The God of the Garden: Thoughts on Creation, Culture, and the Kingdom

by Andrew Peterson

There’s a strong biblical connection between people and trees. They both come from dirt. They’re both told to bear fruit. In fact, arboreal language is so often applied to humans that it’s easy to miss, whether we're talking about family trees, passing along our seed, cutting someone off like a branch, being rooted to a place, or bearing the fruit of the Spirit. It’s hard to deny that trees mean something, theologically speaking. This book is in many ways a memoir, but it’s also an attempt to wake up the reader to the glory of God shining through his creation. One of the first commands to Adam and Eve was to “work and keep” the garden. Award-winning author and songwriter Andrew Peterson, being as honest as possible, shares a story of childhood, grief, redemption, and peace, by walking through a forest of “I trust that by telling my story, you’ll encounter yours. Hopefully, like me, you’ll see that the God of the Garden is and has always been present, working and keeping what he loves.” Sometimes he plants, sometimes he prunes, but in his goodness he intends to reap a harvest of righteousness.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Memoir, Faith, Christian Living, Theology, Christianity

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Hey, folks. If you're just discovering me or any of my work, it can be a little confusing because there are several facets to it. Here’s the rundown:

• I write songs. I also record them to these cool things called CDs and put on concerts around the country. (And beyond! To my great delight, I get to play in Europe every year or so.)

• I write books. I’ve written a four-part fantasy series for young readers called the Wingfeather Saga, along with Pembrick's Creaturepedia and A Ranger's Guide to Glipwood Forest. The Wingfeather Animated Series is wonderful, and you can watch for free over at Angel.com. I've written two memoirs: Adorning the Dark, and The God of the Garden.

• I'm the founder of the Rabbit Room, a community of songwriters, authors, and artists interested in storytelling, faith, and fellowship.

• I'm married to Jamie, and we have three sweet (grown) children, each of whom has a (grown) spouse (who is also sweet), and one very sweet granddaughter. We live in a magical place we call the Warren, just south of Nashville.

The common thread in all this is my love for Christ and his Kingdom, my belief in the power of story and art, and my need for family and community. If I had to boil it all down, I'd say this: I want to use my gifts to tell the truth, and to tell it as beautifully as I can. Andrew-peterson.com

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one day, and for some reason I didn’t expect to like it. I sometimes feel The Rabbit Room is just a tad bit self-conscious but I have never felt that way about Andrew Peterson. And this book hit all the things I really care about-Tennessee, Florida, trees, walking, footpaths, flowers, literature, poetry. Painfully honest and thoughtful.

[R.M. Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you want to rate 6-stars on Goodreads if only because you don't have the words to describe it and at least an extra star would communicate a little bit of how much you loved it.

Like I said in one of my updates as I went along, this has got to be the most emotional book I've ever read. Maybe my emotions are just fragile lately (certainly possible), but God of the Garden really punched me in the gut. Repeatedly. Peterson's prose is beautiful in its own right, and when paired with the experiences and truth that fill these pages it's just... breathtaking.

I could say much more about this book, but I'd go on forever and only be frustrated by the inadequacy of my words, so all I can really say is that you need to read it.

[Glenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. I'm not sure I'll ever look at trees the same way again. I think every memoirish book needs a lens through which to tell a story, and when I first started reading this book, I wondered if trees could withstand the weight of Peterson's stories. They can. They did.

Peterson is honest without oversharing, which is a tough act when you're a deep thinker and feeler. I read this immediately after finishing Adoring the Dark, and I can't get enough of this type of writing. If anything, these two books urged me to put down anything screen-related, open my eyes to the world around me and put my hand to the plow of creativity and observation. And, The God of the Garden made me love Jesus more, so is there really anything better you can say about a book?
Peterson has always been a wordsmith with his songs. But his books prove that his prose is just as lovely.

