one Mary was reading to her during treatment) after reading Chapter 14? Sounds good!

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

jlhammar I also loved the explorations into the salmon-forest health connection. Trees deriving nutrients from salmon is something I'd never thought about before. That salmon population and habitat loss is detrimental to forest health. So cool that an old cedar tree could hold a thousand-year record of salmon runs! Just another amazing example of how everything is connected. 2y

AllDebooks @jlhammar I found that experiment's results extraordinary. Just makes you think how much damage by felling 'dead' trees and clearing the forests. I might have added it out of curiosity, it's not like I already have an impossible tbr list. What's one more, right? 2y

jlhammar Really enjoyed reading this with all of you. @AllDebooks Thanks so much for hosting! 2y

Chelsea.Poole @jlhammar yes! Excellent points about salmon and mother trees going out with a bang to help ensure there‘ll be a next generation. I learned a lot from this. And yes, @graywacke the cancer parts were so rough. 2y

AllDebooks Thank you so much all for joining in my love of nature. This has been an absolute blast. I think our discussions have been as enlightening as the text. Can't wait for next year and

AnnR @Graywacke I suspect Simard's oncologist was trying to get her to slow way down & let her body heal. She had a mastectomy & the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Maybe her doctor's tactic was harsh, but a recurrence likely would be a distant metastasis, which (eventually) would be unsurvivable. Sad and scary all the way around for patients and their families. (I don't approve of what the doctor said but maybe that got Simard's attention.) (edited) 2y

AnnR This passage from Chapter 14 caught my attention:
“We are defined by our relationships, a doctor said. The single characteristic of people who survive cancer: they never give up hope. Mon Dieu! C‘est ça! I thought, this is something I can work on. I was still so introverted, sensitive, stumbling too easily over what others thought....“

I think sometimes introverts can come across as being aloof or self absorbed, (probably myself included). ⬇⬇⬇ 2y

AnnR Luckily Simard seemed to have a close knit social network. I can understand why she'd have issues with public speaking and standing up to colleagues in a male domimated industry, especially early in her career.

Finally, I don't know if the end of the book left me feeling hopeful, as Simard talked about nearing the tipping point. I suspect some industries know they should be doing things differently but profits outweigh everything else. 2y

AnnR Thanks for hosting the group, AllDebooks. A fun discussion and nicely paced. 2y

BookwormAHN I wasn't sure if I liked Simard either but the connections in the forests I found fascinating. I'm really glad I read this 😺 2y

Graywacke @Ann_Reads that quote about our relationships caught my attention. (I‘m such an introverted loner in RL. So it made me nervous about myself 😳☺️) 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke @Ann_Reads It caught my attention to. If only to have a word myself, I've really shut myself off since covid. And now I find it easier to hide away than socialise (except family). Thankfully, being happy alone gives more time for escapism through books 2y

AnnR @Graywacke @AllDebooks Glad to know I'm in good company. 🙂
Covid has definitely reinforced being in stay-at- home mode more often but I really don't mind. In Simard's case, her personality probably lent itself to doing solo research and working in remote areas. (Edited)
I think the one thing that wasn't answered in the book, is how much the logging industry has changed as a result of this type of research? Maybe there isn't an answer right now? (edited) 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm I just finished so I don‘t have much to add that everyone else hasn‘t already said. 😅 I think reading this book now, as a mother, hits differently than it would have back when I was in my twenties and convinced I never wanted kids. I hope I can be a strong Mother Tree for my new family. I liked Simard despite slight annoyances with her now and then. She reminds me of one of my good friends. Also, being an introvert myself, I don‘t see her quote⬇️ 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm as trying to pull me out of that, because I still have relationships with people, I‘m just more selective, which I think can also be incredibly important. Overall, a great read and definitely eager for the next. I might start early…my hold came in at the library and I‘m chomping at the bit! 😅 2y

AllDebooks @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm That's a valid point about being more selective. I didn't read her quote about relationships as a call to change per se. More of an acknowledgement of how crucial our relationships are, connection and communication being the building blocks to healthy relationships. Doesn't matter how big or small your network is, as long as you have one. 2y

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#Naturalitsy

Our final week with the mother tree 🌳 💕
@wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @Dilara @jenniferw88 @ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @LeeRHarry @Soubhiville @wanderinglynn @SamAnne

Graywacke I‘m ready! 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke 😅 2y

rockpools Debbie, are we starting Braiding Sweetgrass straight away next week or is there a break? (You‘ve probably already said, but I am SO behind and SO disorganised!) 2y

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AllDebooks @rockpools I was looking at it today and there are 5 parts. I was going to suggest 10 days per part over Nov/Dec. Happy to do a 1 week break if that's easier for everyone, starting on the 7th Nov. Is that ok? 2y

rockpools @AllDebooks Absolutely fine either way - thank you - please don‘t delay things just for me. I‘m in the throws of changing jobs so even less organised than normal - just needed a date to sort myself by! 2y

AllDebooks @rockpools that sounds like you've a lot on, good luck with the new job. I think a few others are behind, so I'm going to do a quick poll to check if folks want a break before starting BS 2y

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#NaturaLitsy

Almost at the end, really looking forward to reading your comments. I'm playing catch-up today, so will check in later. Have a great day x

@wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm
@rockpools @Chrissyreadit
@Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN
@Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies
@Graywacke @Dilara @jenniferw88
@ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar

AllDebooks @LeeRHarry @Soubhiville @wanderinglynn @SamAnne 2y

Chrissyreadit Still have to read it! But hope to- also I‘ve read Braiding Sweetgrass so am glad to have time to read this one. 2y

Graywacke So much miscellaneous stuff here. Feels like a transition set of chapters - from then to almost now. My mind couldn‘t decide which parts to pick up, her relationships, massive impacts of climate I had no idea about previously, or details of her research. 2y

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Graywacke I did notice, for the first time 😊, the citations are listed in the back by chapter. So i scanned through them. And I noticed they include our next book:

jlhammar Absolutely amazing how many younger trees one mother tree can link to and from such a distance! That was my main takeaway from Chapter 12. Just wow. 2y

jlhammar Did anyone else watch that Mother Trees Connect the Forest short documentary she mentions in Chapter 13? I felt such a strong emotional reaction when it switched from her walking in the lush forest to the clear-cut area.
https://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2764 2y

jlhammar “Core Sampling“ was actually kind of tough for me to read today given that I had a bit of a breast cancer scare myself this past week (had to go in for additional imaging and ultrasound after mammo). Thankfully I was given the all clear/everything is normal, but man, so stressful! My mother and her mother both had it so chances are good I may have to deal with it at some point, but very relieved that time has not come yet. 2y

jlhammar Really glad Suzanne has such a strong support system to help her deal with what lies ahead. Also, as we're nearing the end, I find that I'm more appreciative of how she has paralleled her findings with the trees to what is happening in her personal life. Mother and Mother Tree. I wasn't sure at first, but I think as a whole it is quite effective. 2y

Graywacke @jlhammar These are great comments. Thanks for the video! I‘ll come back and watch. The breast cancer is such scary stuff. Seems to me she was such a crazy busy person, it was just another crazy thing until the last paragraph this section. The tree-brain analogies (web of life and web of brain connections) were curious. Although I‘m not sold they are as meaningful as she implies. 🙂 2y

Chelsea.Poole @jlhammar oh my, that has to be so tough! I‘m sorry to hear you‘re going through this; glad you have the all clear!!! My mother is undergoing breast cancer currently, for the second time. And my dr is encouraging me to take preventative measures as it‘s been plaguing my maternal side for the last 4 generations. So I can definitely relate. This was difficult to read after having my own struggles with this horrible disease. 2y

jlhammar @Chelsea.Poole Wow, 4 generations. That is scary. So sorry to hear your mother is going through that again. I can‘t imagine a first time, much less a second. Wishing her all the best. My mom, thankfully, has been cancer-free for several years now. This year was only my second annual mammo (advised to start at 40 given my history), but I had to have a needle biopsy on my L breast in my late 20s and it was not fun. Glad that wasn‘t needed this time! 2y

AnnR I liked the progression of Simard's research and I think being in an academic environment where she could collaborate with others helped. The personal stuff was difficult to read and I felt badly for her, especially while juggling work and helping care for two kids. Simard was potentially exposed to chemicals and radioactive tracers during her experiments, so who knows if that contributed to her developing cancer. (edited) 2y

AnnR @Chelsea.Poole @jlhammer I'm so glad all your tests have had benign results. 😁👍 Be well. Chelsea, I wish your Mom a full recovery. (edited) 2y

