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Tree
Tree is a novel about a tree written from a unique point of view: the chief narrator is a tree. Tree uses magical realism as a key to access the interrelated emotional realities of the many species that share one pristine valley in Topanga, California. Grass, birds, other trees and animals come to life on the pages, while one 19th century Mexican woman and one 20th century school boy, hearts opened by grief and loneliness, come to know one California live oak whose 229 years span the evolution of four human civilizations, Chumash, Spanish/Mexican, Yankee and new money Hollywood, which each leave their mark upon the landscape and upon Tree. The author's obsessive botanical, scientific and historical research give substance to a world that feels both as real as last weekend's dust on hiking boots and as mind altering as a fully fledged mystical experience. Take a journey into the heart of the woods where every plant shines: Tree will change how you see nature.
244 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2017
15 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Melina Sempill Watts
1 book19 followersMelina Sempill Watts’ writing has appeared in Sierra Magazine, the New York Times motherlode blog, Earth Island Journal and Sunset Magazine, in local environmental venues such as Urban Coast: Journal of the Center for the Study of the Santa Monica Bay, the Heal the Bay blog and in local papers such as Malibu Times, Malibu Surfside News, VC Reporter, Topanga Messenger and Argonaut News.
Watts began her career in Hollywood as a development executive, writing consultant and story analyst working for such luminaries Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy and Peter Horton and at Dreamworks. She has worked as a watershed coordinator, run a stable, shelved books at a library and created, marketed and ran Starfish Catering. Watts graduated from UCLA with a degree in history. She lives in California.
Watts began her career in Hollywood as a development executive, writing consultant and story analyst working for such luminaries Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy and Peter Horton and at Dreamworks. She has worked as a watershed coordinator, run a stable, shelved books at a library and created, marketed and ran Starfish Catering. Watts graduated from UCLA with a degree in history. She lives in California.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 1, 2017
Really? A book about a tree? Almost reluctantly, I picked it up and started reading...and was drawn into a fascinating world of magical wonder almost immediately. Only about 100 pages into the book, I am completely captivated by this delightful, enthralling and achingly beautiful world. I want to continue reading and yet I don't want the book to end...
Has anyone else out there discovered this wonderful book?
Has anyone else out there discovered this wonderful book?
September 17, 2023
‘Tree’ provided me with so many emotions. The detailed descriptions of the stages of different plants’ existences from the perspective of the plants is such a unique angle that I simultaneously want more books to be written like this and less as I want this perspective to remain our little secret. This book feels like one of these treasures which links you closer to nature if you are prepared to do so. While I wasn’t sure if some of the interactions, some of the dialogue may have been a wee bit cringey and too playful, I reached the conclusion that I was open for them to be. Who am I to judge how plants interact, I certainly don’t know any better. I learned more about a different kind of love and belonging and I am grateful for it.
(I must say though that at least in my edition I could find quite a lot of spelling/grammatical errors, i.e. repeated and unedited phrases.)
(I must say though that at least in my edition I could find quite a lot of spelling/grammatical errors, i.e. repeated and unedited phrases.)
January 23, 2025
Did not expect to sob. 🌳
Loved the pacing and characters in this book. Inspires to live more fully and compassionately.
“Spring with a hint of summer was the time to feel *ananda*, ‘the joy without which the universe would cease to exist.’ It prickled at e’s imagination and spirit, made e to dream of seeds and the past and the new and to wish for starlight after dark.”
Loved the pacing and characters in this book. Inspires to live more fully and compassionately.
“Spring with a hint of summer was the time to feel *ananda*, ‘the joy without which the universe would cease to exist.’ It prickled at e’s imagination and spirit, made e to dream of seeds and the past and the new and to wish for starlight after dark.”
March 22, 2018
Tree is immediately captivating, as the entire story is told from the perspective of a tree whose life spans centuries as human life changes around it, primarily revolving around four distinct civilizations. Melina Sempill Watts uses a rich botanical background and extensive research to bring nature to life through Tree's world of grass, plants, and animals, each taking on personalities and emotions. On an interesting note, Watts uses e as a third pronoun when referring to Tree and other plants that are simultaneously female and male.
