What do you think?
Rate this book
Seamos como los hongos: El arte y las enseñanzas del micelio
There is a growing interest in fungi and mycelium as a material, the ever-branching connecting threads of the fungal world. The entanglements and how this rhizomatic network functions is not just a fascinating ecological system and material, but carries a profound usefulness as a metaphor for our potential new systems, ways of thinking and behaviors.
Let’s Become Fungal! takes its inspiration from the world of art and mycology and shares innovative practices from Latin America and the Caribbean that are rooted in multispecies collaboration, symbiosis, alliances, non-monetary resource exchange, decentralization, bottom-up methods and mutual dependency—all in line with the behavior of the mycelium.
Every chapter is phrased as a question. They do not lead to answers, but to twelve teachings addressing for instance collaboration, decoloniality, non-linearity, toxicity, mobilization, biomimicry, death, and being non-binary. Simultaneously it ventures deeper into the world of fungi. The teachings from the fungus may inspire artists, collectives, organizations, educators, policy-makers, designers, scientists, anthropologists, change-makers, curators, urbanists, activists, gardeners, community-leaders, farmers, and many others, to become more fungal in their ways of working and being.
Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodríguez works as a curator and researcher on art and ecology, and is based in Mexico City. She has founded and directed many international initiatives at the intersection of art and ecology, including the Green Art Lab Alliance (Asia, Latin America and Europe) and the Nature Research Department, the Van Eyck Food Lab, and the Future Materials Bank at the Jan van Eyck Academie (NL).
Let’s Become Fungal! takes its inspiration from the world of art and mycology and shares innovative practices from Latin America and the Caribbean that are rooted in multispecies collaboration, symbiosis, alliances, non-monetary resource exchange, decentralization, bottom-up methods and mutual dependency—all in line with the behavior of the mycelium.
Every chapter is phrased as a question. They do not lead to answers, but to twelve teachings addressing for instance collaboration, decoloniality, non-linearity, toxicity, mobilization, biomimicry, death, and being non-binary. Simultaneously it ventures deeper into the world of fungi. The teachings from the fungus may inspire artists, collectives, organizations, educators, policy-makers, designers, scientists, anthropologists, change-makers, curators, urbanists, activists, gardeners, community-leaders, farmers, and many others, to become more fungal in their ways of working and being.
Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodríguez works as a curator and researcher on art and ecology, and is based in Mexico City. She has founded and directed many international initiatives at the intersection of art and ecology, including the Green Art Lab Alliance (Asia, Latin America and Europe) and the Nature Research Department, the Van Eyck Food Lab, and the Future Materials Bank at the Jan van Eyck Academie (NL).
Paperback
Published January 1, 1900
208 people are currently reading
1877 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 20, 2025
https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/...
uffff, un libro mega interesante sobre temas importantes para todos
me siento más inteligente luego de leerlo pero en realidad no lo soy (más inteligente)
me siento más cercana a la naturaleza, las relaciones entre lo humano y lo no-humano, las formas de mirar y guardar silencio y estar atenta a los cambios
curiosamente, creo que aprendo más sobre la vida y nuestros errores, sobre los vínculos y la tierra, que sobre los hongos
me impacta tanta gente involucrada en estudiar (los) y estudiar el mundo no humano
me impresionan tantas iniciativas desde el arte, la cultura y los diferentes pueblos indígenas
me inquieta mi inactividad en este entorno "solo vemos aquello que miramos"
me deslumbran, no sólo los conocimientos de la autora, sino su experiencia, su ir y venir y no desistir
y cómo vive con tantas preguntas que sólo el tiempo y la paciencia y la escucha y el mirar detenidamente el mundo, sobre todo el vegetal, le podrán responder algún día
o no
la edición es bella, llena de ilustraciones en blanco y negro y aunque el libro es incómodo e impone (sus 400 páginas, la letra muy negra, muy junta, apretadas las páginas, hay que detenerlas con ambas manos porque se cierran) se lee super fácil
y aunque entienda poco, me llevo mucho
aunque creo que entiendo más de lo que pienso
lo disfruté mucho
uffff, un libro mega interesante sobre temas importantes para todos
me siento más inteligente luego de leerlo pero en realidad no lo soy (más inteligente)
me siento más cercana a la naturaleza, las relaciones entre lo humano y lo no-humano, las formas de mirar y guardar silencio y estar atenta a los cambios
curiosamente, creo que aprendo más sobre la vida y nuestros errores, sobre los vínculos y la tierra, que sobre los hongos
me impacta tanta gente involucrada en estudiar (los) y estudiar el mundo no humano
