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The Overstory
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Hi! Sorry I'm abit late to the party with this, since finding this group I've been making my way through previous reads and very much enjoying them! Just finished this one so here goes - 1- I think he chose the title as it symbolises the overstory of trees and the fact that much is covered by them and this story encompasses all of the characters beneath the over arching theme of trees.
2- I identified with Mimi Ma's story the most as I believe it was very much a reflection of how people can turn from the status quo and into activism and giving themselves to a cause. She begins with pretty much a normal life (bar the one devastating life event of losing a family member), job, house etc and then discovers a cause through a local issue that directly affects her environment which then through research and contacts, expands into a larger issue to fight for. I suppose you could say the same for all of them in some way as they did find their moment of realisation however in the end, Mimi gives up on the activism and back to a normal life much like most causes have their spotlight moment then ultimately people move on or lose interest.
3- The significance of the sections I feel like they were to show perhaps how slowly trees grow (a fact which is repeated throughout the book) so in the time it takes for the roots to take hold, XYZ happens, then the trunk begins to grow and again so many events take place so by the time it reaches into a crown, so much has happened but for a tree it's only just reaching maturity. I suppose it also reflects the characters own journeys, as they learn and mature through their experiences so by the end they too have reached maturity. I wasn't surprised the when the stories started to merge (bit of a giveaway in the blurb!) but was impressed how the author managed to tie them together and even the way those who intertwine on the peripheries in small details I thought was quite clever.
4- I completely agree with the statement as the majority of arguments aren't always solved with facts and numbers but through feelings and empathy. The way stories connect and trigger people's feelings, it brings them a new perspective they won't have realised before.
5- "What you make from a tree should be at least as miraculous as what you cut down" - I thought this was a powerful quote as it shows just how amazing trees are and what they are capable of so that if you are going to destroy something for personal gain, then make the most of it and don't waste it. I think this is how people should look at consumerism now and cherish our precious resources and make things to last.
6- The writer's style was interesting and had me re-reading parts to grasp what events had taken place as it was very much "show don't tell" and had a lot of varied vocab to describe simple scenes or actions which perhaps was overused in parts as it had me keep reaching for the dictionary!
It definitely kept me entertained and I would recommend to a friend. Looking forward to the next one! :)
Thanks for being here!
1. Why do you think Richard Powers chose the title “The Overstory”?
2. Which character’s story do you identify with the most, and why?
3. The book is divided into four parts: “Roots,” “Trunk,” “Crown,” and
“Seeds.” What is the significance of each section? Were you surprised when the stories began to intertwine?
4. Richard Powers writes: “The best arguments in the world won’t change a person’s mind. The only thing that can do that is a good story.” Do you agree? Did any part of this story change your mind?
5. Was there a quote that really stood out to you?
6. What did you think of the writer's style?
*https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/dis...