Watts incorporates magical realism elements, giving the tree a rich personality and a deep empathy that feels very human, which personifies the Tree and makes it easy to connect with. Each plant has a name and a unique personality, which usually balances out with what's occurring. The blades of grass are individual characters with personalities that are large compared to their small existence. Tree's first friend is Univervia, a blade of grass that dies from the heat, which allows for a moment to mourn with the tree. The plants have a range of personalities, from a daunting blade of grass to young trees competing to grow and described as having a child-like vanity. The rock stands out with its stoic personality and distinct place in the story as an all-knowing presence, often speaking of all things being alive, how nothing lasts forever, and how change is life. Whatever the plant or rock, Watts ensures everything has a place and an impact on Tree's life, even for just a brief moment.
The opening is a peaceful paradise with nothing but lush descriptions of nature surrounding the tree and the happenings of life as it progresses. A lot of charm and beauty can be found in the daily life, introducing the world through a scrub jay's attempt to capture the attention of a female bird by obtaining an acorn. This stunning portrayal of life is balanced by the swift inclusion of death when a hawk snatches the bird and kills it. Life and death is constantly balanced and explored through the birth of turtles and the death of grass through every moment of change. This natural world contrasts to the arrival of humans who open up a whole new world for Tree. There are several instances where Tree is mesmerized by the actions of humans, watching as ranchers feed cattle and a mother nurses her child. Watts somehow finds beauty in the simple moments of being human, as well as the tragic ones, while also exploring the beauty in history. Through Tree's eyes, there's a sense of wonder and curiosity by the existence of everything around it, which allows for you to be connected as well. Tree creates a deep appreciation for life, history, and culture.
Despite Tree's curiosity of humans, it has the deepest connection to one in particular: Maria Marta. Tree watches from afar as Maria Marta goes from an ill child to a young woman in love to a young mother to a grieving widow to her final days. Tree is present for every prominent moment of her life, until the end, when it's the site of her final resting place. Through every new chapter in Maria Marta's life, Tree shows changes are indeed a natural part of life seen through the eyes of a tree that never changes. The story ends on a hopeful note as, even though Maria Marta and all that came before her is in the past, there's always a new beginning. Tree bonds with a little boy named Enzo, who has the same connection and understanding of Tree that Maria Marta had, which hints at a new journey and a new beginning.
Watts incorporates magical realism elements, giving the tree a rich personality and a deep empathy that feels very human, which personifies the Tree and makes it easy to connect with. Each plant has a name and a unique personality, which usually balances out with what's occurring. The blades of grass are individual characters with personalities that are large compared to their small existence. Tree's first friend is Univervia, a blade of grass that dies from the heat, which allows for a moment to mourn with the tree. The plants have a range of personalities, from a daunting blade of grass to young trees competing to grow and described as having a child-like vanity. The rock stands out with its stoic personality and distinct place in the story as an all-knowing presence, often speaking of all things being alive, how nothing lasts forever, and how change is life. Whatever the plant or rock, Watts ensures everything has a place and an impact on Tree's life, even for just a brief moment.
The opening is a peaceful paradise with nothing but lush descriptions of nature surrounding the tree and the happenings of life as it progresses. A lot of charm and beauty can be found in the daily life, introducing the world through a scrub jay's attempt to capture the attention of a female bird by obtaining an acorn. This stunning portrayal of life is balanced by the swift inclusion of death when a hawk snatches the bird and kills it. Life and death is constantly balanced and explored through the birth of turtles and the death of grass through every moment of change. This natural world contrasts to the arrival of humans who open up a whole new world for Tree. There are several instances where Tree is mesmerized by the actions of humans, watching as ranchers feed cattle and a mother nurses her child. Watts somehow finds beauty in the simple moments of being human, as well as the tragic ones, while also exploring the beauty in history. Through Tree's eyes, there's a sense of wonder and curiosity by the existence of everything around it, which allows for you to be connected as well. Tree creates a deep appreciation for life, history, and culture.
Despite Tree's curiosity of humans, it has the deepest connection to one in particular: Maria Marta. Tree watches from afar as Maria Marta goes from an ill child to a young woman in love to a young mother to a grieving widow to her final days. Tree is present for every prominent moment of her life, until the end, when it's the site of her final resting place. Through every new chapter in Maria Marta's life, Tree shows changes are indeed a natural part of life seen through the eyes of a tree that never changes. The story ends on a hopeful note as, even though Maria Marta and all that came before her is in the past, there's always a new beginning. Tree bonds with a little boy named Enzo, who has the same connection and understanding of Tree that Maria Marta had, which hints at a new journey and a new beginning.
