Book Club

Dive into Our Book Picks: Kate, Jenn (and some authored by our incredible guests) share their Faves – New Finds Added Regularly!

	Title: Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better at What You Do Author: Wallace J Nichols Summary: "Blue Mind" by Wallace J. Nichols explores the profound connection between humans and water, introducing the concept of the "blue mind" state—a sense of peace and calm induced by water experiences. Through a blend of neuroscience, psychology, and personal stories, the book highlights the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of being near water. Nichols takes readers on a journey to various water environments, emphasizing the therapeutic effects on stress reduction, creativity, and overall happiness.
	Title: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants Author: Robin Wall Kimmerer Summary: This is a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through a series of essays, Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, blends indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, inviting readers to embrace a worldview that emphasizes gratitude, reciprocity, and ecological stewardship. She celebrates the interconnectedness of all living beings and highlights the importance of honoring the wisdom of the earth.
	Title: Buzzwords: A Scientist Muses on Sex, Bugs, and Rock 'n' Roll Author: Dr. May Berenbaum Summary: In this riveting exploration of the natural world, Dr. May Berenbaum, an esteemed entomologist and scientist, takes listeners on a captivating journey through her book "Buzzwords: A Scientist Muses on Sex, Bugs, and Rock 'n' Roll." With a unique blend of humour, insight, and scientific expertise, Dr. Berenbaum delves into the intricate relationships between humans and insects, unravelling the mysteries of their sex lives, ecological significance, and even their unexpected connections to the world of rock 'n' roll.
	Title: Bugs in the System: Insects And Their Impact on Human Affairs Author: Dr. May Berenbaum Summary: In this episode of "Nature Uncovered," we delve into the fascinating world of insects and their profound influence on human affairs, inspired by Dr. May Berenbaum's enlightening book, "Bugs in the System: Insects And Their Impact on Human Affairs." Dr. Berenbaum takes us on a journey through history, revealing the intricate relationships between humans and insects. From the crucial roles insects play in agriculture to their impact on medicine, art, and culture, Berenbaum skillfully unravels the intricate web of connections that bind our two worlds.
	Title: Thus Spoke The Plant: A Remarkable Journey of Groundbreaking Scientific Discoveries and Personal Encounters with Plants Author: Dr. Monica Gagliano Summary: Dr. Monica Gagliano takes readers on a mesmerising journey through her book, "Thus Spoke The Plant." Blending scientific discoveries with deeply personal encounters, Gagliano challenges conventional notions about plant intelligence and communication. Drawing on her pioneering research, she unveils the astonishing ways in which plants respond to stimuli, exhibiting a level of sensitivity and awareness that defies traditional understanding.
	Title: The Genetics of the Dog Author: Dr. Elaine Ostrander Summary: Dr. Elaine Ostrander delves into the intricate tapestry of the dog's genetic code, unraveling the mysteries that shape our closest animal companions. From the origins of various breeds to the genetic basis of behavior and health, this book serves as a compelling guide for understanding the deep and complex bond between humans and their four-legged friends, ultimately offering a richer appreciation for the intricate dance of nature and nurture in the canine world.
	Title: The Rise of Wolf 8 Author: Rick McIntyre Summary: This captivating journey into the intricate social dynamics and remarkable resilience of one of Yellowstone National Park's most iconic predators, the gray wolf. Through meticulous observation and storytelling, McIntyre talks about a young wolf, whose journey from timid pup to confident leader offers profound insights into the complex world of wolf society. With empathy and insight, McIntyre delves into the intricacies of pack behavior, the bonds of family, and the challenges of survival in the wild, painting a vivid portrait of a species that continues to fascinate and inspire awe.
	Title: The Reign of Wolf 21 Author: Rick McIntyre Summary: Rick McIntyre delves deep into the captivating world of Yellowstone's iconic alpha male, Wolf 21, and his remarkable impact on the park's ecosystem. Through meticulous research and intimate storytelling, McIntyre chronicles the triumphs and tribulations of Wolf 21 as he navigates the complexities of pack dynamics, territorial disputes, and the relentless pursuit of survival. McIntyre discusses the intricate web of connections between humans, wolves, and the natural world, inviting readers to reconsider our relationship with these magnificent creatures and the landscapes they inhabit.