me impresionan tantas iniciativas desde el arte, la cultura y los diferentes pueblos indígenas
me inquieta mi inactividad en este entorno "solo vemos aquello que miramos"
me deslumbran, no sólo los conocimientos de la autora, sino su experiencia, su ir y venir y no desistir
y cómo vive con tantas preguntas que sólo el tiempo y la paciencia y la escucha y el mirar detenidamente el mundo, sobre todo el vegetal, le podrán responder algún día
o no
la edición es bella, llena de ilustraciones en blanco y negro y aunque el libro es incómodo e impone (sus 400 páginas, la letra muy negra, muy junta, apretadas las páginas, hay que detenerlas con ambas manos porque se cierran) se lee super fácil
y aunque entienda poco, me llevo mucho
aunque creo que entiendo más de lo que pienso
lo disfruté mucho
February 25, 2024
This is the most important book I’ve ever read. Every single chapter/ teaching is incredibly poignant and has affected me in a very profound way. Will shout its praises from the rooftops and I think it should be a non negotiable book in everyone’s TBR list, as a point of reference for cultural education, collaboration and awareness.
January 14, 2024
This book is a captivating exploration into the realms of mycology, art, activism, and community organizing. The book, divided into 12 teachings framed as questions, delves deep into the fascinating world of mycelial wandering and thinking.
One of the standout features of the book is its beautiful presentation, with striking artwork and a subtle ghosting effect that adds to its allure. The decision to place text on the long edge enhances the reader's engagement, making it a physically immersive experience.
The author brings together insights from a diverse range of contributors, including mycologists, artists, activists, and community organizers. This collaborative approach results in a rich tapestry of interdisciplinary collaborations and examples of art-science interfaces. The interviews and profiles within the book provide a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness between different fields. It skillfully examines what fungi can teach us about collaboration, equity, and the potential for positive change. The book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the lessons that can be drawn from the symbiotic relationships observed in the natural world.
As a reader, one can't help but be inspired by the myriad perspectives presented in the book. The thematic focus on collaboration and equity serves as a call to action for readers to reflect on their own roles within their communities and the broader activist landscape.
It was a joy to read this and I'm excited for more!
One of the standout features of the book is its beautiful presentation, with striking artwork and a subtle ghosting effect that adds to its allure. The decision to place text on the long edge enhances the reader's engagement, making it a physically immersive experience.
The author brings together insights from a diverse range of contributors, including mycologists, artists, activists, and community organizers. This collaborative approach results in a rich tapestry of interdisciplinary collaborations and examples of art-science interfaces. The interviews and profiles within the book provide a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness between different fields. It skillfully examines what fungi can teach us about collaboration, equity, and the potential for positive change. The book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the lessons that can be drawn from the symbiotic relationships observed in the natural world.
As a reader, one can't help but be inspired by the myriad perspectives presented in the book. The thematic focus on collaboration and equity serves as a call to action for readers to reflect on their own roles within their communities and the broader activist landscape.
It was a joy to read this and I'm excited for more!
September 4, 2025
imo, één van de meest prikkelende en interessante boeken dat ik in tijden heb gelezen! 🌱
August 4, 2025
It took me a long time to finish, because I got quite busy with uni deadlines and had little brainspace left, but whenever I had the space, I was captivated by the book. (kind of the non-linearity of time teaching, the mushroom shows themselves when they want to on their own terms) It is a great introduction to more-than-human practices through the lens of the queendom of fungi which is also practical in the sense that it makes you question your beliefs in a gentle way whilst also providing alternatives. The book gives also space to indigenous voices, a diversity of people and the writer is reflective. The illustrations are so beautiful, especially the colored ones. I loved how the book also interconnected different sectors (as of course all is interconnected). The main reason I picked this book over another more-than-human book was the inclusion of indigenous voices and inclusion of (gender) queerness as one of the teachings and it did definitely not disappoint on either of those. Apparently there's a fungus with over 6 thousand sexual orientations out there?!!!
