Braiding Sweetgrass

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

By: Robin Wall Kimmerer

Narrated by: Robin Wall Kimmerer

As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers.

In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowing together to reveal what it means to see humans as "the younger brothers of creation". As she explores these themes, she circles toward a central argument: The awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the world. Once we begin to listen for the languages of other beings, we can begin to understand the innumerable life-giving gifts the world provides us and learn to offer our thanks, our care, and our own gifts in return.

©2013 Robin Wall Kimmerer (P)2016 Tantor

Beautiful wisdom

A truly moving experience to have the author, with her own sweet voice, show me another way to look at the world and all of us in it. It reminded me of truths I had discovered when I was younger but had forgotten, and showed me many many other new ones.

An incredible gift

Braiding Sweetgrass is my new favorite book. I have such deep gratitude for Robin Wall Kimmerer for bestowing her stories, ideas, and knowledge upon us. So much of what she wrote speaks to my experiences growing up in the woods and prairies of Ohio. Many years later, I am now an environmental scientist. The way she speaks about science as a way of life and part of her spirituality is incredible. So few of us are willing to confront the way we feel in such an eloquent way.

Beautiful

This book is beautiful. Knowledge every individual living in a consumerist society needs to understand. Robin Wall Kimmerer sheds light on the importance of reciprocity on a planet that provides so much. I got lost in her words, poetic and thoughtful, I will pass the story along.

Beautiful Weaving of Science and Native Wisdom

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love how the author used her native american heritage as a counterweight to the western scientific view that demands the observers of the land act as if thsy are not also a part of the land..
The author's naration was effective. Listening, I getbthe sense that not only is she a grat college ecology professor but also a graet teacher of her native culture.

Essential wisdom

This book should be required reading for everyone who eats food, drinks water, and walks on the earth. We could change everything together.

A Salve for the Soul

What disappointed you about Braiding Sweetgrass?

Nothing disappointed me about this book! In this crazy world we live in, listening to the clear, soft, , soothing, intimate voice of this native American professor talk about our relationship to the plant world was quite simply a salve to my soul.

What could Robin Wall Kimmerer have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

She is perfect reading her own book. I'm sure the print copy would be wonderful too, but listening to the book is something I will never forget and I have recommended the audio book to everyone I know. I loved her explanations; I loved her recommendations, and I loved her discussions about her life and about native Americans relationship to our plant Earth.

What didn’t you like about Robin Wall Kimmerer’s performance?

I know no book is perfect, but this one came very close for me. Ms Kimmerer's performance was wonderful. She gave me hope for the future of our planet, while being very clear about the severe ecological problems we face.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Braiding Sweetgrass?

Nothing. I absolutely loved it.

Any additional comments?

The questions for this review all tend to be phrased in a negative manner and I don't know why. Yes, I understand this is a review and criticism may be warranted, but it just isn't how I felt about this book.

Easy to come back to after some time away

Great blend of science, history, and poetry. The narration kept content light and engaging that could otherwise feel dense.

Educational, compelling, poetic

I greatly appreciated the education I received in indigenous culture especially the botanical info. So many times I felt visceral reactions to the descriptions of a flower, a tree or a philosophy shared. Many parts were so sad that I was moved to tears. Everyone should read this book.

Everyone Should Hear these Stories

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is a wonderful, wonderful book. Such masterful storytelling. Each chapter brings a gem of knowledge to the reader/listener. I was often moved to tears.

One of the most important books of our time

Any additional comments?

Words we all need to hear and a book that provides moral, ethical and spiritual substance to what we all know in our hearts to be true.