Trees: 10 Things You Should Know

10 Things You Should Know

by Carolyn Fry

Discover the wonders at the centre of our planet's ecosystem.In ten short and accessible essays, science and nature writer Carolyn Fry takes us on an awe-inspiring journey of the Earth's lungs. From what makes a plant a tree and the incredible impact of forests, to how trees are under attack and what we can do to save them, this book will enthral and inform on the monumental power of the humble 10 things you should know is an essential introduction to why trees are so important, and why our lives depend on them!

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2023

Reviews

[Meg]

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” ― John Muir

A fascinating, concise, and accessible glimpse into the extraordinary, and quite frankly magical, life of trees. Fry’s goal is clear and important: to foster understanding as a basis for respect, action, and protection.

Whenever I read on and learn about trees, I am always struck by how deeply intertwined they are with us and all else, how they communicate, adapt, sustain life, and tell us stories without words. Naturally, this was a moving read full of awe at what trees do and sadness at what we continue to do to them. My only wish would be for a few diagrams or visual aids to complement the science.

4.5*

[nic]

interesting read. i think this needs diagrams so readers can visually understand just what they’re reading. the language of this novel makes it hard to engage with at times, and i found myself re-reading sections multiple times. still, very interesting and truly difficult to comprehend how trees truly work!

[Marta]

A very nice book, however I was expecting more “out of the box” things to know about trees. Knowing biology it did not add much to my previous knowledge, but the last chapter had some very interesting ideas!

[Jen]

** 2.5 stars **

This didn't quite hit the mark for me. It just felt like the author was endlessly churning out facts about trees. I appreciated the effort to emphasise the negative impacts that humans have had, but it just felt like a not very interesting biology lesson.

[Patrycja]

Very short yet very boring...

[Nancy M]

An essential read!

[Umar]

Boring but accessible

[Katharine Oliver]

So many tree facts, (obviously) my mind is just on trees now. Very interesting read about the history of trees and the impact we’re having on the natural world.

[Juliette]

A lot less punchy than i was expecting given the size and design choices, but still an interesting read.

[Kim Claassens]

Found some bits quite boring, some bits were mind blowing! Over all, definitely an interesting read

[Laura O'Neill]

too biologyish for me, not that invested in trees

[Joe]

Super simple to understand and engaging to read. I lobe this book!

[Katie]

Fascinating but I knew a lot of this already from doing geography and environmental science A levels