If you are somewhat interested in more-than-human theory (there's so many book recommendations in this book as well) and how to apply it to your own life, I would highly recommend this one!! And of course if you are interested in fungi (or want to be), this book is also very very cool.
If you are somewhat interested in more-than-human theory (there's so many book recommendations in this book as well) and how to apply it to your own life, I would highly recommend this one!! And of course if you are interested in fungi (or want to be), this book is also very very cool.
July 14, 2025
I loved every moment of this book. Thoughtfully put together, thought provoking, simultaneously hyper-local and expansive, everything you want a book like this to be and more.
Read
January 26, 2024As soon as I saw this book - held up by Giuliana Furci at Kew Gardens State of the World's Plants and Fungi 2023 conference - I knew I had to read it. What an absolute fangirl.
I can't tell you how much underlining and vigorous nodding in agreement I did whilst reading it! I love the way Yasmine carefully threads together the words and perspectives of many prominent mycologists, artists, curators and fungi enthusiasts with her own. She blends science, art and traditional wisdom in a a perfect exemplification of the interconnectedness of mycorrhizal fungi. Emphasised with the inclusion of the beautiful mycological illustrations by Rommy Gon.
Yasmine articulates radical concepts in a way that is perfectly natural. All through an exploration of 12 questions, posed to the reader to encourage curiosity and questioning, just as fungi encourage. She weaves in descriptions of projects in a way that makes you sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation at how much you want to visit! And, she flavours everything with a peppering of languages, because some of these things just cannot be explained in English. So refreshing!
ahhhh something sparkly from the Mantiqueira 💚
I can't tell you how much underlining and vigorous nodding in agreement I did whilst reading it! I love the way Yasmine carefully threads together the words and perspectives of many prominent mycologists, artists, curators and fungi enthusiasts with her own. She blends science, art and traditional wisdom in a a perfect exemplification of the interconnectedness of mycorrhizal fungi. Emphasised with the inclusion of the beautiful mycological illustrations by Rommy Gon.
Yasmine articulates radical concepts in a way that is perfectly natural. All through an exploration of 12 questions, posed to the reader to encourage curiosity and questioning, just as fungi encourage. She weaves in descriptions of projects in a way that makes you sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation at how much you want to visit! And, she flavours everything with a peppering of languages, because some of these things just cannot be explained in English. So refreshing!
ahhhh something sparkly from the Mantiqueira 💚
September 25, 2024
Op de valreep uit!
Op een mooie manier geschreven, en met prachtige connecties met veel verschillende vakgebieden: kunst, intl ontwikkeling, indigenous knowledge, etc.
Op een mooie manier geschreven, en met prachtige connecties met veel verschillende vakgebieden: kunst, intl ontwikkeling, indigenous knowledge, etc.
July 3, 2025
So happy to have finished this book before going on vacation. Such an interesting read
November 9, 2024
This book is an inspiring introduction to mycelium through a lens of the arts, offering ways to think of ‘mycelium as methodology’. In its enthusiasm, though, it does at times read overly romantic/idealised, but it is generously filled with contemporary non-Eurocentric precedents for purposeful engagement with/-in ecologies.
February 21, 2024
This book is incredibly unique and paints a fantastic picture of mycological development in relation to cultural/artistic movements and groups, worldwide. This perspective makes every chapter feel new and exciting, and succeeds in never feeling too repetitive in its themes. It is an excellent reference book and opens the mind to new projects one could embark as an artist and consumer. It must be noted that a few LATAM entities cited in this book are fairly privileged, and thus some of the reflections about their surroundings may fall a little flat.
December 19, 2025
Giving this a 2 star review for 2 reasons:
1. the content winds around all over the place, so organization is an insanely circuitous river. Making meaningful sense of each chapter and section is DIY, good luck.