Graywacke @Chelsea.Poole @jlhammar very worrisome for you both, and your families. Wish you all well! 2y

Graywacke @Ann_Reads I also thought about that neutron probe. Many possible causes. 2y

Graywacke @jlhammar so I watched the video. It was so nice to hear her speak and illustrate with the trees. Makes this all that much more tangible. Thanks again for sharing the link. 2y

AllDebooks @Chrissyreadit I hope you enjoy it, please feel free to add your thoughts to these threads. Would you like me to keep you on the taglist for

AllDebooks @Graywacke it was a little erratic but such an extraordinarily stressful period!! Well that's a nice little continuation for us. 2y

AllDebooks @jlhammar 😱 oh my, what a stressful time for you and your family. So glad you got the all clear. Thanks for your insightful comments. I also found Core Sampling really tough to read, esp the analogy of her tree core samples alongside her breast biopsy. That last line 'Not even Mother Trees can live forever' reallymoved me. 2y

AllDebooks @Chelsea.Poole Tough times for you, hope your Mum is coping and responding well to treatment. X 2y

Chrissyreadit Yes I read it so can chat too 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads I loved the collaborative research insights. Must be so rewarding for her to have other scientists in her corner, expanding the available data to counter outdated practices. 2y

AllDebooks @Chrissyreadit that's great 😊 2y

AllDebooks @jlhammar Thank you for the video link, just watched. Fascinating to hear her discuss her work. I would LOVE to go on a hike with her 2y

TheBookHippie @jlhammar Thank you for this link! 2y

TheBookHippie @jlhammar So glad it is clear. I am the only member of my family that has not had cancer. I understand a bit what you are saying. Phew. 2y

TheBookHippie @AllDebooks Yes, A hike would be so fascinating to just listen to her. 2y

25 likes27 comments

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#NaturaLitsy #readalong

Our penultimate week already, this has flown by. This week's chapters reminder, discussion thread will be posted on Thursday

@wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @ravenlee @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @Dilara @jenniferw88 @ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @Soubhiville

AllDebooks @LeeRHarry @wanderinglynn @SamAnne 2y

ravenlee Sorry, but I‘m unable to finish this buddy read. Please take me off tag list for now. Thanks! 2y

AllDebooks @ravenlee ok, no problem. Do you want me to add you back for the Braiding Sweetgrass read? 2y

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Graywacke @AllDebooks Thanks for the reminder 2y

AnnR Wow, the week went by quickly. Thanks for the reminder. 🌻 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads Didn't it just!!! 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke My pleasure 2y

ravenlee I‘m not sure yet, I haven‘t secured a copy. If I can get to it I‘ll find a post and get back in. Thanks! 2y

AllDebooks @ravenlee👍 2y

TheBookHippie I should be caught up by then and will be going back to answer I have notes 😂 2y

23 likes10 comments

American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#Naturalitsy

Ohhh we're getting to it now. Thoughts? 🤔

@wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK
@MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @ravenlee @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @Dilara @jenniferw88 @ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @ErinSueMreads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @LeeRHarry @soubhiville @wanderinglynn @SamAnne

AllDebooks Fyi... just added a post re Braiding Sweetgrass too but haven't tagged you all again. Don't wanna be a nag x 2y

LeeRHarry I‘m going to put this one back on my shelves for now - I can‘t get into it atm - looking forward to giving Braiding Sweetgrass a go next month though 😊 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm I‘m still in the middle of Chapter 11, so I‘ll come back to this thread when I‘m caught up. 👍 2y

See All 35 Comments

Graywacke A lot here, but mostly I‘m thinking about her discussions with her husband. 2y

jlhammar Wow, lots of big personal life stuff in these chapters with the birth of her daughters and determining next steps in terms of career and where (and how) to live and build their lives as a family. I can't imagine juggling it all. I'm sure it would make me miserable, but her work seems like a calling and she seems fueled by such passion for what she is doing. It's not easy being MIss Birch! 2y

jlhammar I thought there was some lovely nature writing in these chapters like when she is solo skiing to start and later when she is on maternity leave and walking the trails “through swatches of spring-green pinegrass and patches of the yellow flowers named butter-and-eggs, and nodding purple and brown chocolate lilies, under the huddles of firs and ponderosa pines and aspens.“ 2y

jlhammar Oh, and the experience with the wolves in Chapter 10! To go from feeling hunted to guided by the spirit of her brother was pretty intense. I liked her brief interaction with the biologists tracking the wolves. To touch on yet another negative impact of clear-cutting. I read and loved this book a few years ago. Helped me to understand the vital role wolves can play in the health of an ecosystem.

Graywacke @jlhammar doing all that with little kids sounded pretty insane. I kept wishing her colleagues and the press would give her a break. … What got me about the skiing is that she‘s out in the middle of nowhere, yet stumbles on someone and they‘re studying the wolves. What are the chances of that? 2y

BookwormAHN @Graywacke I thought the wolf part was a bit too coincidental. But it also seemed like another time when the obvious was refusing to be recognized. 2y

Chelsea.Poole @jlhammar I was also reminded of American Wolf, though I haven‘t read it yet, it‘s back on my radar —-possibly for part of our challenge next year! Also, thanks for the reminder of the nature writing. Sometimes I focus too heavily on her personal life and forget about those beautiful moments she writes about. 2y

Chelsea.Poole Definitely big changes for Simard here. The birth of her daughters and changing relationship with their father. Moving, etc. Being a working mom is hard, but extra difficult during this time and in her profession. 2y

Chelsea.Poole On a note about my reading — I switched over to audiobook to keep up and actually ended up finishing. I‘ll try to keep the content of the chapters in order! 😆 2y

AnnR I enjoyed Chapters 10 & 11 because much of it was out in the field, (either for work or pleasure). On the other hand, I was absolutely cringing while reading about her skiing escapade. Simard states keeping her unborn baby safe is her number one priority, yet she is completely alone, engaging in a risky personal adventure, thinking she's being hunted by wolves. That passage kinda irked me, even though she was lucky and everything turned out okay. 2y

AllDebooks @LeeRHarry Sometimes it's just not the right time or right book and it takes a long time to accept this, did me anyway. I'm really looking forward to Braiding Sweetgrass too 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke @jlhammar @BookwormAHN @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads I agree, so much beautiful, evocative nature notes in these chapters alongside the extraordinary act of juggling family life. I admire her more for her stoicism and perseverance now, as she's getting criticism/stress at home as well as professionally. The skiing incident really irked me too. She does find herself in some precarious situations. 2y

AllDebooks I found the fortuitous meeting with biologists a little too convenient. Also, does anyone else find her chapters end abruptly? 🤔 2y

AllDebooks @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm see you soon x 2y

Graywacke @AllDebooks on chapters ending abruptly: I think she‘s a decent writer but that‘s not her main skill set. We‘re not reading a professional writer (I‘m thinking, she‘s not John McPhee). Her strengths are her academic career and her intended integrity (that is, I think most of us believe she‘s sincere). Anyway, I find myself forgiving at first, and then I get caught up in stuff and forget the critique. But there are literary issues. 2y

Graywacke I think we‘re too nice to Don. I got really caught up in the marital stuff. We‘re only getting her side, but between the lines her side really condemns him as being unsupportive. It‘s tricky, I know. But he has no real income or prospects and she has an offer. So from over here, from a window many miles and yrs away, it seems like supporting her career and taking over the main parenting duties was the obvious thing to do. Any thoughts on that? 2y

jlhammar @Chelsea.Poole Good to know the audio is decent for this. My husband will probably go audio over print. Oh, and he thought American Wolf was great on audio (I did print) if you end up trying that next year. 2y

jlhammar @Graywacke Yes, great point about reading between the lines. That whole not wanting to be “Mr. Mom” kind of rubbed me the wrong way. 2y

jlhammar @Ann_Reads Yeah, embarking on a ski trip in the wilderness alone while pregnant seems a tad risky to me! Glad it was okay. She‘s certainly had a lot of close calls. 2y

jlhammar @AllDebooks I agree with the writing being clunky at times. There will be a great passage or two and then we‘re jerked in a different direction (or an abrupt ending, as you mentioned). I think @Graywacke is right about that not being her main skill set. And I‘m okay with that. There‘s still enough here in terms of her story and scientific discovery/research that make this a worthwhile read for me (so far anyhow). 2y

AnnR @Graywacke That's a good point and I meant to say something about Don's not wanting to play “Mr Mom“ comment. It almost seems like he's okay with her research related experiments because that allows him to live where he wants to. (I grew up in a rural area so I understand craving quiet and tranquility but the area still lacks jobs.) Chapter 11 ends with them living in two different places for the majority of the week. It's kinda sad. 2y

AnnR I also feel the book still needed further editing or a co-writer. Some chapters are better written than others. Sometimes I start picking apart Simard's writing or I think she might be stretching the truth, which isn't really fair for me to do. I think Simard tried interweaving fact with humor, personal insights and experiences but couldn't quite pull it off. 2y

BookwormAHN @Ann_Reads I agree, I think she could of used a coauthor. 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @Graywacke I tried to be more understanding of Don at first, but I agree he seems extremely unsupportive if things aren‘t going just the way he wants. The “Mr. Mom” comment made me fume. I have people in my family who have swapped the traditional gender roles because the mom makes more at her job and the dad stays home with the kids. I do think in today‘s world it‘s stigmatized less, but I don‘t think that‘s an excuse for Don‘s comment. 2y

AllDebooks @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm I lost it big time over the 'Mr Mom' comment. Surely you set guidelines and expectations around career advancement before you start a family. I agree, it's only her pov, so not a fair portrayal of their marriage. Still, not great, when he knew from the beginning the potential her research could have on protecting the forests. 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @AllDebooks Exactly! If he loves the forests so much, you‘d think he‘d want to support her in anyway possible in her endeavors! 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads I did think it needed more editing, particularly in the earlier chapters. Never thought of a co-author. I agree with @Graywacke about writing, not being her strongest skill. However, for me, her story is so impressive that the weaker parts don't detract from her family/research accounts. 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm Chapter 10 was probably my favorite of the two. It had me thinking a lot about The Selfish Gene and how Dawkins sets out to explain that basically nature doesn‘t give away stuff for free. There‘s always a benefit to the one “giving”, whether or not it‘s immediately noticeable that it‘s beneficial to outsiders looking in. Dawkins explains it much better than I do of course. 😅 2y

AllDebooks @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm YES 🤗 Although don't do yourself a disservice, you did a great job 2y

Blackink_WhitePaper I am particularly lagging behind in this buddy read. Hopeful to catch up this week 😒 2y

AllDebooks @Blackink_WhitePaper no pressure, avoid the discussion threads, wouldn't want you to see any spoilers 2y

TheBookHippie The juggling hit me as why, why is it the woman who has to juggle, it's the advocate activist in me. I also was reminded that we may not see in this lifetime our activism but it doesn't mean it is not absolutely necessary!!! 2y

27 likes35 comments

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#NaturaLitsy

After a shaky start, I'm really looking forward to seeing whats happening with Suzanne this week.

Graywacke Thanks again for the reminder. I‘m caught up, ready for the discussion…just hope I still remember everything come Thursday. 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke I can never remember, have to make notes. But then others comments, usually triggers something. Pays to host and hold back for courtesy's sake 😁 2y

AnnR I'm behind in my reading again but I'll catch up before Thursday. Thanks for the reminder post, AllDebooks. 2y

20 likes3 comments

Losing Earth: A Recent History

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#Naturalitsy

Thoughts on this weeks chapters? 🤔

@wordslinger42 @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @LeeRHarry @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @Soubhiville @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @jlhammar @MilesnMelodies @Chelsea.Poole @graywacke @ jenniferw88 @Dilara @Mitch @ErinSueMreads @TheBookHippie @Ann_Reads @ravenlee @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @wanderinglynn @SamAnne

Graywacke I enjoyed all the science in these chapters. This was really ground breaking stuff and it was impactful, changing the understanding of forest ecology and how to study it. And getting on the cover of Nature magazine with a PhD thesis is no small thing. It‘s pretty amazing she let us in on the background of this. It opened a potential world of study. (It wasn‘t just potential. She has a whole system of study in place that built on this.) 2y

Graywacke Simard‘s website on her current study (but it hasn‘t been updated since the book was released) : https://mothertreeproject.org/background/journal-articles/ 2y

AnnR Thanks for all the links @graywacke. Bookmarked! 2y

See All 22 Comments

AnnR As for the chapters they were a mixture of melancholy and hopefulness that maybe Simard's science based experiments might bring about some positive changes. Unfortunately the skepticism or just refusal to accept a viable theory for monetary reasons, still remains. Still keeping fingers crossed for upcoming chapters. 2y

jlhammar I really appreciated how she found a way to keep going with her research. I smiled when she said she became skilled at hiding the controversial experiments among the mainstream studies when she applied for grants. I kind of got chills in the part where they were listening to birch communicate with fir. And so cool when she looked at the roots of the birch and fir grown in pairs (in the greenhouse) vs those grown separately. 2y

jlhammar I went searching for that Nature magazine August 1997 cover too! Pretty. @Graywacke thanks for the link! Love that it was the cover story and calling it “the wood-wibe web“ was pretty perfect. Chapter 9 was a fascinating look into the whole world of published academic/scientific papers and what can follow. Also really felt for her with losing her brother and not being able to share her discoveries with him. 2y

AllDebooks I found these chapter's pretty emotional. The hardwork and determination she puts into proving her theories is admirable. I loved the quote about the raven being an agent of change, as believed by the Nlaka'pamux peoples. @jlhammar I reacted to the hiding of controversial experiments and got goosebumps when she used the geiger counter to check the fir. 2y

AllDebooks Thanks for the links @Graywacke certainly fascinating reading 2y

AllDebooks Such a tragedy losing Kelly, especially before they'd had a chance to get over their fight. 2y

Graywacke Yes. Tragic about Kelly. (Goodness, I got so wrapped up in the science, it had drifted from my mind. It is really cool science… 😊☺️) 2y

Graywacke @Ann_Reads yeah, she hasn‘t changed the world yet. Maybe it will come. @jlhammar the hidden experiments made me smile too. And so true about Chapter 9. Tough world. 2y

Graywacke @AllDebooks I‘m not sure I got emotional, but it is really inspiring - what she accomplished here after what she put into it. 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke I think I really was so invested in rooting for her (ahem 😅) to believe in herself and the strength of her theories. It must have been an extraordinary time to go against public and scientific opinion. I was astounded that as a scientist, she went to her first climage change convention in the 90s. This has been known about for decades!! 2y

Graywacke @AllDebooks apparently Exxon researchers understood about climate change and it‘s cause it the 1970‘s and were kept hush. I think I first heard about it the mid 1990‘s. Or maybe it was that I first heard how convincing the data was then. ?? Anyway I remember it was all crystal clear during the 2000 US election because I thought about it a lot during it. (I don‘t mean to get political, but that‘s a timeline marker for me) 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke I had an amazing geography teacher in the 80s and he did a few off curricular lessons on climate change as he felt it was crucial we know about it. He believed we were the generation to halt it 😪 He certainly lit a fire in me. Unfortunately it is all about politics, free market and capitalism over the health of our habitat and selves. I was enraged when I read

Graywacke @AllDebooks noting. It‘s hard to read these books. 😢 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke it really is when so much damage could have been avoided if only the warnings were heeded way back when. I usually alternate between a toughie and more hopeful read. Y'know for balance 🤔 2y

Graywacke @AllDebooks yes. I struggled with this a lot from 2000-2008. There was nothing anyone could do. In 2000 whenever I told people I thought climate change was the biggest US issue, i was not considered a reasonable person. Obviously I‘m not an expert and there are a lot of issues. But it was such a critical 8 yrs, such a lost window of opportunity and direction. It was so defeating. 2y

Chelsea.Poole @Graywacke I‘m with you, it‘s the most pressing issue on my mind, for the last 15 years. I had two sons in that time and it only makes climate change more of a priority for me — this world we are leaving to future generations in need of some major changes 😔 2y

Chelsea.Poole Also, I missed out on this discussion last week. Kelly — devastating, but her research breakthrough and appearing on the cover of the journal — what an accomplishment. A mix of emotions for sure. 2y

AllDebooks @Chelsea.Poole I had my family in that time too. Although I'd always followed the news of climate change and tried to do my bit, having children really did up the ante. I became far more involved in my local community. 2y

TheBookHippie @Graywacke I found all of that fascinating. I am so very glad I waited to catch up this reading so I could soak all of this in. 2y

21 likes22 comments

AllDebooks @wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @ravenlee @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @dilara @jenniferw88 @ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @Soubhiville @LeeRHarry @wanderinglynn @SamAnne 2y

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#NaturaLitsy

Here's our reminder for this week's chapters.

