Review by Choice Review
This book presents a multifaceted, multidisciplined approach to the appreciation of trees that combines science, art, literature, poetry, and spirituality, including a discussion of the practical use of trees throughout history. Nadkarni is a tree canopy researcher, environmental studies professor at Evergreen State College, and president of the International Canopy Network. Between Earth and Sky evokes the reverence people, especially the author, feel for trees. However, the spiritual aspects underlying this approach to trees may not suit all scientists, although the science related here is accurate and authoritative. Beginning with a very enlightening chapter defining just what a tree is and describing the attributes of trees, the book thoroughly explores the human affinities to trees, explaining that trees fulfill human needs at every level of our existence. The chapters cover physical needs, security, health, recreation, time and history, symbols and language, and finally spirituality and mindfulness. The volume is sprinkled with the author's experiences during her research with trees, interesting photographs, philosophical quotes, and poetry. This well-written volume contains chapter notes, recommended readings, and a thorough index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Public, professional, and academic libraries, all levels. D. L. Richter Michigan Technological University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
With a scholarly voice leavened by poetic sensibility, Nadkarni (Rainforests) explores trees from root to canopy, tracing their powerful role in shaping human commerce, spirituality, even language--a fascinating section examines the preponderance of tree-based metaphors. The author, a renowned canopy biologist, pre-sents a wealth of entertaining arboreal facts and figures, but her personal anecdotes are the book's most compelling and inimitable feature: she describes a visit to a Baptist church where the pastor spoke of "the need to find an entity that will protect us... and hold us... when we are frightened" with "limbs that would support us forever, never tiring... helping us find quiet and calm in our lives." Nadkarni relates being so "amazed and pleased that the pastor would include a description of trees and their spiritual benefit in his sermon" that she didn't realize that he was talking about Jesus. Despite an occasional pedantic tone, the author's belief that "when humans become sufficiently aware of... a single tree, a forest fragment, or the whole biosphere, they will find ways to protect it" is inspiring and her enthusiasm, contagious. Photos. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
