In Their Branches: Stories from ABC RN's Trees Project

by Gretchen Miller

A very special collection of over one hundred stories, memories, and reflections on trees that have had a special meaning in the lives of Australians, from ABC RN.

We all have a favourite tree. We scaled their trunks in childhood, planted their saplings in memory of someone we loved, and carried their silhouettes in our hearts across lifetimes and continents. We have watched them grow and watched them burn, skylarked around in their foliage and cried into their trunks. Up in their branches we have let our imaginations soar, found a sanctuary away from our troubles, and felt connected to nature and life and the ages.

When ABC RN asked its audience for stories for their trees Project, the response was astounding - listeners sent in their memories and reflections on trees they've loved and trees they've lost. Gretchen Miller has lovingly gathered over one hundred of these deeply personal stories and poems into this exquisite collection. In their Branches is the perfect book for the arborist, the dreamer and the tree hugger in all of us.

 



 

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Niali Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

how beautiful. listened on audiobook through the lib but dying to have a hardcover copy of this. I’m usually not really into short story format but this was just incredible. little snippets into the vast amount of ways that humans connect with trees. the interweaving of science and philosophy throughout were also right up my alley. lowkey speechless…
obvi a couple of duds (pretty good strike rate out of 100) but most of them are written beautifully

[Helen O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this gem of a book in London Court Books in Perth & the content immediately attracted me. It has been my handbag book to savour a few of the stories if I find I have spare time in waiting rooms, over coffee etc. Choosing only 100 entries from the thousands sent in to ABC RN Trees Project must have been a very difficult task. I think the one thing I learnt was the vital importance of trees in children’s lives. There are so many reminiscences about much loved trees either at the child’s home or at a beloved grandparent’s. I am so pleased we planted a tree at the birth of each of our grandchildren. They now measure their growth against the jacaranda & the flowering peach. Guess what, the trees are taller than Miss 8 & Miss 5!

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful meditation on the way we interact with trees

[Adele Wyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely find this little gem was! The background sounds of nature, such as bird calls and the wind in the trees was delightful, as were the range of different narrators. I particularly enjoyed the poems, which told unique Australian stories and universal human ones, but I also appreciated the factoid segments about the world of leaf and twig and branch.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed listening to all the different stories here about trees. So many different stories about trees and how they have influenced people. What was lovely about these stories was that they had special nature soundtracks to suit the story being told.

I also enjoyed the scientific and philosophical discussions about trees and forests.


Trees are integral to our lives and sometimes under appreciated these stories help you appreciate them even more.

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

impeccable I loved it