All welcome to join

rockpools Eek. I‘m so far behind! Hoping to catch up today, providing the trains have working plug sockets 🫤 2y

Graywacke @AllDebooks Thanks! @rockpools that is a strange comment to me only because I live in such a limited-to-no public transport world. good luck. 2y

See All 7 Comments

rockpools @Graywacke I‘m in the UK - whereabouts are you? We have half-way-decent public transport, on a good day. It‘s great when it works, but there‘s no guarantee it will! 6 hour train journey today, and a working plug socket for the final half of it, so I‘m caught up with the audiobook now. 2y

Graywacke @rockpools the US is generally pretty crappy with public transportation. I‘m in TX, which is maybe especially bad. I‘ve used a bus or “light rail” less than handful of times on 20+ yrs. 2y

Graywacke Searching for the August 1997 Nature Magazine cover. I found this sight: https://mothertreeproject.org/background/journal-articles/ 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke oh wow, that's a great find. Thanks for sharing 2y

27 likes7 comments

BookwormAHN

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

pick

Part memoir part science this is the story of how Simard discovered how interconnected the forest is. It is a fascinating read even though I could have lived with a little less memoir 🌲
#Naturalitsy @AllDebooks
#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks
#WickedWords #Labor @AsYouWish

tpixie Have you read … I think it would be a great companion piece.

Lab Girl

BookwormAHN @tpixie I have not, but I added it to my tbr. It sounds really good. Thanks you 😺 2y

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 2y

tpixie @BookwormAHN 🌳💚🌳 2y

49 likes1 stack add4 comments

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#NaturaLitsy

Here's our weekly discussion thread. In these chapters we see Suzanne progress in her research methods, trying to disprove the popular opinion that spraying forests with herbicides will yield more pine crops.
Thoughts 🤔

@wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @ravenlee @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @Dilara

AllDebooks @jenniferw88 @ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @Soubhiville @LeeRHarry @wanderinglynn 2y

AllDebooks And @SamAnne welcome to our weekly discussion thread x 2y

TheBookHippie I am sitting more upright HOPEFULLY I can get back to reading tomorrow......I'll chime in when I am caught up! 2y

See All 24 Comments

jlhammar I really enjoyed getting more into her research. @Graywacke Thanks for the neutron probe info! The prisoner work crew section at the beginning was a little tense/uncomfortable. It seems you have to really care and be more knowledgeable to be able to carry out this kind of research the way it needs to be done. Her father, while visiting and assisting, taking the leader shoot instead of the lateral branch was another instance. 2y

jlhammar The realization that it wasn't the soil itself, but the mycorrhizal funghi acting as a pipeline sending nutrients, was fascinating. I can't wait for Robyn's questions back to Suzanne's findings to be explored further “How does the funghi know how to do that?“ and “why would the alder bother to send it in the first place?“ “Are the pines giving something back to the alders?“ 2y

AnnR Chapter 7 Quote: “We emphasize factions instead of coalitions. In forestry, the theory of dominance is put into practice through weeding, spacing, thinning, and other methods that promote growth of the prized individuals. In agriculture, it provides the rationale for multimillion-dollar pesticide, fertilizer, and genetic programs to promote single high-yield crops instead of diverse fields.“
⬇⬇⬇⬇ 2y

AnnR That quote about dominance over cooperation, kinda stuck out as an allegory for everything that is happening globally right now. (I'm in one of those, 'the world is going to Hades' moods, including our elitist broken medical system in the US.)

Back to the book, I had a little more respect for Simard trying to take on all the status quo people (men) with her research results. I can understand why her hands were shaking during the presentation. 2y

jlhammar I like the part where she was hesitant to present her findings because she's “a lousy speaker“ and Don tells her “But you can't hide if you want change.“ It was really interesting to hear all of the different lines of questioning she got when presenting her research at Williams Lake (having to follow the Monsanto guy who promoted brushing!) and how she dealt with each concern and dismissal. 2y

jlhammar With her asking “Why was it always so much work to stay connected? To be a family?“ to close out Chapter 7 after the fight with Kelly, I wondered if all this family relationship stuff will serve as a sort of parallel to the mother tree concept and forest connectivity. We'll see! 2y

jlhammar @Ann_Reads Great quote! It sadly does very much speak to the present day. And yes, you really get the sense of what she is up against here and how she isn't really taken seriously. I definitely felt frustration when reading that Williams Lake section and can understand why Kelly's remarks at the bar later were just the straw that broke the camel's back. 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm Chapter 6:
1. I liked this chapter the best so far with a more scientific focus. The explanations of the terrifying neutron probe and the pressurized nitrogen to measure water in the trees were both fascinating to me.
2. I also feel like the memoir style choice is becoming more clear with her family actually being a large part of her research help. Previous anecdotes make much more sense now. 😅 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm Chapter 7:
I hate public speaking so I definitely felt her anxiety as she addressed a room full of people where she already knew most wouldn‘t like what she had to say. Very frustrating, but she at least got a few gears turning in some of the more clever heads. 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @jlhammar I‘m also eager for answers to Robyn‘s questions! I‘m glad we‘re getting more into the meat of the book and her research now. 2y

Graywacke I enjoyed both these chapters. And that was a powerful commentary, @Ann_Reads - that quote. One thing that really bothered me about the industry is that they were enacting these broad policies without doing this test work. Our author should not have been the first person to run these foundational tests. Very strange and depressing. And I‘m wondering how the response would have been different if she was a male. 2y

Graywacke Also it was really nice to see how she did her work. Like @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm , I enjoyed the science. And her family research assistants were entertaining. 2y

AnnR @Graywacke That's a point to ponder. Even if Simard was a male presenting the same research, they probably would have been dismissive of it. How many scientific discoveries have been overlooked for years because they didn't mesh with the accepted pov held by the majority? (One that comes to mind is the research by B. Marshall & R. Warren, who proved ulcers were caused by Helicobacter pylori but most GI specialists held onto the 'stress' theory.) ⬇ 2y

AnnR In the case of the logging industry, it sounds like all they cared about was short-term profits. Like you, I'm amazed there weren't more standards in place based on sound research. It seems like there were few regulations on the chemicals they used too. I wonder how much it has changed between then and now. Truly frightening stuff. 2y

BookwormAHN It is weird that the industry didn't really seem to know what it was doing. And of course no one wanted to admit they were wrong and then figure how much money they've wasted being wrong. I totally felt for her on public speaking especially given her audience. 2y

Graywacke @BookwormAHN Maybe it makes sense that if a destructive industry is going to be allowed to set its own policy, it‘s likely going to set destructive solutions for its destructive problems. What could be worse than spraying poison everywhere? It‘s patently destructive, even if it might have an unproven (and wrong) fringe benefit. Anyway, very upsetting. 2y

AllDebooks Wow, you guys are great. These comments are amazing. I agree with you all @jlhammar @Ann_Reads @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @Graywacke @BookwormAHN I have enjoyed these 2 chapters immensley, the family background makes so much sense now. The prisoners 'helping' did make for tense reading. I'm also warming more to the author now. I think it was the erratic writing/more poor editing that was putting me off in the earlier chapters. 2y

AllDebooks The thought of going up against a logging company to present research on what they're doing wrong now fills me with dread. Can you imagine how much more hostile it would have been in the 80s? No wonder her hands were shaking! So much admiration for her, now we're seeing how hard she's working to prove her theories, dangerously so with the chemicals and neutron probe 🙀 Love her research assistants are her family. 2y

AllDebooks @TheBookHippie wishing you well xxxx 2y

TheBookHippie @jlhammar This reminded me of processed food, it is what is does in our bodies and in some autoimmune bodies it is very dangerous. 2y

TheBookHippie Showing my age- however I do remember them spraying our playgrounds which were by woods at school, and then the next day out we were playing............. 2y

24 likes24 comments

AllDebooks @wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @ravenlee @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @Dilara @jenniferw88 @ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @Soubhiville @LeeRHarry @wanderinglynn 2y

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#NaturaLitsy

Week 4 already!!
Here's our reminder for this week's chapters.

All welcome to join us.

LeeRHarry I am sooooo far behind 🥴 hoping to do a bit of a catch up this weekend 🤞 2y

AllDebooks Don't worry, I was last week 🙈 2y

See All 11 Comments

TheBookHippie I‘m currently battling covid I‘ll catch up when I see the other side of this crud… 2y

Graywacke @TheBookHippie oh no! Feel better soon! 2y

Graywacke @AllDebooks thanks for this reminder 🙂 2y

Graywacke If anyone is curious what a neutron probe is or how it works, Wikipedia has a short intro paragraph and I found a Texas A&M site with a longer but digestible explanation. Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_probe

TX A&M: https://sanangelo.tamu.edu/extension/agronomy/agronomy-publications/grain-sorghu... 2y

AllDebooks Thanks for the handy links @Graywacke 2y

AllDebooks @TheBookHippie Oh no, wishing you a speedy recovery x 2y

AnnR @AllDebooks Thanks again for posting the weekly reminder. With all the #scarathlon posts, it seems I forgot I'm actually supposed to be reading the past few days, lol.
@Graywacke Thanks for the links about the Neutron Probe. I can understand why wearing a dosimeter would be necessary. Yikes!
@TheBookHippie I hope your headache has subsided and you will be on the road to recovery soon. Take good care of yourself. 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads I know what you mean, I've had to write it all down so I don't get lost 2y

28 likes11 comments

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#naturaLitsy

I'm so behind on reading this week. I'll play catch up and come back to join in discussions.

@wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @ravenlee @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @Dilara @jenniferw88 @ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @Soubhiville @LeeRHarry @wanderinglynn

Mitch I thought I was late to the party this week! In these chapters the carelessness of youth really comes through - and her seemingly drifting nature. I find her lack of discussion regarding tensions with logging and First Nations people is a huge gap in the narrative that I‘m desperate for her to fill. 2y

Mitch I think this book, so far, has been marketed poorly. I think if it was titled and billed as more of a botanists life journey I‘d feel less aggrieved at her style! 2y

AnnR Just a general comment, that I thought in Chapters 4 and 5, Simard did a better job of cohesively interweaving her personal, professional and science related stories. The parts about the (almost) indiscriminate use of glyphosate in forestry was disturbing but not surprising. I recently saw a documentary about how glyphosate & other toxins are still widely being used in farming. Some don't even use appropriate protective gear while spraying. 2y

See All 29 Comments

AnnR @Mitch I agree with your thoughts. The book should have been marketed differently, as this is more a memoir than a nonfiction book about trees and fungi. 2y

SamAnne Oh, can I join this buddy read? 2y

Mitch @SamAnne 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 2y

Mitch @SamAnne we‘re doing 2 chapters a week and trying to chat on a Wednesday/ Thursday 👍🏼 2y

SamAnne I‘m in! 2y

AllDebooks @SamAnne Absolutely, welcome to our nature group. This is our planned read for Sept/Oct. We just voted on Nov/Dec and our winner was

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm I agree with you both @Ann_Reads and @Mitch These two chapters didn‘t bug me as much now that I‘ve made peace with the fact that it‘s a totally different book than I thought it would be. The spraying of the glyphosate and their not wearing filters was horrifying. I‘d definitely have had the same gut-wrenching reaction as they did at first. I live in a rather rural area and seeing Monsanto mentioned made me cringe deeply. 😖 2y

AllDebooks @SamAnne Yay!!!! Join in whenever you feel ready. X 2y

jlhammar It was really interesting to follow her years of experiments and finally, her “Merde!“ moment regarding the soil. And man, another close call with a grizzly and spraying the herbicide without a filter in the mask, yikes! She's stressing me out! 2y

jlhammar @Mitch Agree about the marketing and your First Nations comment sent me searching. Found this interesting coverage. While what Simard is discovering is groundbreaking in some respects (logging industry and perhaps the scientific community), I can't help but think that this mother tree/diversity/all connected concept is something indigenous people understood already. I'd love for her to explore that a bit. https://www.youtube.com/wat 2y

jlhammar @Ann_Reads @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm I also felt that the narrative felt more cohesive in these chapters and I think changing my expectations to memoir helped with my enjoyment. Look forward to reading more about her journey. 2y

AllDebooks Hmmmm, tbh I've found these 2 chapters much more engaging, editing has improved, and there was a nice mix of memoir/nature/science. Love that she's finally landed a scientific job within the forest. I agree with you @Mitch @jlhammar over the too brief mention of the Coast Salish community and the wealth of their understanding. Would have appreciated more discussion on ancient knowledge rather than a passing mention. 2y

AllDebooks The experiments in the clear cut areas were unpleasant with the liberal use of glycophosphate. She mentions several times, feeling guilty. I'm not sure how genuine this or just a knee jerk retrospective guilt. Going back to the 80s, I'm not sure how widespread protests against using it were. Certainly gov policy and public opinion were more in favour of it's use than nowadays. 2y

Graywacke My response to chapter 4 - is that at this point bear Twitter must have lit full of discussion about this young errant female human who keeps stumbling into their territory. 🙂 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke 🤣🤣🤣 2y

Graywacke Chapter 5 was terrific. The development of a research scientist, with lots of observations and explanations and hypotheses. Good stuff. I‘m curious how the University of Oregon goes for her. (Did I remember the school right?) 2y

jlhammar @Graywacke bear twitter! 😆 😂 🐻 2y

Graywacke @jlhammar @Mitch - Good points on 1st people. I can‘t say we will get more, but it‘s very early in her learning. So far she hasn‘t even brought in what scientific community knows, much less what hidden wisdoms might be available. All we have is experience, logging perspectives and a family history of pioneer-ish harness-this-unused-land mentality. 2y

Erinsuereads I haven't gotten my copy yet so I'm sitting this round out, but am definitely enjoying the discussions! 2y

BookwormAHN Agree with all of you. Although these last chapters were better I thought this would be more scientific than memoir. 2y

jenniferw88 @BookwormAHN it does get more scientific - I ended up skimming a lot as the science was going over my head! 2y

Chelsea.Poole @Mitch I‘m with you— I believe the title and the marketing all the way around is very misleading to readers. I happen to love memoirs so it‘s fine for me, but adjusting expectations STILL in chapter 5! 2y

Blackink_WhitePaper As many of you pointed out, these chapters were way better than the previous ones. Though I felt chapter 4 more as a memoir, appreciated chapter 5 esp experimentation part. I am expecting more science stuffs in the coming chapters. Did any one else felt creepy about that chapter 4 tree climbing incident? @AllDebooks 2y

AllDebooks @Blackink_WhitePaper I thought it very sinister when the cubs climbed a tree next to them and she climbed such a flimsy tree. Not sure how she managed to get up there with such a heavy backpack. I guess, adrenaline gives us all super powers in moments of danger 2y

TheBookHippie @Mitch I agree with you I still am reading this as memoir as opposed to what I think it is marketed for. However as we go along I find myself looking up things to check out in further books or good old google! 2y

TheBookHippie I feel like with these chapters I am now getting into stride with the book. 2y

31 likes29 comments

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#NaturaLitsy
Reminder for this week's chapters. Discussion post to follow later in the week.
@MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @Ann_Reads @wordslinger42 @MelisK @LeeRHarry @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @Soubhiville @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @jlhammar @MilesnMelodies @Chelsea.Poole @Graywacke @jenniferw88 @Dilara @Mitch @ErinSueMreads @TheBookHippie @ravenlee @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @wanderinglynn

AnnR Thank you so much for the reminder. I fell behind in my reading. Maybe I can catch-up tomorrow. It has been a stressful week so far. 2y

AllDebooks Oh no, sorry to hear you've had a tough week. Hope it eases off, giving you time to relax x 2y

AllDebooks Voting closes tonight at 9pm (GMT) It'shard to interpret some emails, so apologies if you have already voted on our 2nd vote @wordslinger42 @MelisK @Soubhiville @MilesnMelodies @Chelsea.Poole @Dilara @Mitch @ErinSueMreads @TheBookHippie @ravenlee @Riveted_Reader_Melissa 2y

29 likes3 comments

Chelsea.Poole

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

Spent some more time with this #naturalitsy buddy read yesterday. Based on the title and subtitle, I assumed we were going to be getting all trees, all the time but we are actually getting some trees, but loads of Simard‘s family history and experiences working for a logging company. I think (hope) we will get there with the titular subject matter, just with some personal detours… 🌳

AllDebooks Gorgeous photo, thank you for the tag 😀 I'm the same, hoping for more science as she progresses in her career 2y

Soubhiville Lovely photo 💛 2y

Mitch Love your cover much better than mine! 2y

TheBookHippie I am finding it all, fascinating ....and also easier to read post covid although I still have symptoms at least the brain fog has left! 2y

74 likes4 comments

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

@wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @ravenlee @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @jenniferw88
@ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @LeeRHarry @Dilara @Soubhiville @wanderinglynn

As always please let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the tag list.