(Note: you'll want to get some chickens after reading this. Even if you're 100% not a chicken person, you'll find yourself discussing the actual prospect with your spouse of getting some chickens. You'll talk about the city ordinances [6 chickens per household within city limits], where you would put the coop, how you could keep area foxes out, how many eggs they might produce. All hypothetical questions. [Or maybe not hypothetical. It depends on whether your spouse reads the book after you finished it and put it on his nightstand.] So chickens—be prepared. Or bees. A garden, at least. Or potted plants. Definitely a tree. You've been warned.)

[Carmen Imes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peterson could have called this book "Trees I Have Loved." His memoir winds through the places he's lived and traveled and the trees he has encountered there. Along the way he opens up his inner life for us, telling us how God has met him in times of deep darkness. It was a gift to read the stories behind some of his songs. I loved this book!

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, poignant, and deeply moving, The God of the Garden offers a look into the beauty and the lessons God has imbedded into His creation. It's a raw, heart-wrenching look at Peterson's life and his emotions. And let's face it. Most of us both resonate AND don't understand parts of his story. What I think is beautiful is how different people will resonate with opposite things than others do. While I'm not the sensitive/emotional person that Peterson is, but I've been there. In fact, when he wrote about the monastery, it was all I could do to go look up and see if they allow women.

At first, as much as I loved this book, I was disappointed that it wasn't the eye-opening thing that Adorning the Dark was for me. Now, I see what is so amazing about this book. Because it stands on its own, without apology, and does what IT needed to do. I think I'll reread it in July and see what it does for me. I suspect it'll be a lot.

Recommended for... well, anyone. Everyone. Yesterday would have been a great time, but today works.

[R.F. Gammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book shattered me and then put me back together and wow.

[Joseph Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good book. Andrew Peterson is such an excellent, God-glorifying writer. His words flow like poetry. It was a privilege to be taken into his confidence and shared vulnerable stories from his life in this volume.

I am so blessed to be having the opportunity to learn directly from this incredibly gifted man through my writing program.

[jo ୨୧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried three times. Took a bunch of notes, and I read a lot of it out loud to my mom.
All in all, this was an amazing book & you need to go read this 😊

[Amelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few things clench my heart with an aching longing and love for the Kingdom than Andrew Peterson’s writing.

It’s simple sometimes, I think, to chuckle at foolish little Bilbo and nod along with Gandalf that “the world isn’t in your books and maps; it’s out there.” But as the pages of his humble book brushed my fingers, Andrew Peterson’s words reminded me, the ghost beside him as I read, to open my eyes to God’s world and truly live in it. To venture into the city-town I love and beyond. To plunge my hands into the soil and feel the serotonin-stimulant of dirt hug the underside of my fingernails. To place my hand on the thick trunk of a tree and marvel at the God whose breath still rustles its leaves. To care for my culture and my community, and to long for the sight of the Kingdom and the glory of God with every sob, inhale, step.

The trees tell a story, and that story is good.

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I procrastinated on finishing this book because I didn't want it to end but I decided to just finish it and then reread it when I feel like I need it again.
I so loved this book! I'm not sure how to describe how much I loved it or how much what Andrew said meant to me. Whenever I read one of his books I feel like I've found someone who understands me. I don't feel alone.
Thanks to Andrew for another amazing and thought provoking read! I got my dad a copy for Christmas and I can't wait to hear his thoughts on it!

[E.F. Buckles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Peterson's previous non-fiction book "Adorning the Dark" (AtD) so I had to read this one, too. Whereas AtD was largely focused on thoughts about creativity, community, and calling, "The God of the Garden" was, as the title implies, about creation (a.k.a. nature), culture, and God's kingdom. And, just like AtD, Peterson shares a lot of moments and examples from his life along with his general thoughts and opinions.

It was a lovely read. Peterson's writing, just like his music and fiction books, never fails to uplift me in some way, and I always find myself nodding along because he's very much a kindred spirit with me on many topics. My mom's the gardener of the family (fun fact: she read this before I did since it touches on gardens, and enjoyed it a lot) but I also love nature and agree with Peterson that there are so many ways that it points to God and teaches us about Him and about life. I enjoyed and agreed with the other aspects of the book, too.

