Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit

A beautifully written book; one I've been drawn back to a few times when feeling 'disconnected' from the world. Lynda Lynn Haupt is a talented author and her memoir-style nonfiction text drips with passion, knowledge and a lifelong dedication to the subjects therein. I also appreciated her transparency, avoiding the pretence of perfection many attempt to uphold when discussing their own ecological impact.When I first read this book it gave me a sense of peace, and validated the connection I've always felt to the natural world; I had some additional language (and evidence) for much of what I already felt to be true. Far from a radical discussion full of unsubstantiated claims, this book provides a basic scientific basis for the interconnectivity of all things... socially, ecologically, psychologically and physically. It's a great springboard to further research and a deeper understanding of our natural world.

If you were ever to find me lazing away a summer day in the grass or under a tree while reading, you'd probably find me with a romance novel or a fashion magazine in my hands; outdoorsy I am not, except to let the warm breezes ruffle my dress while I snap a selfie of me rocking florals, surrounded by floral, for my Insta. And yet, that's why Rooted is such a refreshing, enlightening and inspiring summer read. It's both focused and wandering, urgent and chilled out, whimsical and deadly serious. This isn't a lecture about global warming, or a step by step "how-to" to solve it. It's more like spending the season wandering mossy woodlands and ice cold creek beds while listening to stories and wisdom; asking questions and pondering insights, whiling away the days and eves with someone who is rich with knowledge and storytelling ability, but never claims to be an expert, never talks down to you, simply talks to you with undivided attention. If you're looking for a structured and focused narrative, this is not it; that's like looking for architecture in a wild and deep forest. Mankind came from the Earth, and is at one with the Earth, and yet, as we strip the earth of its resources, we lose touch with our very humanity, and eventually, our ability to survive. This book reminds us that nature isn't a zoo -- with adorable creatures waiting to be adored from a safe distance behind glass. Animals struggle to survive, eat or be eaten, around the clock; plants too. There are countless ways to explore our impact on the earth, and to personally reconnect with it, and this book explores many of them -- but not all (which would be impossible and defeatist). But if you're looking for hope and inspiration, willing to take a journey, and enjoy the journey alone, without regard to navigating toward a known destination, this is a wonderful, enjoyable, enlightening, and constantly surprising read.

I haven't read this book yet, but a very good friend has read it for her book club and she recommended it to me.

I wished I had read it sooner! It it a much needed contemporary natured-based book that I hope finds its way in to the hands of teens and young adult readers. This book provides an ethical and spiritual anchor in nature at a time when planet earth needs it most. Lyanda Haupt finds the perfect balance between personal story-telling, true nature science, and education.

Interesting and good read.