Looking forward to the discussion

Debs x

Graywacke (Pardon a sad digression. I‘m in a weird place. I read chapter 2 when I still had my cat, and he was healing in an animal hospital. I read chapter 3 after we had lost him.) Anyway I found C2 so depressing, the condemnation of nature. And i can relate a little, being in the oil industry and wearing guilt. I found C3 so fascinating and uplifting. I loved her brother and i loved learning about mycorrhiza mushrooms and their role with trees. 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. Losing a beloved pet is so tough. My thoughts and love to you and your family x I agree ch 2 wasn't an easy read and the wildfires started by her family to clear grazing land left me cold. Her brother does sound fun, though I had difficulty reading about the rodeo. Reminded me of the Spanish bullfight I witnessed as a child #traumatised 2y

AllDebooks Thank you for starting us of in our discussion @Graywacke 2y

See All 42 Comments

Graywacke @AllDebooks that‘s a curious thing about her brother. I find no appeal in the rodeo, and have a sort of instinctive dislike of it, thinking about the animals. But she won me over to him despite that. 2y

jlhammar I agree, Chapter 2 was upsetting. First that poor dog falling into the outhouse and then the clear-cutting section was heartbreaking. “On this day, I was to play the role of executioner.“ She knows there are better ways, ways to log and leave enough for the forest to recover, and it is frustrating when she isn't taken seriously. The reply back being “Are you an environmentalist?“ The short-term profit above all else was hard to read about. 2y

jlhammar The fungal detective work in Chapter 3 was really fascinating. Look forward to her testing her theories. Will anyone listen? The rodeo section was kind of hard to read (both the animal cruelty aspect and just so dangerous), but I enjoyed seeing a bit of her relationship with her brother and the parallel she drew about Kelly and bull riding to her and her trees. Both in their blood. 2y

AnnR I'm still having difficulty separating the activities of the author's family (slash & burn), her logging industry job & her observations about why some fledgling trees flourish while others don't. I do hope some good comes of it, meaning changes to logging industry practices. I think the writing is a little disjointed with Simard switching back & forth between personal/professional stories. Still enjoying the fungal info, odd as that sounds. 😋 ⬇⬇ 2y

AnnR Having said all that, I think many of us have held jobs where we weren't in agreement with how things were done, but maybe not to the level of S. Simard's experience. I also cannot hold her responsible for her family's actions. That wouldn't be fair. The passages about the dog getting stuck in the outhouse was a little odd but I suppose it was included to provide some humor. I think that chapter needed some editing, IMHO. 2y

AnnR @Graywacke Maybe you could do a Litsy tribute to your reading partner when your head and heart is in a better space. I'm so sorry. This has been a rough couple of months for you. 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads that's a lovely idea x 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads tbh, I've been irritated by her writing style. I noted it was very disjointed and distracting. It felt like I was reading my mind, constantly flitting from one idea to another. I agree with your comment about editing. I really hope there is some impact on her findings and the way the logging industry operates. I have to remind myself, this is a retrospective account and we're still in the 1980s atm. 2y

Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @AllDebooks oh I so agree!! I wondered if it was a ‘me problem‘ or an issue with the writing style and reading your comments makes me feel better. I wish the author would focus on one time period/subject/story at a time and then weave the stories together, as I‘ve experienced done numerous times. I had to reread sentences multiple times to make sense of things. 2y

AllDebooks @Chelsea.Poole Yes, it has been frustrating, I was thinking there was something wrong with me too 😅 2y

AllDebooks @jlhammar I really didn't like the dog incident at all. I really hope there aren't anymore animal stories, cos tbh, between the dog and the rodeo, I'm losing interest. It's only the forest and my 2y

AllDebooks ^^ cont.^^ the fungi connections I'm getting sucked back into it. 2y

Graywacke @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @AllDebooks In all her stories so far, we‘re always mixing more than one story, each with very different mindsets. And each story is itself a mixture. The dog in the cesspool, grandpa‘s hand (or was it uncle‘s?), youth, and soil stratification are all one story! It hasn‘t bothered me so far, but it creates some very odd jumps and juxtapositions. (edited) 2y

jlhammar Yeah, agree with you all that the writing is a bit odd, but she strikes me as an offbeat kind of person so maybe it‘s fitting? I‘m just going with it. I like that we‘re just doing a couple chapters a week on this one. Working well for me so far. 2y

jlhammar @AllDebooks I thought maybe I was being overly sensitive, but glad I wasn‘t alone in finding the dog part distressing. It seemed like she thought it was funny? I guess knowing it had a happy ending maybe helps, but geez, the poor thing. 2y

Blackink_WhitePaper @AllDebooks Like many , I had difficulty in reading the second chapter. Felt bad for trees and specially for that poor dog. Then the fungi part sparked some interest.But I felt that part is vaguely discussed. Could have been more elaborate. The story of her brother felt like a distraction from main concept. I couldn‘t understand logic for the sudden change of topics. Now by going through the comments it is making more sense 😛 thank you 😊 2y

Chelsea.Poole @jlhammar @alldebooks @blackink_whitepaper -- also agree -- was put-off by the jokey manner in which she told the dog story. Although, it let me know it would end up happily so that was a plus. But didn't find it really funny. 2y

Chelsea.Poole also, I'd like to comment that I'm learning new terms and concepts...in my ignorance I didn't know what a 'flume' was, or 'hummocks'. I enjoy learning about these here and there in this. It's bizarre though, usually I am able to use context clues to figure out most new-to-me terms but in this, nearly every word I'm unfamiliar with is a google search.
2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm I agree C2 was hard to read, seriously that poor dog! But I enjoyed her openness about her life out in nature. I‘ve never known anyone to actively like eating dirt once they‘re old enough to speak. 😅 The part about her brother in C3 had me a bit lost. I was wondering “What‘s the point of this?” the whole time. Side note: my family used to watch PBR when I was a kid and I‘d always root for the bulls and cheer when they threw their riders. 😅 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @Chelsea.Poole I‘m also loving the new vocab words! My reading journal is getting used more now. 😅 2y

Chelsea.Poole @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm yes, rodeo: why? But I guess more of her family life…? 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @Chelsea.Poole Maybe. I guess my hang ups with it come from how I really expected less of a memoir kind of read. I feel like the information about her family in previous parts had more to do with the actual context of the rest of her story. This bit felt more shoehorned in. Maybe it‘s laying down ground work for later points/connections. 2y

AllDebooks @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm I don't think it's down to poor writing, I think she was failed by her editing team. This really could have been so much more consistent, fluid. It is like reading a mind map! 2y

jenniferw88 Does it help if I tell you it all ties together in the end? 2y

AllDebooks @jenniferw88 lol, maybe so. I think that's what we're all hoping for 2y

rockpools Coming to this late: yes to all of the above! The trees n fungi bits are fascinating& I don‘t mind the memoir/background content. But I‘m not loving the storytelling. Apart from the jumpiness, it feels like she suddenly, accidentally stumbled on this amazing theory almost from scratch, and 🤨. I guess she‘s starting from the finished science, & patching in early experiences to illustrate her theories, but written as a memoir it feels forced & odd. (edited) 2y

rockpools @jenniferw88 😁👍Yes, it does! 2y

AllDebooks @rockpools I agree, it does feel forced. Not a smooth read at all 2y

ravenlee I get that she‘s tying together family and childhood events that influence her, give her a unique perspective, but it is really hard to read science as stream-of-consciousness. 2y

ravenlee I also found the dog bit disturbing, although I was glad that everybody just jumped in so willingly. 2y

Mitch Mmm…. Loved the photos more than the writing in these two chapters and that‘s a shame! I find the writing in the present tense for events that happens 40plus years unfortunately makes me question her truths and her memory! I wish she‘d stuck with where she is in life now rather than make us feel like we‘re on her journey with her - narrated by her elder self 2y

Mitch Like many of you - my ears pricked up when the talked moved to mycorrhiza - but I didn‘t like the way she ‘ discovered‘ it! 2y

Mitch So far - for me this is a memoir first and the trees are the backdrop- rather than the other way around! 2y

TheBookHippie @Graywacke WAY behind but I am so sorry to hear about cat!!
2y

TheBookHippie I am so woefully behind HOWEVER!!! I am catching up!! For me the mushroom parts were so fascinating to me, I very much enjoyed it! I believe I am learning with every chapter read, it is interesting as tree education, but I am also loving the memoir as well! 2y

Graywacke @TheBookHippie hi. Thanks. I miss him a ton. Glad you‘re reading this! 2y

TheBookHippie @Graywacke It is really expanding my search for more info addiction.......I absolutely had to wait until the Covid fog dissipated ...ugh. 2y

AllDebooks @TheBookHippie so glad you're feeling better and able to read again. Covid is nasty!! Great you're joining in discussions. Honestly, I'm obsessed with learning new things and this book has really given me a lot to think about. 2y

TheBookHippie @AllDebooks I agree. It‘s so perfect for that! 2y

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LitsyEvents

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

repost for AllDebooks:

Our week 2 schedule for our readalong. I will post a comments thread later in the week. Happy reading.

#BuddyRead

36 likes

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#naturaLitsy

Our week 2 schedule for our readalong. I will post a comments thread later in the week. Happy reading.

@wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @rockpools @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @Chrissyreadit
@ravenlee @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN
@Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke
@Dilara @jenniferw88 @Chelsea.Poole @ErinSueMreads @ann_reads @TheBookHippie
@Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @LeeRHarry
@soubhiville @wanderinglynn

AnnR Thank you for posting the reminder. 🙂 I just started reading Chapter 2.🌲🐕 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads my pleasure. I'm reading it tonight 2y

37 likes2 comments

Chelsea.Poole

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

Friends, I‘ve been reading, but so behind on posts! Treated myself a couple days ago following a less-than-fun medical appointment. (Nothing wrong!)
Starting this one for #naturalitsy and I‘m enjoying it so far, though it isn‘t exactly what I expected.

Megabooks That pizza looks fantastic!! 2y

AllDebooks Oh that pizza 😋 2y

87 likes1 stack add2 comments

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

Our first discussion for our first readalong... who wants to go first? 🤗

I know some are reading ahead or even finished! Please be sure to comment on the Introduction and 1st chapter only.

Intro - Simard gives an overview of her family origins, education and research, descibing herself as a forest detective.
Ch 1 - Details the start of her career/potential research, at a logging company in Canada during the 1980s. (All males)
#naturaLitsy

AllDebooks Please bear with me on Tag-gate! Not sure if it was a glitch or me. Experimenting with above tag list, all copied and pasted from my notes. All links work for me. Hopefully you get your tag and can join the discussion. Do let me know if there's still an issue. 2y

Graywacke Well, bummer, but the tag didn‘t work for me. Curious where she‘s going. (Once while an ungrad in a geology field camp on Colorado I managed to get lost, and then find a bear. It stared a me from a ways off, and then I bailed, not looking back. It was a little thing, not a grizzly, but scary enough to me. I can understand some of her fear.) 2y

Graywacke @rockpools @Blackink_WhitePaper @Deblovestoread @ErinSueMreads - hoping this works 2y

See All 57 Comments

AllDebooks @Graywacke ok. I'll try again. That bear incident was scary and then to sleep in the car all night 😱 2y

rockpools Thank you @Graywacke - I got your tag. Sorry Debs didn‘t get the original. Will post thoughts after work 😊 2y

AllDebooks Tag experiment Phase 2 - my sincere apologies for all the 'tags' working or not! @wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools @Chrissyreadit @ravenlee @Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Deblovestoread @MilesnMelodies @Graywacke @Dilara @jenniferw88 @ErinSueMreads @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @LeeRHarry @Soubhiville 2y

AllDebooks @rockpools my apologies, please let me know if the second one works, you too @Graywacke Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. 2y

rockpools @AllDebooks Got it that time thanks 😊 2y

AllDebooks @rockpools Great. I'm going to delete the 1st tag list. 2y

AnnR I received both of your tags. 🙂 I noticed Litsy has been acting glitchy in general with posts, either refusing to save a comment or double posting. Weird stuff. 2y

TheBookHippie Litsy has been glitchy!! I am fascinated so far. I am only in as far as the intro and first part. I was on wilderness one summer up on Isle Royal and a MOOSE ....HUGE animal, and not so kind was lurking by where we had set tent up the night before and that was quite a fright and he can't eat me! I understand her fear as well. I am anxious to see where the story goes. 2y

AnnR About the book: It must have been difficult being one of the first females in the logging industry. Simard seemed a bit reckless (overconfident youthfulness?) during her outing into Lillooet Mountain Range.
Highlighted passage:
“In it, the old and young are perceiving, communicating, and responding to one another by emitting chemical signals. Chemicals identical to our own neurotransmitters.“
I hope she gives detailed info about this later on. 2y

TheBookHippie @Ann_Reads I agree. It was highly unusual even for me to do wilderness in the summer -only SEVEN girls went and there were hundreds of boys. I am however older and more girls and women may be involved now. I imagine she will now go into further details. At least I hope so as well. I attribute zero fear to youth generally as well. 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads I think her recklessness/confidence comes from youth and her family background. Her Grandmother sounds like an amazing woman, with similar tenacity. Maybe that's where she gets her daring from. I understand her fear of not being taken seriously by her colleagues on her theories. She has the disadvantage of youth and being a woman at a very misogynistic time. I admire her greatly for her determination to work in male dominated occupation 2y

ravenlee I was struck by the kind of pratfall quality of her discovery - when she went tumbling and grabbed the sapling, uprooting it, only to discover the wealth hidden there. It seems like something you‘d see in a movie, and then scoff at the unlikelihood of it really happening. 2y

AllDebooks @TheBookHippie oh wow 😱 they are huge animals, those mooses. I would have been equally delighted and freaked out by your experience. I can't wait to see how she grows as a person and develops/proves her theories. 2y

AllDebooks @ravenlee pratfall 🤣 that is exactly right. It was fortuitous that she fell in that area. Her description of her thoughts really made me think of Avatar 2y

TheBookHippie @ravenlee I bet that is very true. 2y

jlhammar There is a much stronger memoir element to this than I was expecting! Intrigued so far and can't wait to see how she weaves it all together. Loved the second to last line of chapter 1 “I can't tell if my blood is in the trees or if the trees are in my blood.“ Sounds like it might be a little of both. I like how we are following her younger self as she tries to solve the mystery of why the seedlings are failing. I'm captivated. 2y

AllDebooks @jlhammar I loved that line too. Think she's defo part of the forest. 2y

jenniferw88 I can't comment at the moment because I know what happens 🤣 I will say it's more memoir than flora and fauna though! 2y

BookwormAHN @jlhammar I also loved that line. 2y

BookwormAHN I can't imagine spending the night in the truck like that. It would have completely freaked me out. 2y

AllDebooks @jenniferw88 🤣🤣🤣 2y

AllDebooks @BookwormAHN I wouldn't have slept a wink 2y

Graywacke One thing bothered me with the intro. And two thoughts tugged at me during chapter 1. During the intro she kept telling us what she discovered. That‘s weird to me. Science is communal and understanding usually comes out of reading and understanding first, maybe a lot of talking, and then using that to figure out what to pursue. So, usually we say “we” or “the science has developed/learned”. 👇 2y

Graywacke Then maybe, “I found something that added to/contradicted what we thought we knew” Or something along those lines. This is just a concern I have. Might be nothing. 2y

Graywacke In chapter 1 we learn a logging company employee is guiding us on forest ecology. That‘s weird. A separate thought was to realize not only was she the only woman, but she was all cost, no production in a for-profit company. So she‘s a double-outsider on chap 1. But also she has not really addressed the logging-for-profit/love-and-save-the-forests conflict she seems to be in. Maybe nothing, but it‘s on my mind. (edited) 2y

Graywacke @AllDebooks looks like you resolved the tag issue. 👍 2y

Graywacke @TheBookHippie that‘s really cool you were one of those seven girls, and saw that moose, but yeah, scary too! 2y

Graywacke @Ann_Reads I‘m glad you quoted that passage. I‘m really curious about that association with our neurotransmitters too. 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke you raise a serious point. I wasn't really clear on her status other than student. I'm hoping she clarifies more on the science front throughout the book. All science projects are done by questioning what's gone before and building on someone else's work. Be that by adding to the knowledge or disapproving theories or finding new ones. It would be very disappointing if sshes standing on the shoulders of giants. 2y

AllDebooks Sorry... hadn't finished! I was trying to say I would be disappointed if she doesn't acknowledge that she's standing on the shoulders of giants 2y

AllDebooks ??Should I do a summary at the start of each post?? I did mean to do one but forgot, stressful week getting my daughter set up at college 🥺 She's growing up to fast!! 2y

AnnR @AllDebooks Please don't worry about the summary, especially for the beginning chapters. Maybe it would be helpful if the info in the chapters gets more complex. I hope your daughter settles in and enjoys her first year of college. (My college experience was many, many, many years ago but I do remember the first weeks to be daunting.) 2y

