Environmental Book Club discussion

Please use this discussion board to introduce yourself. We'd love to know a few things about you- where you're from, maybe what you do, why you wanted to join an environmental book club and maybe an interesting fact about yourself!

This book club started as a collaborative idea to create a virtual environmental book club between Fran and Adrienne who found each other through the instagram eco-community- even though they live on the opposite side of the world to each other! We initially thought it would just be a small group of maybe 6-8 of us but it was quickly apparent the interest was much more! After trialling discussions in group messages on instagram it was also quickly clear using Good reads would work much better (which by the way neither of us had used before so please be patient with us). So here we are!

We would love this group to be a place where people can connect with each other from all over the world, whilst learning about the environment, what we can do to tackle the climate and ecological crisis we are facing as a planet and discuss opinions together.

Thank you and welcome :)

I will start with an introduction: -

My name is Fran and I am from Sheffield in the UK. I work as a small animal veterinary surgeon and on the side blog about sustainability, write for an environmental newsletter (curious.earth) and a sustainable vet organisation, whilst managing a chronic illness.

I started being interested in the environment whilst living in Australia and travelling Australia, New Zealand and SE Asia and seeing the issues with my own eyes such as coral bleaching, glacier retreat and biodiversity loss. The passion has only increased from there. I'm actually not a huge reader (the kind of person who has a lot of books and never seems to get round the reading them) which is one of the reasons for starting this book club. And interesting fact about me is that I used to be completely obsessed with rollercoasters and have an internal encyclopaedia of knowledge on the subject (not environmental at all!).

Can't wait to hear introductions from everyone who joins!

Hello everyone and WELCOME!
This is so exciting and so fun and I'm just so happy everyone is here and that we could make this work.

I'm Adrienne, an environmental enthusiast and forever imperfect environmentalist. I have always been a reader but lost a bit of that in the last few years and this group is getting me back into it! I have a huge passion for trash and waste management but really feel that we can make important connections in all areas of our lives. I just hope this group can be a safe and fun space for us to discuss environmental things and also just enjoy a good book!

Fun fact: I was in A Cappella groups for almost 10 years on and off and LOVE to sing.

I really look forward to hearing from everyone and happy reading!

Hi, Chelsea here!

🇬🇧 🇨🇦I’m British, but I’ve lived on the west coast of Canada for 3 years.

👩‍💻 I work as a digital marketing specialist, focusing on social media.

🌏 I’ve been an environmental advocate for over 10 years but it’s only in the last 2 years that I’ve been very involved with local groups. I volunteer with a local Greenpeace group and another grass roots group based in Vancouver.

Hi. I’m Anne. I live in Alberta, Canada. Professionally speaking, I’m a librarian, but I haven’t worked in a library in over a decade. Instead, I work in information management.

I love to read, mostly audiobooks. The environment and nature are some of my favourite non-fiction topics. I've been an environmentalist since I was a teenager, but I haven't been very active in the past couple years.

When I discovered this group on Instagram, I figured it would be a great way to find out about books I’m not yet familiar with and maybe chat about them with like-minded people.

I can’t think of anything interesting to share, but I did want to mention that I’m a slow reader. I’ve always found that some people (myself included) can be really hesitant to join reading challenges or book clubs if they’re slow readers. It’s a daunting task to read a book in a short period of time, especially non-fiction, which can sometimes be dry (this is part of why I love audiobooks). So, shout-out to my fellow slow readers! I can pretty much guarantee that I’ll never be finished books on time and that I’ll end up skipping the occasional book.

Anne wrote: "Hi. I’m Anne. I live in Alberta, Canada. Professionally speaking, I’m a librarian, but I haven’t worked in a library in over a decade. Instead, I work in information management.

I love to read, mo..."

Hi Anne! I agree I am also a pretty slow reader and enjoy audiobooks! Especially for fiction actually as I can just close my eyes and go to another place. I know it's not quite the same as reading but they have a place don't they!

