Books I've read and my reviews

• Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer
  *****
  This book made me laugh, cry, and sweat a little. I listened to it on Spotify, and it was narrated by the author, which I think added to the whole book. The part where she described dropping her eldest daughter off at college you can hear her choke up, and it's a very emotional scene, much like the rest of the book. She's able to convey her sadness and grief at the loss of culture and the planet, but at the same time sweeten it with a little hope. It's made me reflect on my own attitude toward action and sustainability. I've personally given up on activism before I even start because I feel powerless. But what am I getting a biology degree for, if I will not use it to better the world, not just by being a public servant? How can I use my education to reconnect to the earth, and engage in reciprocity with the planet that raised me? It has made me more cognisant and grateful for the time I do get outside, and those that spend time with me. I already love nature, but now I view the plants and animals as my kin, not just something to marvel at. The writing style in this book also uses amazing analogy, whimsical description that still makes sense, and draws wisdom from different stories from indigenous cultures. Overall, I think this will be a book I read/listen to often throughout my life, especially as we start to see the effects of climate change and I understand science and my own spirituality more.
• Snow Crash - Neal Stephenson (INCOMPLETE)
• The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk (INCOMPLETE)