The Tree Collectors

April 1, 2024
In this wholesome report, novelist Stewart (From the Ground Up) explores the myriad motivations of 50 tree enthusiasts. Many of those profiled find symbolic meaning in their orchards. For instance, a Northern California woman recounts how she started planting persimmon trees in 2012 as a tribute to her Korean elders, explaining that the fruit is often “placed on altars and grave sites to honor the dead.” Others have more practical goals, such as the South Carolina man who intended to secure generational wealth for his children by growing loblolly pine for timber on a tract his formerly enslaved great-grandfather took over from his former master after the Civil War. For Mexican bonsai artist Enrique Castaño, the dedicated work of “learning how to read the tree by watching the size of the leaves, the curvature of the branches, and the direction of new growth” is its own reward. Elsewhere, Stewart details how a New Mexico botanist spent her retirement collecting pine cones from as many of the 115 pine species as she could find, and how a local leader in Piplantri, India, plants 111 trees for every girl born in the village to push back against the cultural preference for boys. The lighthearted character studies survey the diverse ways that humans relate to the natural world, and Stewart’s tranquil watercolor illustrations charm. Readers will breeze through this. Illus. Agent: Michelle Tessler, Tessler Literary.

December 6, 2024

Multitalented science writer and novelist Stewart (author of both The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World's Greatest Drinks and the "Kopp Sisters" mystery series), who is a New York Times bestselling author as well as an artist, compiles a captivating collection of stories from 50 tree enthusiasts--planters, collectors, and admirers--in her latest work. The individuals Stewart highlights are as wide-ranging in their interests as their trees; some specialize in a single species, while others focus on preservation or ecological restoration. Most collect entire trees, but others collect leaves, seeds, or images, showcasing a range of arboreal passions. These individuals tend to be a future-focused group, since the trees they love will likely outlive those who planted them. These concise global narratives are complemented by how-to sections, offering instruction on topics like planting a tiny forest, moving a large tree, or creating a leaf collection. Narrator Jade Wheeler's voice is uplifting and engaging, helping listeners connect with the world of tree lovers. Her warm, inviting tone is vividly evocative, crafting an ambiance that may make listeners feel as though they too are walking among the trees. VERDICT A window into the lives of people who take great joy from trees. Recommended for listeners who love nature and science or those seeking a deeper connection to the environment.--Christa Van Herreweghe

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