Hi! My name's Maria and I'm from and live in the south of Norway. I have a master's degree in marine biology with a thesis focusing on marine mammals.

Currently, I work in a grocery store while I look for job and PhD options within marine biology/marine mammals, particularly cetaceans.

I have been interested in biology and environmental issues since I can remember, I love reading and learning new things, so an environmental book club seemed perfect for me 😃 Can't wait to continue reading and learning with all of you 😊

Fun fact: Because I've watched Friends more times than I can count (it's one of the series I like having on in the background) I remember a lot of lines and details about the show. I absolutely crushed my family in the Friends version of Trivial Pursuit at Christmas 😂

Fun fact about whales! Did you know that the killer whale is the largest dolphin species and that there are at least 10 different ecotypes of killer whale around the world with different food preferences, hunting strategies, social structures etc.? These ecotypes might also be separate species!

Fran wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hi. I’m Anne. I live in Alberta, Canada. Professionally speaking, I’m a librarian, but I haven’t worked in a library in over a decade. Instead, I work in information management.

I lov..."

I know there's some evidence that listening or reading on an ebook reduces learning and comprehension compared to reading a paper book. But, I firmly believe that all reading counts: audiobooks, comics, e-content - everything! And, I love that I can do chores or go for a walk while listening to the book!

Maria wrote: "Hi! My name's Maria and I'm from and live in the south of Norway. I have a master's degree in marine biology with a thesis focusing on marine mammals.

Currently, I work in a grocery store while I..."

I love your passion for cetaceans Maria! They are amazing :)

Fran wrote: "Maria wrote: "Hi! My name's Maria and I'm from and live in the south of Norway. I have a master's degree in marine biology with a thesis focusing on marine mammals.

Currently, I work in a grocery..."

Thanks! They are the best :D ^^,

Hello! I'm Logan! I live in rural NSW, Australia. I'm a 16 year old animal studies and horticulture student who left school early to pursue a career in conservation / ecology (building up lots of certificates to get me into uni ASAP!) In between working 2 jobs in food service I'm my local organiser for school strike for climate, a wildlife rescue and care trainee, and before coronavirus came along I was organising to help out at my local environmental education centre. I've spent the last few months establishing social media platforms to talk about sustainable and ethical living.

I've always had a bit of a reputation for being the biggest bookworm anyone I know knows - I read the entire Harry potter series in a month when I was 9 years old, and have completed it 3 more times since then! Over the past 6 months or so, a mixture of eco-anxiety and passion have led to me being essentially unable to read a book (or watch a film) that isn't about the environment (luckily I enjoy them!), so as I smash them out I'm always looking for my next book! So I'm very excited to be part of this amazing community

A fun fact about me is that amongst all my environment-focussed work and aspirations, my dad owns a coal mining company! Family debates get a little heated sometimes, but I feel lucky to have a really special perspective into the lesser known impacts of the industry :)

Logan Hackney wrote: "Hello! I'm Logan! I live in rural NSW, Australia. I'm a 16 year old animal studies and horticulture student who left school early to pursue a career in conservation / ecology (building up lots of c..."

You are inspirational Logan! :)

Hi I'm Keeley, I live in Mombasa Kenya, but I'm originally from London. I've been passionate about the environment since I was a youngster (ask my poor Mum about having to try and find me vegan hiking boots back in the early '90's). After a degree in Marine Biology and a Master's in Environmental Conservation (and lots of volunteer work and my family asking whether I'd considered paid employment as a lifestyle option) I somehow ended up teaching Biology in Zambia back in 2001. Most of my friends and family thought I'd be back within the month. Almost twenty years later, I've shifted country but not continents. My students all know how to get out of a lesson....just get Miss talking about something environmental! I love being able to share my passion with young minds that are so open and excited to change the world. I'm doing my best to live plastic free (not so difficult here as markets and small shops selling loose everything abound) and we have got some amazing local companies producing eco friendly products from cleaning supplies to clothing to beauty products so although the world is a bit crazy right now, I'm still excited and optimistic.
I left the UK in 2001 with just one back pack and now have hundreds and hundreds of books, how I got them all is still a bit of a miracle to me, seeing as for most of those years (and still now) I have lived without a book shop nearer than a day's drive away!