This book did have some harder moments than AtD because he shares some of his harder struggles in life, namely two major emotional breakdowns. One occurred in his 20s, and the other, bigger one occurred in his early 40's. These can be hard to read as they are truly "dark nights of the soul" and Peterson is completely honest about what he was going through and struggling with. My mom actually took a break from reading about his big breakdown, even though it's no more than a few pages long, because she'd just gotten out of the hospital when she reached that part and didn't need something so emotional to deal with when she was already stressed. (But she did pick it back up later and was fine finishing the book.) For myself, I didn't have as much trouble with this part, but you really do feel his pain and struggle, so just a heads up to any readers who may be feeling sensitive. But of course, Peterson is writing this book from a place of healing and shows how he healed from those moments and what he learned from them, so the reader is never left without answers or hope.

The absolute only critique I have on this book is that the chapter on "Placeness" (Peterson's name for the unique qualities of individual locations... or the lack thereof) was a smidgen long in my opinion. I'm not saying that it was poorly written or didn't make good points, but it was simply a matter of Peterson being more passionate about this topic than me and I reached a place in the chapter where I felt that I got the point and wanted to move on, so I skimmed until the next chapter. But that's such a minor critique I don't even want it to impact my rating, so I'm keeping it at 5 stars.

Overall, this was a lovely read that was at turns relaxing, heartfelt, deeply moving, and inspiring. I absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves nature and digging deep into spiritual topics, not just fans of the author.

Content Advisory:
Hardly anything to mention, but since Peterson does deal with some harder topics in this book than he did in AtD, I thought it might be worth saying that this book would be most appropriate for older teens and adults than younger readers. (Some of the spiritual thoughts would probably go over very young readers' heads, too, unless they're very mature for their age.) As stated in the review, Peterson touches on two major breakdowns he's had in his life, both of which involved him holing up in a closet alone for hours at a time due to deep depression. In the first breakdown he got so upset he punched a hole in the wall. He also briefly mentions experiencing a deep temptation to go into an "adult emporium" instead of the spiritual retreat he was supposed to be going to, but resisted and passed by. During the second and worst breakdown, he lay on the floor and cried for hours until he left a literal puddle of water. In both instances, he shares that it was his friends who came and got him up and pushed him to get professional help. He finally did and shares his experiences with healing as well.

[Ryan Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

(Re-Read #2)

"He has planted me and made me his own. Fed by the gentle waters of his Spirit, I beg him by faith to prune me as he will, to let me grow tall and broad, lit by the sun to bear his everlasting fruit unto the unending day of the New Creation.
And I will bear witness.
I will tell of his deeds."
- Andrew Peterson

[Carol Bakker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting — in a waiting room at the hospital while my son had a long surgery. For what I needed and craved — a comfort book that I could cocoon myself in, but also easily look up if my attention was needed — it was on point, perfect pitch.

So many thoughts resonated, so many yearnings echoed. I want to look up every tree he mentioned.

Peterson's drawings are the illustrations. Sumptuous and inviting.

Again - again! - I need to read Wordsworth. Peterson writes "We are here and gone, but poems last - sometimes even longer than trees. More references to Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, more prompts to read her.

Peterson writes about Matt Canlis and a short documentary about Matt's time pastoring in Scotland. Curt and I met Matt several years ago and were intrigued by him. I recommend watching Godspeed to learn more.

The book can be condensed into three short sentences.
Dig deep.
Branch out.
Bear fruit.

[Justin Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This moving memoir by Andrew Peterson about his love for trees, difficult experiences in childhood, battles with depression, the tension between doubt and faith, and his journey as to how he became a musician, was incredibly inspiring.
My favorite chapter is the one called The Weeper In The Trees. I deeply resonated with his honesty about a dark night of the soul he went through, and how out of that, he found his faith to be strengthened. I appreciate the fact that he admires George MacDonald, C.S.Lewis, J.R.R.Tolkien, Wendell Berry, and G.K.Chesterton. I highly recommend this book. It has given me a greater love for trees, and the maker of trees-Christ.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been sitting on this review for way too long, but this book has been on my mind ever since I finished it. It’s beautiful. A masterpiece really. While there’s a heavier
gravitas than Adorning the Dark, it’s exactly what it needed to be. It met me where I am, and I walked away feeling like I’d found a friend.

[Judith Velasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel the need to preface this review by stating that Andrew Peterson is a very good writer. He's a storyteller and that lends itself well to these types of books. However, I didn't realize he struggles with "depression and melancholia". His words, not mine. And that a major focus of this very short book would be zeroed in on the lowest moments in his life. I feel like the book summary is misleading because I thought I would be reading a story about trees and creation and seeing the love of God through nature. And it does start off and end that way. For the first 30 pages I fell in love with the majesty of trees and the beauty of words. But the entire middle section is devoted to misery.



I'm not kidding when I say this book made me extremely sad. Perhaps I've never contemplated things like the loss of childhood innocence or how far the earth has fallen from Eden. And I'm sure if I were to dwell on those thoughts everyday for 40 years or so, I'd probably be weeping in closets like the author.

This was a very short book, but because the whole middle section was devoted to feeling abandoned and alone and unlovable and wretched, it felt massively longer than it was.



I understand now that this is a memoir, so you do you, Andrew.



I just thought this book would be more uplifting. For some, maybe it is. And that's good. But for me it wasn't. And that's okay too. The author needs a hug, and I need to go plant a tree.

Favorite Quote:

Trees need to be still in order to grow. We need to be still in order to see that God's work in us and around us is often slow and quiet, patient and steady.

Solitude is a choice. Isolation is inflicted....The pleasure of solitude is not loneliness, but the nearness of love....Isolation is finding yourself alone when you don't want to be.

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this memoirist type book of his. I enjoy his music and loved seeing the behind the scenes and his heart. Anything of of beauty and worth is hewn out of pain and heartbreak.

His love for nature and trees and all things English struck a chord in my heart. I have been noticing trees more!

“Let us live in the surety of that love by working and keeping what is within our reach, for the good of his creation and the glory of his name.

Dig deep. Branch out. Bear fruit”

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps if I hadn’t lived in Manila, I would have resonated with this more?

Living in a concrete jungle that was also a developing country ruined me from ever seeing place as an ultimate priority. Is it important? Yes. I know the poignant power of place. Is it ultimate? Absolutely not. The human spirit is strong and resilient; if it must overcome, it can; if it has a greater purpose, it will.

The priority of place reflects not just a shallow understanding of the human psyche but also a flimsy Christian theology. Yes, God told us to take care of the earth; to suppose that Dollar Stores and parking lots are antithetical to that is pretty dumb, also a first-world concern. The fact that we have as much land to be particular about doesn’t mean that we should. Was the Creation Mandate important? Yes; and the Great Commission is equally so. People win over place, every time.

And yes, the fact that God made the garden of Eden beautiful is important, as is the detail of the temple and the brilliant grandeur of heaven. Eden was the setting for the relating of God with man; since Jesus’ resurrection, the temple stopped being God’s dwelling place because the Holy Spirit dwells in man (!); and heaven is as mind-blowingly beautiful as it is because it is the ultimate and forever setting of God’s glory and goodness and His people worshipping Him forever. To talk in any of this as if place was ultimate is like having tea with the Queen and talking about the teacups.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting and beautiful. “The Weeper in the Trees” brought me to tears. That chapter is set near my home in Kentucky, in a place where I sought the Lord during one of my own dark seasons.

[Kristen Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Peterson’s writing, this little city girl kinda fell in love with the idea of trees. I might want to go out and plant one and see the grandeur of creation up close. Brutally honest albeit a bit romanticized perhaps. Definitely worth your read, especially if you’re a fan of his music!

[Maya Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So after a long year of (not) reading this book, I've finally finished. I did like it. Andrew Peterson and I have a lot of emotions and opinions in common. I wished some of the phrasing was more eloquent (there were clunky sentences and too-informal sections). I liked the rambly flow of it, but I do acknowledge that for someone less invested in AP's life and story, it might be hard to follow (meanwhile I am pretty sure he wasn't entirely accurate about the details of some parts of his life. In case you were wondering how much of a fan I am).

Adorning the Dark is better, but this is good, and it has reminded me of my desire to read more about agrarianism and to better cultivate a community and the land. It went perfectly with my recent read of Hannah Coulter, and stands in stark contrast to the other book I read for my agrarianism class this semester (Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture), which was semi-coherent academic jargon. So yeah, if you're teaching a class about modern agrarianism, read Peterson, not Davis, please.

A wedding day is coming when the New Jerusalem will descend, we'll see the face of our True King, and we will at last know the fullness of time and place and, above all, love. Let us live in the surety of that love by working and keeping what is within our reach, for the good of his creation and the glory of his name.

[Beth Wyant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book with all my heart. Not sure I’ve ever connected with a book at this level. Already a fan of Andrew Peterson, I was anxiously awaiting this one but it surpassed my expectations. We share the same heart and have a similar personality type so his words wrecked me. I get this won’t be a book for everyone. But it was my book.

His love for trees is the connecting theme throughout and he ties this in expertly with his perceptions and recollections. And he has such a lyrical way of glorifying God with an eternal perspective and the longing for a reckoning. .Each chapter affected me profoundly with footpaths, “places”, The Yearling, a monastery and best of all…the Holy Land. I already love God’s creation and the beauty of nature but I will forever see them as a pure gift, straight from the mind of Jesus.

As Andrew Peterson tells us, “dig deep, branch out, bear fruit”.

[Joshua Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Andrew Peterson's books are fun to read/listen to because of how he has a way with words. It's poetic, and, especially in audiobooks where he is reading, his voice draws you in, even to what could just be mundane.

I honestly didn't love the book, however. I really liked his previous book, Adorning the Darkness, but this book fell a bit flat to me. I'm not 100% sure what the point was, other than he loves him some trees. The subtitle was correct: this does feel like a collection of thoughts, rather than a book about something specific. I didn't really have a clear takeaway from the book.

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving book. I don't quite know how to classify it as it's half memoir, half reflections on nature, and half miscellaneous thoughts. But a lot of what Peterson said resonated deeply with me, and I appreciated hearing the story behind several of his songs.

Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is that cover not beautiful?! I love the color, the style, the scene. All of it.

Peterson has a way about his work that just...hits right. My students introduced me to The Wingfeather Saga and I spiraled into his music, Adorning the Dark, and now God of the Garden. I've had the honor of hearing him speak and of attending his iconic Behold the Lamb of God tour multiple times. So I quite looked forward to this book.

Similarly to Adorning the Dark, there were biographical bits interwoven with musings and thoughts. Though this one leaned less into the creative process and more into thoughts on culture and creation, as the subtitle suggests. I think I may have liked Adorning the Dark better, but perhaps because I'm a fellow creator and reading that book reflected the deep desires of my heart to craft beautiful, honest stories for the glory of God.

This book, on the other hand, felt like Peterson opened a window into my soul and camped out for a bit. He's so good at creating this, this yearning for what was meant to be. His vulnerability tugs at my heart, like a thread that connects me to my brother in Christ. I've seen the dark places he speaks of and felt the lies swirling in my head. They still do. And hearing his story of wrestling and clinging, crying and hoping, soothes the ache in my heart for what will be.

I've always loved walking in the woods. I love how the sunlight filters between the trees and fairies dance in the corners of your eyes, darting into fictional worlds as soon as you turn your head. Unfortunately, I don't have much of a green thumb. In fact, I kill plants just by looking at them. But there are some trees that hold pieces of my heart and flowers fill my memories. I have always taken delight in magnolias, gardenias, pines, crepe myrtles, petunias, and so many more. They are the stuff of my childhood and they bring me peace.

Seeing my love of flora and nostalgia for trees reflected in Peterson's words brought me joy. It reminds me I am not alone in this world that spins so fast. That others desire to slow down. Others yearn for what once was.

More than encouraging and peace-giving reflections, Peterson gives us insight behind some of his song lyrics. I found the explanation for one of my favorite songs that gives new depth to the song and actually makes why I like it so much make so much more sense! It was a delight to walk among the trees of Peterson's childhood and recall those in my own. An honor to glimpse the broken bits of his soul and gather my own. A treat to receive context for his music and a call to continue to pray over my own work, over creators like Peterson who resonates so with my life song.

I quite impatiently look forward to the next collection of insight and musings Peterson offers and cannot more highly recommend this to those who seek to slow down, be nourished by and reconnect with our Creator, and bless others with our limited time here.

[Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review at https://stephaniesninthsuitcase.com/2...

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own :)

Writing and Voice

Peterson’s narrative voice is absolutely delightful: at points beautifully poetic, at other points simple and down-to-earth, with humorous commentary sown in. Throughout, Peterson maintains an honesty and humility that is deeply moving.

As I walked along the footpaths of Peterson’s memories, I found his honesty deeply refreshing. The narrative doesn’t revolve around a single turning-point where “everything changed.” Instead, Peterson fleshes-out multiple life-changing moments, but openly confessed that these moments did not always “stick.”

As someone who really resonates with Peterson’s musical messages, I found it so refreshing that he doesn’t pretend to have life all figured out. In fact, he describes an instance where he spent hours sobbing on the floor of a janitorial closet, only to dry his tears and do a show—simply faking it. And, of course, he explains that it’s one thing to tell others about how much God loves them. It’s another thing to actually experience His presence in the midst of one’s own sorrow and darkness.

The book is indeed full of hope and beauty, enhanced by the author’s transparency. It’s a realistic memoir— not a “look at how I figured it out” story of triumph, but a truthful account of the beautiful, sorrowful and bittersweet experiences of life. For the reader who, like the author, battles with depression, doubt and the lies of the enemy, it is beautifully validating: “No, you’re not missing it. Yes, life really is hard. YES, Jesus has overcome. Yes, you ARE loved. No, you are not the special exception to His love.” (My paraphrase, not a direct quote)

And these messages truly come through in his discussions of the garden. I can’t lay my finger on exactly how Peterson managed it, except to say that the book is largely episodic in nature, interspersed with tree commentary, throughout. Because trees are so important to Peterson, the arboreal imagery is very organic (see what I did there?) and not at all forced.

Peterson and Trees

The memoir follows a loosely chronological arc, beginning with Peterson’s memories of childhood. Early on, he explains that he feels close to God when alone among trees, because his “mom and dad modeled it for [him]” with their “Thinking Tree.”

Peterson also describes the trees he grew up around, going on to explain that the number of trees he plants is usually indicative of how rooted he feels in a place. While he planted no trees in a temporary home, he has planted forty-seven trees at The Warren, his current home of twenty-six years.

Throughout the text, trees are not mere literary symbols. They’re altar stones that mark significant moments of life, long-standing witnesses:

“When it comes to doing the hard work of remembrance, we don’t have much to go on… But trees give us a place to hang our hats. Think hard about the trees you remember, and if you’re anything like me, they’ll turn out to be sage and gentle keepers of your days, unlocking memories long since forgotten.”

Andrew Peterson, God of the Garden, pp. 197-198

[Lexi Dacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke directly to my soul. It deeply inspired me, moved me, and encouraged me. Even now a few days after finishing it Peterson's ideas on life, culture, creation, personal suffering and the companionship we have with a sacrificing Christ has my brain swirling. I'm still processing things I learned from this book and I suspect I will be for a very long time.

I bought this book shortly before I would plunge into a week long stay at a Christian camp in the woods - surrounded by trees. Which is ironic because TREES are a huge theme in this gorgeous tome of tales. I couldn’t help the goosebumps that moved up my arms while I read about trees with tall beautiful pines towering over my head. Their histories and individual names I don’t know but God does. And now I am awake to the reality that God’s love is blooming all around me, and keeping me, even when I walk right past a towering tree of beauty.

This book made me cry multiple times and worship God between the lines of its tree-made pages. This is a book that will remind you that you were planted as a seed by a Gardener who wanted you to grow - to flourish and stretch up from the good earth to the beautiful blue heavens and know that you are loved. This is a book about God’s love, His majesty, His nearness, the suffering that was ours which he took on himself and it’s a book that deals with the reality of this broken, painful, world in light of Hope.

This book does not shy away from pain - it runs towards it on some of the most deeply moving chapters I’ve ever read in a book. It’s been a while since a book made me cry - or laugh out loud, or take a literal gasp of breath from the beauty it captured. This is one of those books.

If you’re thinking about reading it, don’t wait. But if you do, one day I pray you stumble across its pages. And the next time you see a tree, touch its aging bark and appreciate that it’s been there long before you and will be there after you. Appreciate the way that God takes care of you, even as you walk between the reminders of his love for you - the trees.

The Kingdom of God is where heaven and earth meet - just like that of a tree. This book awakened my mind to that reality and that we who know Jesus are like trees, filled with the Holy Spirit - little temples with our feet rooted in gravity but our hearts housing the spirit of God. Who loves us beyond anything in this world He’s made.

I can’t wait to re-read this book and read it to my husband and my children and talk about the ideas it awoke in me to so many more people! I will inevitably ruminate more on these ideas that have snuck their way into my mind and heart.

I started and finished the book in 4 days but the ideas and impressions it made on my heart I believe will last a lifetime. Maybe more, because ideas catch on - they live on after us. Just like trees. The Gardener [God] looks down on us with love and excitement for all that’s been and all that is to come in our relationship with Him. We were made for a glorious kingdom built for community and created by Love.

[S.G. Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Peterson is just so incredibly, beautifully honest. And real. Gut-wrenchingly real. As I read, I laughed, my heart wept, and old memories that smelled like summer were awakened.

I finished this book last night and immediately got out my journal to make a list of all the significant trees in my life. There were more than I expected.

The thoughts on solitude, community, and footpaths were full of depth and insight. Though this book was rambling, perhaps a bit ent-like itself, it resonated. With where I am at in life right now, the two things that really stuck out to me was the wrestling to accept love, especially God's love, and the wrestling to work through the brokenness of childhood. In both instances I felt seen, and a fellow struggler's words were a balm.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful. Chapter 6 (“The Comforter Hath Found Me Here”) undid me.

[Hannah Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year got away from me in reading this one, yet I’m so glad I paused where I did and picked up where I did. In many ways it served as bookends for my year, a year filled with contemplating “place.” Reading this memoir brought peace, joy, some laughter, and much contemplation.

Place certainly has so much power in our lives that, in this day and age, we tend to ignore (or perhaps we’re oblivious too). Our busied, hurried, ever-developing culture seeks the new and best thing, the most convenient thing, or the most comfortable thing. While there is some benefit to that, as Peterson points out, we do lose something greater in the process. We lose the ability to appreciate God’s creation and to slow down, and sadly we do tend to build houses rather than homes.

I have never considered trees so much, and it makes me want to be more attentive to the details of creation.

Perhaps one of the most powerful parts of the book is how Peterson honestly describes his relationship with the Lord. I am encouraged to press on in the faith, to seek the Lord, and to remember that times of silence and difficulty are often the places that the Lord meets us most powerfully. The metaphor of God as gardener of our souls was poignant and timely for me. He is the Creator, Comforter, and Tender of my soul.

Needless to say, after reading this book I want to own a piece of land, cultivate that land, and then invite everyone to enjoy it. For now, however, I may make it a goal to garden & keep a plant alive.