What made Nadia Monaco follow a trail of king bolete mushrooms until she got lost in Manitoba’s Interlake? How did Lindsey Emberley find healing in nature after her infant daughter died? Why does Dave Daniels know exactly where to look and what plants to harvest for his traditional medicines?
Planted is a reminder of the personal and ecological benefits of protecting nature in Manitoba. In the style of creative non-fiction, Kaitlin Vitt shares the stories of eight people who are inspired by nature and have stories to tell because of it. You’ll hear stories of survival, self-discovery, and tradition, with a focus on species native to Manitoba.
These stories show we are all connected — our hands, feet, and bodies touch the Earth every day. This planet, and our province, is worth exploring and protecting.
Kaitlin Vitt is a writer living in Winnipeg. The first edition of her book Planted: Stories From Manitoba’s Natural World made it to number one on McNally Robinson’s bestsellers list in 2017.
Having studied both science and journalism, she likes the challenge of exploring difficult questions about the natural world and telling stories that connect people to issues that matter. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a bachelor of science before attending Red River College to study journalism. Her work has appeared in Canada’s History, What’s On Kyiv, the Winnipeg Free Press, CBC Manitoba, and weekly newspapers in the Interlake and surrounding areas.
From 2017 to 2018, Kaitlin lived in Ukraine, the country of her ancestors, to study dance, language, and culture.
Proceeds from the second edition of Kaitlin's book Planted support humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Stay up to date on what organizations the proceeds are supporting by subscribing to her newsletter through her website and following along on Instagram.
I'm so glad a dear friend's sister posted something on Instagram about this author that made me go, "I know this name." (I now realize it's from articles in the local paper). And I'm so glad that as I snooped her profile, I found out about this book and the causes in Ukraine that she supports. It even includes a story from a woman I went to high school with. I bought the book off of the authors website, she signed it, and personally mailed it to me. Love that I'm supporting a local small business woman and organizations in Ukraine at the same time.
The book itself is endearing. I loved it, related to it, and learned so much about the province I've lived in my whole life. I wish this book had a permanent place on my bookshelf, but it's best shared with my kid's Baba and then their great Baba who love picking smoogie (sp?) mushrooms and will relate to these stories even better than I. Then, if it's returned to me (if not, I'll buy another), I'll mail it to my Auntie, who was a nurse in Beausejour for decades. I'm sure I'll get a call the moment she reads that first story. I might even buy a copy for our local library too.
Thank you, Kaitlin, for writing this! Let me know when you write Planted 2.
I learned new things when reading this book and I felt a deep connection with many of the stories. I had takeaways from each story told within the book — whether it was a takeaway message that carried personal meaning for me, or a recipe to take away and try one day! This book is filled with many gems.
One of my favorite parts of this book and Kaitlin’s writing is how she shares people’s stories the way they want them to be shared. You can tell how she shares their narratives with care and integrity, you can feel it as the reader. I can only imagine the connection I felt reading this book mirrored the connections between the writer (Kaitlin) and the people featured in Planted.
This book makes a phenomenal gift! It’s an easy read, sits cute on any coffee table, and if you’re looking for a local Manitoba gift it’s absolutely perfect.
This is a phenomenal book filled with stories that remind us of our interconnectedness with the natural world. Kaitlin’s storytelling is descriptive, and each story deeply draws the reader in to feel like you’re right there. I highly recommend this book to nature lovers, and those curious about cultivating a deeper connection with the world around them. The simple illustrations are a delight. When you pick this book up, you won’t put it down. Highly recommend!
This book is such an enjoyable, quick read. Kaitlin’s passion for storytelling shines through the stories told and makes you feel like you are right there, immersed in Manitoba’s beautiful natural world. The illustrations add a special touch to the pages too, simple and mesmerizing. The best book to carry with you on a backcountry adventure, cuddle up on the couch with or… read anywhere really!
I love this book! Because of its unique style you want to pick it up and read it again from time to time; These compiled short stories are meticulously written. The book well captures each of the human subjects (I feel like I know them) as well as insight into these amazing local Manitoba plants.
Read the book. You will feel emotional and inspired. 🌱
Reading Planted has such a calming effect on you, you’ll want to pick it up often! Kaitlin’s writing has a way of transporting you into each story through her clear and descriptive writing. After each chapter, you’ll feel refreshed as if you have just returned from a walk in nature. Makes a great gift!
This lovely book is like an ode to Mother Earth, in this case the landscape and people of the Manitoba prairies. Through both personal examples and the unique stories of eight others, author Kaitlin Vitt shows the importance of connections and the value of living in harmony with nature. It's not a long book, but an inspiring one that I plan to read again.