To Speak for the Trees

WINNER OF THE 2019 SIGURD F. OLSON NATURE WRITING AWARD

“A leading scientist comes . . . with a simple and hopeful message about how to reverse the effects of climate change: plant more trees. . . . She would know. Beresford-Kroeger has a PhD in medical microbiology and botany. She’s published six books on trees and forests, and was the driving force behind the documentary Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees. She is a member of the Royal Geographical Society, which named her one of twenty-five women explorers of Canada. She is also among the Utne Reader’s World Visionaries. . . . Her memoir and speaking tour are timely. . . . Beresford-Kroeger said reaction to her memoir is ‘extraordinary.’ Readers have sent letters and called her after reading the book. It has been likened to Silent Spring by Rachel Carson and Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered by E.F. Schumacher.” —Waterloo Region Record

“In her youth in Ireland Diana Beresford-Kroeger received an extraordinary and unique education in traditional Celtic plant lore. At university in Canada she specialized in biochemistry and merged what she learned and observed into her signature studies of trees, augmented by First Nation forest wisdom. This autobiography of learning ways to heal the damaged earth and break the tightening grip of climate crisis offers a rational and inclusive way to keep our future.” —Annie Proulx, author of The Shipping News

“Diana Beresford Kroeger has given readers a rare gift: an inspiring tale about trees, trauma and the very purpose of life. Her Celtic story works on you like a good walk in a pine forest: you can’t help but feel invigorated afterwards.” —Andrew Nikiforuk, award-winning journalist


PRAISE FOR THE SWEETNESS OF A SIMPLE LIFE:

“The very existence of this book—with its down-to-earth appeal to drink wine, eat seaweed, sleep more, enjoy yourself, eschew industrial food—is testament to the chaos and hostility of modern life. But Beresford-Kroeger is a firm and gentle guide back to kindness, back to connection, back to simplicity.” —Nick Saul and Andrea Curtis, co-authors of The Stop: How the Fight for Good Food Transformed a Community and Inspired a Movement

“This is a unique book, in its approach unlike any other I know. . . . Diana Beresford-Kroeger convincingly interweaves her scientific expertise and her extensive knowledge of ancient aboriginal wisdom and practices, and a path into a saner and safer world seems to emerge, a path that is open to all. Part of the magic of the book is its practical accessibility.” —Ursula Franklin, author of The Real World of Technology

“The Sweetness of a Simple Life is a thoughtful book with much insight into the fundamental relationship between simplicity, food and biochemistry. It’s a perfect read after a long day in the fields.” —Daniel Brisebois, former president of Canadian Organic Growers

“Her recommendations are inspiring and enlightening. . . . [H]er enthusiasm for and understanding of the natural world, and her poetic way of describing its glory and complexity, is satisfying.” —Maclean’s

“This is a gem of a book, packed with helpful advice.” —The Record