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Fiction
The Fifth Sacred Thing
by Starhawk
Birchbark House
by Louise Erdrich
The Overstory
by Richard Powers
Non-Fiction
Is a River Alive?
by Robert Macfarlane
The Omnivore's Dilemma
by Michael Pollan
Fishing Maine
by Tom Seymour
I hadn't heard of Robert Macfarlane before reading Is A River Alive, but one taste of his work has me seeking out the rest! Weaving together poetic storytelling with essay, Macfarlane takes a deep dive (no pun intended) into answering the philosophical question of, "Is a River Alive?" Embarking on three separate adventures, Macfarlane travels the globe to visit several waterbodies- each of which struggles to survive against human intervention. In his incredible journey, the answer to his question goes from a 'yes' to a resounding "YES!" as each new connection opens the author (and the reader's) perspective to a way of thinking lost on modern society- one that embraces and holds reverence for nature, and treats waterways as entities deserving of their own rights.
October 2025's Book of the Month
Non-fiction - Published 2025
Essay, Nature, Climate
I read the majority of this book while in a kayak floating on a river while my husband fished. Recommended to me by the Real Organic Project podcast, The Omnivore's Dilemma puts into perspective just where our food comes from and the ramifications that our eating has on health, people, and planet. Pollan emphasizes how we are ultimately responsible for the effects our eating habits have on the world, and explores this by seeking out a meal from each of four major ways of eating and follows it from source to plate.
Non-Fiction - Published 2007
Food, Essay, Nutrition, Ethics, Climate
Although published as a "juvenile novel," Birchbark House hit me powerfully as an adult. This was a book that brought hot tears to my eyes in some chapters, and had my belly laughing for others. The book, one in a series, follows the daily life of Omakayas, a young Ojibwe girl. Her tale is a remarkable one, of deep love, loss, struggle, and joy. Erdrich paints a colorful and fascinating visual of the daily life of an indigenous family who must not only survive the harsh Winters, but also the plague of smallpox introduced by the white man. Sequels include The Game of Silence, The Porcupine Year, and Chickadee.
Fiction - Published 1999
Indigenous, Historical Fiction, Slice of Life
Tom Seymour writes on Maine's woods and waters with wisdom and care, sharing insights, tips, and tricks that only an angler as experienced as himself could know. No flashy equipment needed, Seymour's book emphasises skill and understanding of fish behavior and the environment as the best way to a successful catch. He is compassionate in his treatment of fish, and shares the tastiest way to serve each one. And like a true gentleman, he even shares his favorite fishing sites. This book taught me how to fish, and is the ultimate troubleshooting guide for all my angling queries.
Non-Fiction - Published 2007
Fishing, Outdoors, Nature
This Pulitzer prize winning and critically acclaimed book deserves the fame. Rich storytelling weaves together the lives of characters from different places and timelines, converging to create an "overstory" that is compelling and truthful. This book will invigorate activists, naturalists, and environmentalists alike, and will easily capture the attention of everyone else. A long book, and yet you don't want it to end. There has never been a story quite like The Overstory. And you will come to appreciate trees, love, and people in a new way after reading this book.
Fiction - Published 2018
Environment, Thriller, Drama