Nature Literature discussion

Please add your comments about Uplift here.

Thank you Becky and everyone in the Nature Lit group! I’m honored that Uplift was chosen for October BOTM and eager to join the discussion.

I guess I’ll kick it off by pointing out that most eco-fiction books still have people as narrators and main characters, whereas nature is more of a backdrop or setting (e.g., The Overstory, Flight Behavior). But there are so many intelligent and sentient creatures in the world with stories to tell! That was my inspiration for the book, to give them a voice. (And to be honest, not being human is kind of a refreshing change of pace!)

What are your thoughts on the whole nonhuman narrator thing?
-Jessica

P.s. I’m new to GoodReads, so please, feel free to connect or add me as a friend - thanks!

Happy Halloween everyone! Now that October is over, just checking in with the group. There is an UPLIFT Discussion Guide for book clubs (let me know if you’re interested in a copy) and I started it off with the question in my previous post about nonhuman narrators. Any thoughts on that?

Here’s another one: What did you think about the family dynamics of Columbina’s family? Many people responded strongly to the sibling rivalry and the challenging of father-male/authority figures. Anything in particular strike you about the book from your own family life experience? 😊

I know October is over, but FYI BlueInk Reviews just released their Best of 2025 and so pleased to say, UPLIFT topped the list! A multiple award-winner told entirely through the eyes of wild birds and other nonhumans, it’s been compared to Watership Down for its use of realistic animal narrators. As an author, I felt it was high time to give other intelligent, sentient beings a voice for a change, wouldn’t you agree?!🦉🐘🐬

Happy holidays and Peace on earth. ☺️

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