2. *****THIS IS NOT A BOOK ABOUT FUNGUS.*****
I cannot repeat this enough. This book has absolutely NOTHING to do with fungus. Even some occasional mentions of it are so intensely tangential to the topic of the book I was kind of insulted she bothered to mention it. I am honestly upset by the name of this book and all the fungal body images, that truly are not at all what this book is about.
With that in mind.....I still enjoyed the read.
This book is about artistic, social, and environmental activism, as well as integration of disciplines (Culture, art, science, politics, etc) to support taking action to make positive change. I found the discussions interesting, art displays descriptions curious, promotion of art to local culture connection stirring, and her interest in bringing different disciplines in contact with each other in order to enable more activism and understanding valiant. It was an interesting read. Parts were inspiring. Some pieces of work described or social activism taken were truly impressive. The lack of organization and conclusively made it harder for me to have strong takeaways, but I did find myself inspired on many occasions reading it, and that is a really cool impact for a book to have.
I would have given 3 stars if the title and imagery were not so deceptive of the actual focus of the book.
1. the content winds around all over the place, so organization is an insanely circuitous river. Making meaningful sense of each chapter and section is DIY, good luck.
2. *****THIS IS NOT A BOOK ABOUT FUNGUS.*****
I cannot repeat this enough. This book has absolutely NOTHING to do with fungus. Even some occasional mentions of it are so intensely tangential to the topic of the book I was kind of insulted she bothered to mention it. I am honestly upset by the name of this book and all the fungal body images, that truly are not at all what this book is about.
With that in mind.....I still enjoyed the read.
This book is about artistic, social, and environmental activism, as well as integration of disciplines (Culture, art, science, politics, etc) to support taking action to make positive change. I found the discussions interesting, art displays descriptions curious, promotion of art to local culture connection stirring, and her interest in bringing different disciplines in contact with each other in order to enable more activism and understanding valiant. It was an interesting read. Parts were inspiring. Some pieces of work described or social activism taken were truly impressive. The lack of organization and conclusively made it harder for me to have strong takeaways, but I did find myself inspired on many occasions reading it, and that is a really cool impact for a book to have.
I would have given 3 stars if the title and imagery were not so deceptive of the actual focus of the book.
December 15, 2025
Really marvelous read. Picked it up from the library in part to it's fungal focus, but truly, the (literal) mycelium in focus is just the undergrowth. Rather, Osterndorf-Rodríguez's novel is an interwoven series of teachings, practices, and knowledge from artists, advocates, scientists, farmers, indigenous leaders, and more on addressing the world in a more collaborative and community-focused manner. The takeaways from these conversations are rich and incredibly insightful, particularly in their focus on how deeply intertwined the structures of environmentalism, politics, art, and oppression are - and the manners in which we must care for the earth and one another to overcome and relearn following systemic harm. All of this is framed over the blanket of fungal matter, and the way we must apply a sort of biomimicry to our societal habits: to lean on each other, to pursue knowledge, to become greater allies, and to embrace what exists between the binary. A book to re-read and read-the-references and to share with all who may learn.
May 18, 2025
Al principio me causó conflicto que fuera una autora europea, viniendo a latam o el caribe para aprender de hongos, cosmogonías, etc... como cualquier blanco, la verdrag.
No deja de ser una persona privilegiada, juntando en un libro conocimiento de mujeres y personas cuir. Si no estás empapade del mundo funga, resulta interesante todos los proyectos nombrados, todas las referencias bibliográficas; si eres alguien mega clavadx pues creo que dirás: a mimir.
Me gustó que proponen nuevos usos de lenguaje (como reino funga), que cuestiona el pensamiento europeo/gringo con respecto al "progreso" y se documenta recio con respecto a movimientos sociales como el Ejército Zapatista de Liberacion Nacional <3
Lo mas wonito de todo el libro fue reconocer que lxs hongos están más allá de nuestro entendimiento, hemos querido gobernarles pero elles siempre se mantienen rebeldes, literal el verdadero quién fuera.
No deja de ser una persona privilegiada, juntando en un libro conocimiento de mujeres y personas cuir. Si no estás empapade del mundo funga, resulta interesante todos los proyectos nombrados, todas las referencias bibliográficas; si eres alguien mega clavadx pues creo que dirás: a mimir.
Me gustó que proponen nuevos usos de lenguaje (como reino funga), que cuestiona el pensamiento europeo/gringo con respecto al "progreso" y se documenta recio con respecto a movimientos sociales como el Ejército Zapatista de Liberacion Nacional <3
Lo mas wonito de todo el libro fue reconocer que lxs hongos están más allá de nuestro entendimiento, hemos querido gobernarles pero elles siempre se mantienen rebeldes, literal el verdadero quién fuera.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
As I keep telling friends and peers, "this is a book about everything I think about."
Fungus, arts, organizing, and cultivating a relationship with the natural world as not just a great and incredible teacher but also as a comrade, collaborator, accomplice...if these worlds and the way they merge are things that occupies your mind as much as they do mine, this is an absolute must read, re-read, and re-re-read. I had the fortune of getting to meet author Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodríguez at not 1 but 2 amazing book programs in New York last week and the ethos of her text translates directly to how she engaged me and many other mycologically obsessed artists, scientists, amateur growers and foragers, and other enthusiasts. The mycelial network of people and beings and projects so lovingly engaged with in the text continues to build outward, I am touched and forever changed by it!
Fungus, arts, organizing, and cultivating a relationship with the natural world as not just a great and incredible teacher but also as a comrade, collaborator, accomplice...if these worlds and the way they merge are things that occupies your mind as much as they do mine, this is an absolute must read, re-read, and re-re-read. I had the fortune of getting to meet author Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodríguez at not 1 but 2 amazing book programs in New York last week and the ethos of her text translates directly to how she engaged me and many other mycologically obsessed artists, scientists, amateur growers and foragers, and other enthusiasts. The mycelial network of people and beings and projects so lovingly engaged with in the text continues to build outward, I am touched and forever changed by it!
August 9, 2024
This is one of the great readings that fascinated me the most this year. Yasmine's book could be another publication addressing the miraculous tools fungi possess that might lead us out of climate and society collapse. however, as you read it, you will find a way more interesting discussion than the trendy one. Ostendorf-Rodríguez respectfully weaves an intricate narrative connecting communities and art collectives through places in South and Central America she has visited, insightfully seeing other ways of organization based on the adaptability, tenacity, and communal bonds of already existing groups (that may help us see how to be fungal!). This book sort of works as a conceptual trip journal in which the author (un)learns through the differences and extends a hand for us to join her – finding vitality in pluriversing.
Read
June 23, 2025Dnf
The book was really interesting but I felt my interest drift lately. I really like the concept of it but the comparisons to fungi feels a bit too surface-level. I would have liked there to be a more base level discussion of fungi before discussing societal problems instead of discussing societal problems and then drawing links to fungi.
That being said I really commend the author for their stance on social issues as well as the effort to work particularly with women!
I think this is a great book and the parts that I did read gave me a lot of insight and have stayed with me since I‘ve read it!
The book was really interesting but I felt my interest drift lately. I really like the concept of it but the comparisons to fungi feels a bit too surface-level. I would have liked there to be a more base level discussion of fungi before discussing societal problems instead of discussing societal problems and then drawing links to fungi.
That being said I really commend the author for their stance on social issues as well as the effort to work particularly with women!
I think this is a great book and the parts that I did read gave me a lot of insight and have stayed with me since I‘ve read it!
February 19, 2024
Mesmerizing! This book provides mycelium-inspired models for new ways of thinking and being, community and collaboration. Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodríguez's writing filled me with joy; I have not felt this hopeful and enthusiastic about anything for a long while. It's also a beautiful book to hold; the design is spectacular and the illustrations by Rommy González are gorgeous. Thank you, Yasmine, for sharing these inspiring stories and conversations. I'll be referring to this text frequently in my own teaching and studio practice. The future is fungal.
May 21, 2024
Let's Become Fungal! is a must-read for anyone concerned with life, and who is prepared to see death as the beginning of new life. The book is life-changing. Many years ago 'Hidden life of trees' changed my view on trees. This book changed my view on mushrooms, fungi, bacteria, on sour dough, kombucha, kefir, on 'food' and 'dirt', but more than anything on human and non-human interactions. The illustrations in the book are also delicately beautiful.
A precious contribution to create awareness.
A precious contribution to create awareness.
January 4, 2025
I really Loved this book. I have been interested in mycelium for quite a while now, obsessed really. This book scratched my itch and then some. Mycologists and fungi enthusiasts and knowledge keepers are as misunderstood as Fungi itself. I have recommended this book to a dozen friends because it so beautifully investigates and explores and builds a relationship with such an under studied field with so many untold stories and under appreciated scientific, technical, social, and spiritual findings.
February 6, 2024
Love the content and the author does a good job of never becoming too academic/inaccessible, but I have to admit I started finding it a bit tedious by the 200 page mark- some of the quotes and excerpts felt like they could’ve been edited down quite a bit more while still retaining the same information and energy, but you can feel that the passion and excitement is there and that it probably made it too difficult to trim anything off. Overall I did enjoy it and would recommend.
October 7, 2024
It's an interesting book. Somewhere in the middle of it, when the author doesn't seem to know what polyphony is in music, I got a little bit sceptical, which is not a bad thing, this book is not scientific research. Maybe I got a bit disappointed after that as in how I can trust the author on other things that I have no clue about, but the book was still entertaining and passionate about the topic of funga. Now I'm subscribed to their newsletter, which I hope is a good thing 🤞🏻
May 21, 2024
¡Un libro para aprender muchísimo! Logra una forma de escritura cercana para temas no siempre accesibles, a medio camino entre ciencia, no ficción, diario y entrevista (¡a mucha gente haciendo cosas muy distintas y hermosas en tantos lugares del mundo!). Esa forma híbrida del libro me fascinó y me pareció muy inusual.
May 25, 2024
A beautifully thoughtful book about lessons that we can learn from the world of fungi. Ranging from the non-binary to time to organizing, this is a collection of decolonial and anti capitalist thought through conversations the author has with Indigenous folks from the global south.
This book challenges the way we think and encourages us to live outside the capitalist system.
This book challenges the way we think and encourages us to live outside the capitalist system.
June 26, 2024
Enter the world of quiet revolution, both personal and political, through the teachings of the humble fungi. I feel welcomed into a new method of seeing the natural world around me, which is to say, I feel wiser, more informed, more attentive from reading this book. I may even be so bold to suggest it should be required reading for interacting with the multi-pronged climate disaster.
September 6, 2024
I think this is one of those books you have to go back to. I was very inspired by all of the teachings, and I'm sure they'll come in handy in many stages of my life. It is beautifully written, and the non-linearity is quite comforting. I can't wait to go looking for fungi in the woods and create some art in the process!
August 27, 2025
why this book lost two stars for me:
-the links to fungi often felt like an afterthought. The author just used the mycelial network as a means to write about other forms of networks for a large percentage of the references.
-at one point, she calls antidepressants addictive (which is medically incorrect) and praises the use of magic mushrooms as a replacement.
-the links to fungi often felt like an afterthought. The author just used the mycelial network as a means to write about other forms of networks for a large percentage of the references.
-at one point, she calls antidepressants addictive (which is medically incorrect) and praises the use of magic mushrooms as a replacement.
May 28, 2024
Such an amazing read! Anyone who claims to be eco-conscience should crack this open. It’s real, yet hopeful. It’s boundary pushing in a different way. Where most make us fear the future and give us no tools or options for success. This book and its teachings are just what we need to start making changes. It might be just a glimmer in a long dark room, but it’s a start.
December 21, 2024
Reviewed a lot of stuff I had previously read about mushrooms but from a much more interesting perspective. I loved the interview sections and how the author really puts the spotlight on all of those who contributed to the book.
July 7, 2025
Me gusta mucho la manera en la que está escrito, a caballo entre una serie de entrevistas, un ensayo y unas memorias.
Cada capítulo es un mundo hasta el punto de que se podrían leer salteados. Esto hace que haya algunos interesantísimos y otros muchos bastante simplistas y con ideas pijipis.
Cada capítulo es un mundo hasta el punto de que se podrían leer salteados. Esto hace que haya algunos interesantísimos y otros muchos bastante simplistas y con ideas pijipis.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews