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Gathering Moss

168 pages, 2003

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Description
In the book Gathering Moss, Robin Wall Kimmerer creates a charming and relatable series of essays that teach readers how to see and appreciate the lives of mosses. Mosses are not an identification guide, nor is it a scientific treatise. Kimmerer teaches readers to see mosses and all living things as intertwined with one another. In this thought-provoking book, Kimmerer explains the biology of mosses while reflecting on what mosses can teach people.
Understanding the Importance of Nature

In Gathering Moss, Robin Wall Kimmerer invites us to explore the often overlooked world of moss. She shows us that these tiny plants play a crucial role in the ecosystem. By understanding their importance, we can develop a deeper appreciation for nature and its intricate balance.

Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Knowledge

Kimmerer beautifully blends indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge. She shows us that these two ways of understanding the world are not mutually exclusive, but rather complement each other. This book encourages us to look at the world through both lenses.

The Power of Observation

One of the key lessons from Gathering Moss is the power of observation. Kimmerer encourages us to slow down, observe, and learn from nature. This practice can lead to a deeper understanding of our environment and our place within it.

Respect for All Life Forms

Kimmerer's book teaches us to respect all life forms, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. She argues that every organism has a role to play in the ecosystem and deserves our respect and protection. This is a powerful message for anyone interested in conservation and environmental stewardship.

The Interconnectedness of Life

In Gathering Moss, we see how everything in nature is interconnected. The health of a moss colony can impact the health of an entire forest. This book encourages us to think about our own actions and how they affect the world around us.

Quotes 5

Gathering Moss is a beautifully written mix of science and personal reflection that invites readers to explore and learn from the elegantly simple lives of mosses.

Elizabeth GilbertElizabeth Gilbert - Author, Eat Pray Love

Robin Wall Kimmerer's book is not an identification guide, nor is it a scientific treatise. Rather, it is a series of linked personal essays that will lead general readers and scientists alike to an understanding of how mosses live and how their lives are intertwined with the lives of countless other beings.

Richard PowersRichard Powers - Pulitzer Prize Winner

In her book, Robin Wall Kimmerer takes readers on a journey that is scientific, lyrical, and deeply humane. Gathering Moss is a beautifully crafted exploration of life's smallest yet most vital organisms.

Annie DillardAnnie Dillard - American Author

Gathering Moss is a beautifully written and illustrated book that brings the humble moss into a new light. This is a book that will change how you see the world.

Barbara KingsolverBarbara Kingsolver - Novelist, Essayist

Robin Wall Kimmerer's book is a rare treat, combining the scientific, the cultural, and the personal in a way that enlightens the mind and stirs the heart. Gathering Moss is a beautifully written exploration of the world's most primitive plants and their significance to human life.

Bill McKibbenBill McKibben - Environmental Activist
Elizabeth GilbertRichard PowersAnnie DillardBarbara KingsolverBill McKibben

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