The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature

Very interesting book. It's great to pick up and read a chapter or two when I have down time

Peter Wohlleben is no Pollyanna about the environment. As a witness to the almost complete loss of Germany’s old growth forests he would have to be somewhat gloomy.But in the Heartbeat of Trees he chooses a different tack than the prophets of environmental destruction. He emphasizes the connection between human beings and trees; that the relationship is symbiotic; that nature is not only competitive but cooperative; and that ultimately deforestation is humanity’s own loss.Thus, the reader is not so much harangued with guilt as taught how to feel at home in a forest. Blending scientific research and personal experiences makes for a pleasant read. The reader is taught such things as how the brain of a tree is in its roots, why old growth forests are not as subject to forest fires and how Homo sapiens have evolved a gene that minimizes the risk of cancer through smoke inhalation (since we’ve been gathering around campfires for millions of years).While maybe not as groundbreaking as some of his earlier works, fans will recognize the same spirit at play. It’s familiar stylistically and thematically while still having something new to contribute. Recommended to all those aware of the precarious state of the earth’s ecology but who want to hear about it from a more positive perspective.

This seems to be an easy to read book packed w all kinds of ecological knowledge. Many of the European references to ecology, forestry practices, or German tree farming were very enlightening. Truly enjoyed

I liked "the Hidden Life of Trees" Better. This spoke more politically, but retained the ethic and his frustration (maybe mine as well). We need to listen to this ethic and act on it. Otherwise we will have a major die-back all at once. Nature has it's ways regardless of how We "Feel". Over 99% of all living things have gone extinct. We are alive right how, capable of cognizant thought, but we are acting just like those extinct living things did.

I thoroughly enjoy Peter's way of storytelling Ecology. As a soil scientist and forest Ecologist, I appreciate his ability to connect both with the forest and with humans and hopefully the two with one another. Anything we can do to get people interested in taking better care of ourselves and healing our relationship with the world is a noble effort.

Each chapter is a separate visit to the community of trees, guided by humorous old man who can laugh at himself and shares his sorrow over the self-serving follies of tree killers. He always encourages you to look in new ways: at your self, at tree plantations, at city living, and towards the dim goal of aboriginal forest communities, which were and may come again, with work and patience.

We read this for my book club. The author became well known through his earlier book about trees which I understand is a sustained engagement with the life of trees. This book collects together more recent shorter pieces on trees and human connections to nature. The English title is misleading. Although enlightening, this is not a treatise making a well-supported argument about trees. The author seems a bit enamored with his own celebrity. It's a nice read if you're looking for bits and pieces on trees and nature.

Peter’s book if filled with detailed information that links to the bigger picture; his passion for, and intimate understanding of forests/woodlands takes you on a journey that leaves you inspired, and for me at least, it also leaves me sad… sad that our species really does not get-it: no nature, no life (at least no life that could be described as beautiful & thriving).

His writing about trees is so informative ahd helpful so that you can understand them when you go for even a small walk!

Have developed a new interest in botany and ecology. Explains complex ecological relationships in accessible terms and writes with such wonder and awe of nature. Has changed the way I look at trees, and now with reverence.

If you were not sensitive to the living beings around us, this book will sensitise you for sure.

Excellent book like it predecessor. A very enjoyable and informative book that's easy to read

Another great book, although I find it glosses over many of the same points as his previous books