Hi all! I'm Heather and I'm from Saskatchewan, Canada. I'm a fitness instructor by day (although not these days!) and a blogger and author by night. I wanted to join this group because I want to make a positive impact on our planet, but I wasn't really sure where to start or what needs to get done first. I'm hoping to be able to apply some lessons to my everyday life as well as know what to expect from my politicians.

Hi all! I'm Leanne and I'm a final year vet student from London. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, but over the last 5/6 years (I'm in my thirties) I've become far more interested in environmentalism and sustainability. However, it is such a vast topic that I am enthusiastic to learn more. My bf and I are keen to see what changes we can make to our lives despite living in a London flat - although I do long for a garden!
I've always been a keen reader but its been a while that I've read anything that wasn't revision so I am looking forward to new book suggestions too. Finally as I'm a bit late I will join in for Braiding Sweetgrass, I've just ordered it now, I've heard many excellent things about it already!

Welcome Keeley, Heather and Leanne! :):)

Hi, my name is Kelsey, I live in Arizona, USA. (IG: @ecofriendlylifeaz )

I like reading, animals and the environment, so OF COURSE I wanted to join the EBC! I am so excited that we can expand it and reach more people with this amazing club. Thank you ladies!!

I am currently between jobs (stupid COVID-19). But hopefully I will find something with wildlife conservation or sustainability.

Fun fact: I "trained" my snakes to poop in the yard (like a dog)!

Hi, I am Martina from Barcelona but I recently moved to Berlin. I studied renewable energies and I am very interested in sustainability, environmental issues and zero waste. Besides those topics, I enjoy learning about plants, health and the sea 💚
I am between jobs at the moment (moved right before COVID-19) so I am very happy to be part of this community so we can keep learning together and so glad it is reaching more and more people! 
Ah, I am also a yoga teacher :)

Hey I'm Joanne! I'm a vet and bookworm - I mainly read fiction and in particular fantasy, but I'm keen to read more environmental books! I love learning more about sustainability and becoming more sustainable so this group is brilliant!

Fun fact: my one cat (I have two) is called Eva after the character in Wall-E, my favourite film!

Welcome Martina, Joanne, and Kelsey! We are so happy you're here :)

Hello everyone! I’ve worked in archaeology (both terrestrial and underwater) and taught scuba for about 25 years. I've poured my experiences in both fields into a career as a freelance photographer and writer specializing in marine conservation and ecotourism. I'm also a doting dad to a curious 8 year old boy who is as intrigued by the ocean as I am. After reading through some of these posts I know I've found a good group and I'm really looking forward to seeing your recommendations! I hope everyone is staying well and healthy!

It's really great to have you here Andrew! Your perspective will be greatly appreciated in our discussions.
Welcome :)

Adrienne wrote: "It's really great to have you here Andrew! Your perspective will be greatly appreciated in our discussions.
Welcome :)"

Thank you Adrienne! It's nice to be here

Hello everyone 🙃 I’m Ryan I’m an environmental scientist from the UK living in Calgary, Canada. I don’t many people equally passionate about the environment so I was looking for an environmental book club to meet people to discuss and share books with. And looks like I found just the place!

I read The Future We Choose earlier this year and I enjoyed it so much I was going to read it again anyway and take more notes this time. It really was a boost for me especially the idea of stubborn optimism which you will come to read about. I confess I struggle to be optimistic a lot of the time! I’m going to read Losing Eden for this month as that was on my list too. Looking forward to being a part of this book club.

Fun fact I was never into nature or the environment growing up and it wasn’t till my first year of uni when I saw Rob Stewart’s Revolution documentary that put it right centre of my radar and ultimately led me to switch to an environmental degree and make it my day job.

All the best!