February 27, 2019
reviewing for The Writers Center First Novel contest
January 9, 2022
This is an interesting book. It combines some of the history of the Topanga region of western Los Angeles with the fictional perspective of a California Live Oak who’s one of the few acorns fortunate enough to grow to a mature tree starting around the year 1800.
For most of the book we read how Tree experiences its life and how it communicates with some other plants and humans. But some of the story takes place away from Tree, and I think the narrative might have been more compelling if more of it had taken place in the surrounding areas rather than mostly on Tree’s plot of land.
Some of the language in this book was confusing, particularly the use of the “e” pronoun for plants which are both male and female. Some made me wonder if it had been professionally edited.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and learning more about plant life and the broader story of the impact of humans on nature. It chronicles the journey from how Native Americans respected nature to the present perspective of how Americans largely use nature for our own purposes, and that only children and the few who understand the big picture prioritize the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. If you don’t know about native vs invasive plants or even if you do, there’s food for thought here. Above all, the beauty and importance of natural ecosystems stands out as crucial to not only the survival of nature, but of course for humans as well.
For most of the book we read how Tree experiences its life and how it communicates with some other plants and humans. But some of the story takes place away from Tree, and I think the narrative might have been more compelling if more of it had taken place in the surrounding areas rather than mostly on Tree’s plot of land.
Some of the language in this book was confusing, particularly the use of the “e” pronoun for plants which are both male and female. Some made me wonder if it had been professionally edited.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and learning more about plant life and the broader story of the impact of humans on nature. It chronicles the journey from how Native Americans respected nature to the present perspective of how Americans largely use nature for our own purposes, and that only children and the few who understand the big picture prioritize the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. If you don’t know about native vs invasive plants or even if you do, there’s food for thought here. Above all, the beauty and importance of natural ecosystems stands out as crucial to not only the survival of nature, but of course for humans as well.
October 14, 2018
I have never found a novel that brought to life the world of nature. In this case, Tree, is a journey in which it tells us what happened to life around it. Everything comes, goes, or changes around Tree. Tree gives us a deeper more realistic feeling of being there experiencing all the life, loss, and change as it happened. I absolutely loved the perspectives that the writer, Melina Sempill Watts gave. Each non-person thing came to life. Giving this book more depth and character. It was hard not to become emotionally attached while reading through the pages. I loved this book, and the ending had me not wanting to let it go. The raw emotion and new look into plants like Tree, had me hooked. Overall, I recommend this wonderful story to all.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
October 5, 2022
WOWZIE!!! Melina, I read your book TREE; and I enjoyed it to the MAX during the heat wave! I deeply cried, and I deeply laughed. I was able to relate SO many of your descriptions to my present time environmental situations; I even talked to someone who had a huge tree in their backyard in the suburbs... and the consequences of all that. You made me look up all the plant names AND tree names (I didn’t know Encino meant "oak" in Spanish) as well as the history of the Santa Monica Mountains. I’ve recommended the book to people in Pittsburgh, and in Mount Baldy… BTW: there are copies of TREE in the LAPL.
Much love, Jennifer A. Gill
Much love, Jennifer A. Gill
February 2, 2018
I loved this book and hope many people will read it. For some it may be weird since the narrator is the tree itself--in this case a live oak who we come to know like family as we travel the years with "e".
You won't look at a tree and think, "Oh, it's just a tree" again.
Original and filled with knowledge.
You won't look at a tree and think, "Oh, it's just a tree" again.
Original and filled with knowledge.
July 10, 2021
What a glorious novel! 5 stars for changing the way I see the world. The prose is also exceptional and the story is endearing.
In so many ways I likened this book to A Thousand Years of Solitide.
I am surprised this book is not more well known. If you liked The Overstory you will like this.
In so many ways I likened this book to A Thousand Years of Solitide.
I am surprised this book is not more well known. If you liked The Overstory you will like this.
March 11, 2021
i wanted to like this book- what a great idea!!
but the author takes it upon herself to use a politically correct pronoun of "e" (not "he" or "she" or even "it") which became totally confusing. how much better if she had just stuck with the traditional and allowed the story to shine through.
but the author takes it upon herself to use a politically correct pronoun of "e" (not "he" or "she" or even "it") which became totally confusing. how much better if she had just stuck with the traditional and allowed the story to shine through.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews