Braiding Sweetgrass
by Robin Wall Kimmerer · first published 2013
79% recommend16% neutral5% critical
Why HN recommends it
Blends botany, indigenous teachings, and personal storytelling from a plant scientist, so it is both informative and delightful. Suits readers wanting an ecological, reflective view of plants and nature.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these lenses of knowledge together to show that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings are we capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and lear
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…into contemporary sci-fi and fantasy and would have an easier time going without electricity than without books, unless I was part of a community that carried on storytelling traditions. Two others: Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Finding the Mother Tree, by Suzanne Simard, both about ecology and reciprocity, guiding how I garden, parent, and relate to the bleeding edge of life in general.
on “Ask HN: What are some must read books?” ↗The question arises, what do you do about the Machine? How do you get roots? If you are looking for answers, a great place to start is "Braiding Sweetgrass" by ecology professor and Native American Robin Wall Kimmerer. I'm an avid reader across many genres, and this is my favorite book. Many people I know have said that this book was the most important book…
on “Simone Weil and the Need for Roots” ↗The new trail of tears - overview of policy law and history leading to systemic disenfranchisement of first persons. Braiding sweetgrass - biographical story of the mix of native spirituality and science What the eyes don't see - discussion of the policy and governmental resistance to disclosing the Michigan water crisis Weapons of math…
on “Ask HN: What book(s) had the most impact for you in 2019?” ↗Another book recommend related to this subject: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. I'm 100p in and vibing. I really recommend it!
on “The Social Life of Forests” ↗…of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea. This book gave me a glimpse into what it’s like for Mexicans who immigrate to the US, and the storytelling was just wonderful. Non-fiction recommendations: - Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Mix together equal parts science, indigenous knowledge and myth, botany, and wonderful writing and you get this book. I love Kimmerer’s voice (both in terms of her writing and…
on “Good Books for a Lousy Year” ↗…of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea. This book gave me a glimpse into what it’s like for Mexicans who immigrate to the US, and the storytelling was just wonderful. Non-fiction recommendations: - Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Mix together equal parts science, indigenous knowledge and myth, botany, and wonderful writing and you get this book. I love Kimmerer’s voice (both in terms of her writing and…
on “I'll pay you to read my book (2013)” ↗…downstream from chemical plants, smelters, etc. is a way to help, too. See How to Save A Planet podcast for more. See also: All We Can Save, edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer Eager (about beavers in North America) And so many more authors trying to push for awareness and change that aligns more closely with values of stewardship and reciprocity rather…
on “Ask HN: How to prepare for climate change events” ↗Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer [0], because it brought the concept of reciprocity to the fore for me this year, and nudged me towards Finding the Mother Tree (Suzanne Simard), Eat Like a Fish (Bren Smith), and…
on “Ask HN: What's the best book you read in 2021?” ↗…added awareness to how your past experiences/mental patterns influence your current experience/interpretation of events. She also has a ted talk on Netflix for a short intro to her overall approach. Braiding Sweetgrass[3] by Robin Wall Kimmerer is currently one of my favorite books. Some aspects are depressing particularly around our current culture but I found it also gave me hope by laying out an alternative and healthier…
on “Ask HN: What are some good inspirational and uplifting books?” ↗My favourite three- - Heartwood by Rowan Reid - Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer - The Call Of The Reed Warbler by Charles Massy
on “Ask HN: Best books read in 2022” ↗Braiding Sweetgrass was the book that introduced me the idea of three sisters. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17465709-braiding-sweetg... In Let My People Go Surfing https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22155.Let_My_People_Go_S...…
on “Three Sisters (Agriculture)” ↗…can get "lost" in the underlayer and won't get enough sunlight. I'm not expecting a huge yield because I planted in a small area, but I love how it's turning out! Edit: I decided to try after reading Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. What a lovely book! I strongly recommend it.
on “How to Grow a Three Sisters Garden – Native-Seeds-Search” ↗This is discussed in Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Best book I’ve read in a long time.
on “Trees guard their seeds: Unlocking the secrets of mast seeding” ↗A number of my favorites have already been mentioned so I’ll round out the list with Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. If you have kids, an interest in gardening, or a curiosity about Native American culture, this book will hit you in all three. I got it on audiobook, and felt like I wanted to…
on “Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read?” ↗…(understanding compound interest). Certainty leads to insanity (regarding the “trade” of life). References: - The Creative Act by Rick Rubin - The Listening Book: Discovering Your Own Music by W. A. Mathieu - Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer - The First and Last Freedom by Jiddu Krishnamurti - The Psychopath Code by Peter Hintjens - Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - Fingers Pointing to the Moon by Jane…
on “Ask HN: What trick of the trade took you too long to learn?” ↗