Ryan wrote: "Hello everyone 🙃 I’m Ryan I’m an environmental scientist from the UK living in Calgary, Canada. I don’t many people equally passionate about the environment so I was looking for an environmental bo..."

Welcome Ryan! Great to hear that you loved The Future We choose so much you want to read again!

And definitely need to add that documentary to my list to watch.

Fran

Hello,

I’m a Paramedic in Canada 🇨🇦, with a love for sustainability and intersectional environmentalism.

I made a goal for myself in 2020 to become more well read, and to expand the types of narratives and authors I read, to truly diversify and capture stories and experiences unlike my own. So far I am loving all the books I’ve undertaken and have several lined up and on hold at my local library.

2 months ago I gave audiobooks a try, and find them absolutely amazing! I’m in the market for an ebook too, such that I can take it to work with me and be able to wipe it down at the end of the day, but nothing beats a cup of tea and the tactile experience of holding and reading a real book.

Really looking forward to this community space and finding more book recommendations :) 📚

Hello! My name is Kelsey. I am a Canadian from a small farm with cows, piggies, chickens and draft horses set in the bush near Georgian bay Ontario! I used to work in an awesome second hand bookshop in the town closest to me, which fueled my reading. Now I live in the Highlands of Scotland where I work at an indie bookshop as a bookseller, which means I am a chronic book recommender. I also do a bit of writing as well :)

I studied History in University (with my final paper on socio economic impact of draft horses) but I really got into exploring the environment through writing with the first Farley Mowat book I read as an adult, which was Never Cry Wolf. Since then it's been a progression of incredible books with people trying to understand what it means to be a part of nature. It's what I like to think about and when I'm recommending books or reviewing them for work, it's the sort of thing I really try to pass on.

This group looks super cool and I'm excited to do my best to join in ^_^

Ok, so I finally figured out how to use this website lol...here we go.

Hi! I'm Ana (or Daisy). I live in Portland, OR where I became a zero-waster and met lots of cool like-minded people who invited me to do this book club. I am an architect/designer/crafter. I have a zero waste instagram @daisy.does.zero

My journey of environmentalism has been long but not fully realized until I moved to Portland a few years ago. I wanted to do this book club because I've recently started reading again after many years of not considering myself a "reader" and it's a great way to feel like part of a community while staying home.

Starre wrote: "Hello,

I’m a Paramedic in Canada 🇨🇦, with a love for sustainability and intersectional environmentalism.

I made a goal for myself in 2020 to become more well read, and to expand the types of nar..."

Welcome Starre!
Let us know any books you would like adding to our bookshelf or feel free to add them yourself!

I know audiobooks divide people but I agree I love them- I like a mix of audio and physical books.

Kelsey wrote: "Hello! My name is Kelsey. I am a Canadian from a small farm with cows, piggies, chickens and draft horses set in the bush near Georgian bay Ontario! I used to work in an awesome second hand booksho..."

Kelsey wrote: "Hello! My name is Kelsey. I am a Canadian from a small farm with cows, piggies, chickens and draft horses set in the bush near Georgian bay Ontario! I used to work in an awesome second hand booksho..."

Welcome Kelsey! I would love to visit this bookshop in the Highlands, is it The Highland Bookshop in Fort William? Can't believe I didn't pop in when we were there. W will have to add Never Cry Wolf to the list!

Awnuh Daisy wrote: "Ok, so I finally figured out how to use this website lol...here we go.

Hi! I'm Ana (or Daisy). I live in Portland, OR where I became a zero-waster and met lots of cool like-minded people who invit..."

Welcome Ana/Daisy, glad you finally worked Goodreads it's not so bad after a bit of practice! I also didn't consider myself a reader for years, and still don't hugely tbh but it's such a great way to learn and connect with people.

Fran wrote: "Kelsey wrote: "Hello! My name is Kelsey. I am a Canadian from a small farm with cows, piggies, chickens and draft horses set in the bush near Georgian bay Ontario! I used to work in an awesome seco..."

