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The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate--Discoveries from a Secret World

by Peter Wohlleben

A forest understood as a living network

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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    Shortlisted, Audible International Book of the Year Award

    The book is described as shortlisted for the award.

  • Bestseller

    New York Times bestseller

    The supplied description identifies the book as a New York Times bestseller.

  • Editorial selection

    Named one of BrainPickings' Best Books of the Year

    Named one of BrainPickings' best books of the year.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A forest understood as a living network

Peter Wohlleben brings forestry observations and scientific discoveries together to present trees as interconnected members of a forest community. The book examines communication among trees, the sharing of nutrients, and responses to danger, while placing these relationships within the broader cycles of forest life, death, and regeneration. Its subject is both the biology of trees and the connections that shape woodland ecosystems. A note from forest scientist Dr. Suzanne Simard is included.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Adults interested in trees, forests, and nature writing
  • Readers curious about scientific accounts of how trees interact
  • Those seeking an introduction to woodland ecosystems and forest life cycles

Themes

Tree communicationForest ecosystemsNutrient sharingLife, death, and regeneration

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview


A NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER - One of the most beloved books of our time: an illuminating account of the forest, and the science that shows us how trees communicate, feel, and live in social networks. After reading this book, a walk in the woods will never be the same again.

"Breaks entirely new ground ... [Peter Wohlleben] has listened to trees and decoded their language. Now he speaks for them."--The New York Review of Books

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BRAINPICKINGS - HONORABLE MENTION: SEJ Rachel Carson Environment Book Award - Shortlisted: Audible International Book of the Year Award - Books For a Better Life Award - Indie Choice Award--Nonfiction Book of the Year

Are trees social beings? In The Hidden Life of Trees forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration that he has observed in his woodland.

"A declaration of love and an engrossing primer on trees, brimming with facts and an unashamed awe for nature."--Washington Post

"Heavily dusted with the glitter of wonderment."--The New Yorker

Includes a Note From a Forest Scientist by Dr.Suzanne Simard

Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute

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