AnnR @Graywacke Your concerns also bothered me too. I hope the author backs up her claims with a documented scientific process and gives kudos to others involved. Also, her logging background seems at odds with the whole ecology pov, but I'll keep an open mind about it. Maybe she finds aspects of the industry troubling and tries to make some changes. Guess we'll find out as we read along. 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm I‘m enjoying it quite a bit so far. She reminds me of one of my best friends that I go hiking/camping with. I‘m excited to learn more about the relationship between the trees and the mushrooms. I knew the book was going to be about tree relationships, but the added complexity of the rest of the forest has me very intrigued. I think I could also happily read a book purely about her grandma. 😅 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @Ann_Reads I loved that quote too. I also liked the one about mustaches being handed out at the start of a man‘s forest career. 🤣😂🤣 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @Graywacke I agree that her phrasing is a bit odd, but I chalked it up to a choice in writing style. I always peek in the back of nonfiction books for an “About the Author” bit and instead found her Acknowledgements and Critical Sources sections, so I‘m happy to report that she gives credit where it‘s due and definitely cites her sources. 2y

Graywacke @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm yes, her grandmother sounds like quite something. Also. I hadn‘t checked citations yet. 😊 Good point. And, @Ann_Reads i‘ll try to keep an open mind too. 2y

Graywacke @AllDebooks i agree with @Ann_Reads - you don‘t need to add a summary. Good luck getting your daughter settled. 2y

AllDebooks @Ann_Reads @Graywacke I did add one as I'd already wrote it in my notes. Thank you, she did great yesterday, I'm so proud of how she's coping with the change. 2y

AllDebooks @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm lol, me too. Her Grandmother has legend status in my eyes. 2y

Mitch These first few chapters weren‘t what I was expecting! It‘s more ‘chatty‘, less researched and more memoir than I thought it might be. But has really hooking me in and I hope that‘s why this book has had such wide readership. She has an amazing sounding family! 2y

Mitch One thing that jarred a bit for me - I wonder about the personification of the trees - she talks about friendships between trees and whilst I understand the connective nature of the science think the terms she‘s using don‘t translate from humans to others. 2y

AllDebooks @Mitch yes, I agree on the chatty tone and the complete opposite of what I was expecting. I wonder if it's her younger self's voice and will assume a more authorative, scientific tone as she moves through her story. 2y

LeeRHarry I‘m intrigued to see how the style develops throughout the book, hopefully we will get a mix of memoir and some well researched science. So far - bear and alone in truck = terrifying! I like the whole friendship between trees idea but then I‘ve always had that feeling since the Ents in LOTR 😏 2y

Chelsea.Poole Great points from @Graywacke — I too wondered how she‘s going to balance logging and a love for the forest when so often —in the area where I live at least— logging a forest leaves it totally decimated. 2y

Chelsea.Poole I‘m a lover of all creatures but I tell you what, bears are one of my biggest fears!! 😱 2y

Chelsea.Poole @Mitch agreed—not what I was expecting with the memoir tone. I also am fine with this, as I‘m a huge memoir person, but it is different than what I had expected. 2y

Deblovestoread Having no science background I am fascinated by the description of the fungi, etc. Growing up in a community where logging was the main industry and seeing the “graveyards of tree bones” from clear cutting I‘m am looking forward to seeing if the replanting systems have changed for the better. 2y

MilesnMelodies It seems like a rip off of The Secret Life of Trees. 2y

AllDebooks @LeeRHarry I like the memoir side but am hoping for more science. The Ents 😍 I think reading Tolkien as a child defo nurtured my love of nature. 2y

AllDebooks @Chelsea.Poole it is going to be a struggle balancing the way she was raised and taught to care for the forest to working with a commercial logging company. 2y

AllDebooks @MilesnMelodies that's interesting, I haven't read that yet. Similar theories? 2y

AllDebooks I'd just like to say a huge thank you for joining me and contributing so much to our first comment thread. It's been a great discussion. 2y

MilesnMelodies @AllDebooks It's basically the same exact book. A non US person with a background in forestry who believes the have discovered secret things about trees. 2y

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jenniferw88

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

pick

Storygraph: nonfiction | autobiography | nature | science

Hopeful | Informative | Tense

5 ⭐ #naturalitsy @AllDebooks

#pop22 #aboutafoundfamily @Cinfhen @4thhouseontheleft @Cortg @Megabooks @Laughterhp @Kalalalatja @KarenUK @squirrelbrain (lots of squirrels mentioned! 🤣) @RaeLovesToRead

Cinfhen Ahhhh, that‘s such a sweet choice 🥰 2y

squirrelbrain Great choice! 🐿🐿🐿 2y

Cortg I love this 💕 2y

AllDebooks 😊😲😍 Wow, you don't hang around!! So glad you enjoyed it x 2y

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Graywacke

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

Started Finding the Mother Tree today for #naturaLitsy

AllDebooks Yay 🙌 thank you for the tag. Also, I have The Puma Years, you'll have to let me know what you think 😁 2y

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

#naturaLitsy

Here's our schedule for week 1. I will post a discussion thread later in the week. Please post your comments on that one to avoid spoilers for those not reading yet.

So excited to start our 1st readalong, glad to have you all with me.

If anyone would like to be untagged or join us, please let me know.

AllDebooks Please do like the post or comment so I can keep track of tags that are working @wordslinger42 @Mitch @MelisK @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm @rockpools
@Blackink_WhitePaper @BookwormAHN @Chrissyreadit @Deblovestoread @Graywacke @Dilara @jenniferw88 @Chelsea.Poole @Ann_Reads @TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @jlhammar @LeeRHarry @Soubhiville 2y

Blackink_WhitePaper I started with the first chapter & it is engaging. Can‘t wait for the discussion with you all! Thank you for the tag 💐😊🥰 2y

LeeRHarry Just finished the first chapter when I saw your post - looking forward to the discussion 😊🌳 2y

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Mitch Looking forward to it! 2y

Graywacke I just read the introduction. I‘ll wait a bit and then read chapter 1. 2y

TheBookHippie Starting today 🙃! 2y

AllDebooks I've just read the Introduction and my mind is blown. I think we're in for an engaging, thoughtful and educational read. 🤯😍 2y

AllDebooks @Blackink_WhitePaper @LeeRHarry @Mitch @Graywacke @TheBookHippie I'm so excited 😊 2y

ravenlee I just read this section and would love to join in! So far it‘s pretty fascinating. 2y

jenniferw88 Confession time for me: Because I'm currently reading two books on my Kindle (this and A Gentleman in Moscow) I'm reading this straight through so that I'm not flipping between the two. I will, however, only comment on the relevant weeks' reading even though I had a 'just one more chapter' moment with it last night! 🤣🤣🤣🐻🐻🐻 2y

AllDebooks @ravenlee Hi, glad to have you join us. The morethe merrier. I've add you to our tag list x 2y

AllDebooks @jenniferw88 lol, don't worry. 🤣 I'm doing the same with pemberlittens reads. It was incredibly difficult to put down after 1st chapter. I find it captivating in some many ways. 2y

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

How is your Sunday going?

I'm sitting here, marking up the chapters and making the graphics for our #naturaLitsy readalong, starting tomorrow 😊

Still time to join in....

Soubhiville I may get the audio to listen to on your last week to join that final discussion. 🙂 2y

AllDebooks @Soubhiville that's great, would you like me to tag you from the start to keep track or just the last one to avoid spoilers? 2y

Soubhiville I would love to be tagged, thanks! 2y

AllDebooks @Soubhiville wonderful, I've added your name to the tag list. There have been issues this last week or two with tags not working. So if you see a post with tagged names, please let me know if yours is ok. Great to have you with us x 2y

Soubhiville Will do, thank you. 😊 2y

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Mitch

Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

It‘s been a long time since I‘ve tabbed up! Looking forward to our first #naturalitsy read along! t

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm

KristiAhlers I love your page flags! 2y

Mitch @KristiAhlers thank you 🙏 2y

AllDebooks Oh they're so cute peeking over the pages x 2y

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LeahBergen Those stickies!! ❤️ 2y

iread2much Such cute doggie tabs! 2y

Chelsea.Poole Cute! 2y

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Finding the Mother Tree | Suzanne Simard

Reposting for @AllDebooks #naturalitsy

Anyone is welcome to join the group and read along with the tagged book. If you don‘t feel like reading along this time, you can still feel free to join the group. We chose this book by recommending and voting, so next time there‘s a chance that we‘ll read a book you recommend! ❤️🌳❤️

AllDebooks Thank you so much for sharing @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm x 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm You‘re very welcome! @AllDebooks ❤️ 2y

MelisK Hello!!! How do I join? 2y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm Hello @MelisK 🤗 Just let @AllDebooks know you‘d like to join. You can comment on one of her posts and she can add you to the group. ❤️ Glad you‘re joining! 2y

AllDebooks @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm thanks for the tag. Welcome @MelisK and thanks for your tag on my post. Hope you're able to join us for our readalong, starting on Monday. It is running over September and October, so don't worry if you're late to start.

Finding the Mother Tree

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