Hi Fran, Yes it is the Highland Bookshop! Hope you enjoyed your visit to Scotland! The Highlands are so so beautiful, although rainy at the moment :P

Also the second hand Bookstore is called Bearly Used Books which is worth a look to ^_^

Hi everyone! I’m Dawson and I live in Ohio in the US. I’m currently in my last year of undergrad studying political science and philosophy. I have been interested in environmental policy and philosophy for most of my schooling and I hope to continue my education in grad school with an environmental policy and/or environmental law degree.

I’m mostly interested in the interconnectedness of nature, so I enjoy reading ecofeminist literature or books about Indigenous epistemology. I love to hear about different perspectives on environmental issues so please start a conversation with me if you have stories to tell!

Thank you for allowing me to join your group!

Hey Everyone,
I'm Jen and I currently live in Maryland, US. I just earned my Environmental Education master's degree and although my undergrad and grad program taught me a lot about the environment, conservation, and how to teach about nature, the sources utilized by professors leaned heavily on white male authors teaching about the environment.

I am working on broadening my knowledge and learn more from BIPOC authors in the environmental field. My goal is to teach students that nature is inclusive and for everyone, regardless of where they live and what their nature looks like.

Dawson wrote: "Hi everyone! I’m Dawson and I live in Ohio in the US. I’m currently in my last year of undergrad studying political science and philosophy. I have been interested in environmental policy and philos..."

Welcome Dawson!
Ecofeminist and indigenous epistemology reads sound ideal! Please feel free to suggest any to us or add directly to our bookshelf :)

Jen wrote: "Hey Everyone,
I'm Jen and I currently live in Maryland, US. I just earned my Environmental Education master's degree and although my undergrad and grad program taught me a lot about the environmen..."

Welcome Jen!
Learning more from BIPOC authors is exactly what we are aiming to do also and we will always try to focus on learning about environmentalism through and intersectional lens <3

Hello everyone!

I'm Brittany and I'm from Utah, USA. My education is in communication/business and I work in marketing at a health tech company. I have such a passion for the environment and living intentionally and sustainably. Since I don't work in that field (maybe one day!) and I love reading, I joined this book club to find like-minded people and some great books.

Looking forward to hearing everyone's perspectives and being part of this community!

Hi everyone, thank you for allowing me into your lovely group. I'm Charlie, 26 yrs old and currently living in Scandinavia (Welsh origin). Before the corona outbreak I was working as a dancer/dance teacher, now I've been forced back to university studies due to unemployment. My long-term goal is to become a movement therapist.

I've had an interest in nature and the environment since my early teens, it's been my refuge, but the pandemic's given me more time to reflect and catch up on my reading. Can we take a moment to appreciate libraries? :-)

Really looking forward to having interesting discussions/conversations, being part of this community and learning from you all.

Welcome Brittany and Charles!

Hi, I'm Becky! I currently live in Ohio, but I'm starting grad school this fall and will be moving out to California for it as soon as Covid dies down a bit.

I really enjoy hiking and running, and my interest in the outdoors and the environment definitely originally came from that. I'm really excited to be a part of this community!

forsanolim wrote: "Hi, I'm Becky! I currently live in Ohio, but I'm starting grad school this fall and will be moving out to California for it as soon as Covid dies down a bit.

I really enjoy hiking and running, and..."

Welcome Becky! I can definitely related to being interested in the environment as part of been keen on the outdoors!

Hi everyone! A belated introduction from me, I rarely ever come on goodreads and just follow the bookclub news on Instagram. I'll be better, I promise!

My name is Joanna, I was born and raised in Germany but have been living in London for the past 5 years now.
My passion for the environment ignited after watching Cowspiracy and then volunteering in Costa Rica & Nicaragua. I think living on the edge of the rainforest for 3 months would turn anyone into an enthusiast! Now I try and raise awareness and spread the earth love on social media and with my blog.

I used to be an avid bookworm but then kind of stopped and never finished books anymore. I have actually lockdown to thank for getting back into it.

