Synopses & Reviews
Like a Tree grew out of bestselling author Jean Bolen's practice of walking among tall trees and mourning the loss of a Monterey pine that was cut down in her neighborhood.
The book will appeal most to people who realize that they are "tree people." It is poetic, educational, inspirational, spiritual, and down to earth, covering the subject of trees from anatomy and physiology to trees as archetypal and sacred symbols.
It is also a strong and positive call to ecological activism, with stories of the organizations and "tree people" who are trying to save our forests and the planet: Greenpeace's Kleercut campaign to save the Boreal Forest, Wangari Maathai's Greenbelt Movement, Julia Butterfly Hill's campaign to save a California Redwood. Bolen offers a unique vision based on metaphysics, psychology, mythology, and global gender politics. She writes eloquently about deforestation, global warming, and overpopulation, as well as the work of Amnesty International and the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
The publisher will donate a tree for every book sold.
Review
"Read Jean Shinoda Bolen's
Like a Tree, and you will never again see one without knowing it has a novel inside, it's supporting your life, and it's more spiritual than any church, temple or mosque.
Like a Tree is the rare book that not only informs, but offers a larger consciousness of life itself." -
Gloria Steinem"I'll always remember the sadness I felt several years ago when I drove my little girl to her first day of the new school year, and saw that the huge tree that had always welcomed us as we entered the driveway in front of the school was gone. Upon inquiring about what happened, I was told that the tree had been removed to make way for a new sports field. I couldn't believe how sad I was, or how little my sadness seemed to be shared by other people at the school. It was then that I realized what a profound shift in worldview is necessary in order for us to save the planet. I applaud everyone--including the brilliant and glorious Jean Shinoda Bolen--for helping us make the shift. Bravo, Jean. You make us feel it." -
Marianne Williamson"In this book Jean Bolen expresses the essence of our deep connection to and inseparability from trees. Trees have stood by us humans always; it is the least we can do to protect and save and honor them now. Bolen's thoughts and suggestions for moving forward will, as always, help us see and feel how this might be done. This is a conversation with the Tree tribe not to be missed or dismissed." -
Alice Walker"We shouldn't simply be alarmed by what's happening to our forests, and our other fellow creatures. We should feel sick to our soul. And in this, as Jean Bolen says, women are taking the lead and showing, all over the world, that 'ordinary people' can make a difference--and that if they don't, nobody else will. Altogether, an excellent and timely book." -Colin Tudge, biologist and author of The Tree: A Natural History of What Trees Are, How They Live, and Why They Matter
Synopsis
Like a Tree grew out of bestselling author Jean Bolens practice of walking among tall trees and mourning the loss of a Monterey pine that was cut down in her neighborhood.
Synopsis
A Powerful and Poetic Call to Ecological & Feminist ActivismThis masterful work by internationally known author and speaker Jean Shinoda Bolen provides an insightful look into the fusion of ecological issues and global gender politics.
Of trees and women. This book on the importance of trees grew out of Bolen's experience mourning the loss of a Monterey pine that was cut down in her neighborhood. That, combined with her practice of walking among tall trees, led to her deep connection with trees and an understanding of their many complexities. From their anatomy and physiology, to trees as archetypal and sacred symbols, Bolen expertly explores the dynamics of ecological activism spiritual activism and sacred feminism. And, she invites us to join the movement to save trees.
Stories of those making a difference. While there is still much work to be done to address environmental problems, there are many stories of individuals and organizations rising up to make a change and help save our planet. The words and stories that Bolen weaves throughout this book are both inspirational and down-to-earth, calling us to realize what is happening to not only our trees, but our people. By writing about both the work of organizations like Greenpeace and the UN Commission on the Status of Women, Bolen highlights her passions and shares her unique vision for the world.
In Like a Tree learn more about:
- The dynamic nature of trees -- from their anatomy to their role as an archetypal symbol
- Pressing social issues such as deforestation, global warming, and overpopulation
- What it means to be a "tree person"
If you enjoyed books like The Hidden Life of Trees, Wise Trees, Around the World in 80 Trees, or Braiding Sweetgrass, then you'll love Like a Tree: How Trees, Women, and Tree People Can Save the Planet.
About the Author
Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D. is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst in private practice, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, and an internationally known lecturer. She is the author of numerous books including Goddesses in Everywoman, Urgent Message from Mother: Gather the Women and Save the World, Crones Don't Whine and The Millionth Circle. Visit her at jeanbolen.com.