I'm super happy I came across this book club, love the titles that have been suggested so far, and looking forward to discovering new voices and stories!

Joanna wrote: "Hi everyone! A belated introduction from me, I rarely ever come on goodreads and just follow the bookclub news on Instagram. I'll be better, I promise!

My name is Joanna, I was born and raised in ..."

Welcome Joanna! Volunteering in Costa Rica sounds amazing, I would love to visit there one day, especially reading more about it via Christiana Figueres in The Future We Choose. I'm the same with reading, hadn't read much for years which I was the book club is so useful :)

Hi guys! My name is Brittany and I'm from southern California. I found this group through the Instagram page since I'm part of the bookstagram community (@scienceowlreads). I graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences but never really learned much about environmentalism, so this is one of the ways I'd like to educate myself! One of my good friends was an environmental science in college so I've mostly been getting my recs from her. Until now!

I currently work as a cancer researcher and lab assistant at a local university and will be applying to biomedical science PhD programs this fall. Nice to meet you all :)

Brittany wrote: "Hi guys! My name is Brittany and I'm from southern California. I found this group through the Instagram page since I'm part of the bookstagram community (@scienceowlreads). I graduated with a B.S. ..."

Hey Brittany! Welcome to the group- we are SO happy to have you.
We have so many incredible book recommendations and if you ever need any other recommendations or resources feel free to reach out. We look forward to your knowledge and expertise in the field of biology and medicine- it's all connected!

Thanks for being here. Happy Reading!

Hello All!
My name is Jared Kent and I am here representing Stone Pier Press, an environmental publication with a food focus. I am 24 years old and from Cleveland, OH. As a young person, I am gravely concerned for our future and I wanted to join an environmental book to connect with other like-minded people and to learn about and discuss great books that can help us solve this crisis. As a representative of Stone Pier Press, I am also interested in sharing the great books we have with an environmentally-conscious audience. A fun fact: I love adopting animals from zoos and other conservation organizations, I am currently the proud sponsor of a wombat, an Australian Little Blue Penguin, and a Ring-Tailed Lemur.

Stone wrote: "Hello All!
My name is Jared Kent and I am here representing Stone Pier Press, an environmental publication with a food focus. I am 24 years old and from Cleveland, OH. As a young person, I am grave..."

Hi Jared! What a pleasure to have you in the group. We'd love to have your perspective in our book discussions and feel free to suggest any books we can add to our bookshelf for future reading.
How cool that you adopt zoo animals!

Thanks for being here.
Happy Reading!

Hi! My name is Carmen and I'm from the south of Spain. I've always been interested (and worried) about environmental issues and right now I'm studying environmental sciences.
I've joined this group to discover more books related to science and the environment and to get to know other people experiences on this topic.

Hello and thank you for creating this group. I look forward to some great discussions.

My name is Chris and I live and garden in the desert southwest - Catalina, Arizona.

Southern Arizona just experienced our worst summer on record: fire, extreme heat, drought. Climate change is real and literally in my own backyard. I am seeking ways to make a positive impact, no matter how small.

As a gardener I am obsessed with soil and the positive impact a great microbiome has on our health and the health of the planet.

The diversity of the group is exciting and encouraging. It will take this worldwide village to raise a healthy planet.

Very sorry that I missed the October watch party. I will be the first one to sign up for the next one!

thanks again and take good care

Hello everybody 🖖,

My Name is Simone and I‘m from Munich, Germany. (...Yes it’s where the Oktoberfest happens every year.) Here I‘m studying pharmacy.
My Parents are from Croatia, where I spend all my summers. That’s also why I feel connected to the sea and the environment. I hated reading books till the eight grade, until the point where I read Harry Potter and discovered my passion for reading. And after watching some TedTalks about the Climate Crisis I got really interested in the ecofriendly lifestyle.
After reading through some Introductions, I‘m looking forward to learn more about this topic and to discuss some points with like-minded people as you are :)

Funfact about me: I am able to wiggle my ears ☺️

See ya !