	Title: The Redemption of Wolf 302 Author: Rick McIntyre Summary: We embark on an emotional journey delving into the intricate world of wolves, where nature's beauty intertwines with humanity's struggle for coexistence. McIntyre, a renowned wolf expert, meticulously narrates the gripping saga of Wolf 302, a lone wolf driven by instinct and resilience, as he navigates the harsh realities of survival in Yellowstone National Park. Through McIntyre's poignant storytelling, we witness the profound connections between these magnificent creatures and ourselves, ultimately uncovering timeless lessons about compassion, perseverance, and the intricate balance of life in the wilderness.
	Title: The Alpha Female Wolf Author: Rick McIntyre Summary: The Alpha Female Wolf delves into the captivating world of Yellowstone's wolves, focusing on the remarkable journey of one particularly influential wolf—the alpha female. McIntyre paints a vivid picture of her leadership, resilience, and profound impact on her pack and the ecosystem at large. From epic hunts to complex social dynamics, McIntyre discusses the intricate web of relationships within the wolf pack, offering profound insights into the interconnectedness of nature and our own understanding of leadership and community.
	Title: The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness Author: Sy Montgomery Summary: In "The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness," Sy Montgomery takes us on an extraordinary journey into the often mysterious and surprisingly complex world of cephalopods. She delves into the remarkable lives of octopuses, revealing their intelligence, individual personalities, and the deep connections they form with both humans and their fellow sea creatures. Montgomery challenges preconceived notions about consciousness and explores the profound interconnectedness between humans and the often misunderstood creatures of the sea.
	Title: Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell Author: Sy Montgomery Summary: In "Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell," Sy Montgomery takes us on a captivating journey through the intricate tapestry of our interconnectedness with the natural world. With the grace of a storyteller and the keen eye of a naturalist, Montgomery weaves together narratives that span continents and epochs, exploring our shared history with turtles and the profound lessons they offer. This book is a poignant reflection on the delicate balance between humanity and the broader web of life.
	Title: Many Things Under a Rock: The Mysteries of Octopuses Author: Dr. David Scheel Summary: In "Many Things Under a Rock: The Mysteries of Octopuses" by Dr. David Scheel, listeners are taken on a captivating journey into the enigmatic world of one of Earth's most fascinating creatures. Through engaging storytelling and scientific insights, Dr. Scheel delves into the complexities of octopus behavior, intelligence, and their remarkable ability to adapt to diverse environments. From the depths of the ocean to our own curiosity, this exploration illuminates the profound connections between humans and these extraordinary cephalopods, challenging us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world.
	Title: The Killer Whale Journals: Our Love and Fear of Orcas Author: Hanne Strager Summary: In "The Killer Whale Journals: Our Love and Fear of Orcas," Hanne Strager delves into the complex and captivating relationship between humans and one of the ocean's most formidable predators: the orca. Strager explores the fascination and fear these creatures inspire. The book chronicles historical encounters, scientific discoveries, and the evolving cultural perceptions of orcas, highlighting both their extraordinary intelligence and the conservation challenges they face. Strager's work is a tribute to the intricate bond we share with orcas, urging a greater understanding and protection of these marine beings.
	Title: El Bunny Author: Justin Coffin Summary: El Bunny is a guided tour of Philadelphia's River Ward neighborhoods, led by a figure in a bunny suit. It's a story of memory and loneliness told by a survivor who’s here to give it to you straight, but also slightly embroidered. It's one of the great depictions of the Philadelphia Weirdo, told in Terrence Laragione's paintings and in Justin Coffin's voice. “I’m the reminder of what can go wrong. The in-between thing that’s not this and not that. What failed and what’s going to break. Potholes. Roots getting into service pipes. Homeowner problems, tenant problems, try-hard problems, and the problems that arise when someone just doesn’t like your face.”
	Title: Fishtown Forget Me Not Author: Justin Coffin Summary: This is the story of Fishtown when it was going through great change, told through its litter. Developed over more than a decade, and told in words and photographs, the book considers a former working-class neighborhood, after surviving the adjustment to all the industry packing up and moving out, now going through the process of gentrification. When Coffin moved back to Fishtown in the early 2000s, the neighborhood gutters were awash in discarded Arctic Splash cartons. The cheap iced tea was sold in corner stores and supermarkets all over the neighborhood and, as far as anyone could tell, nowhere else in the world. The trash became quietly, secretly iconic – a shorthand for the poor white neighborhood, an inside joke. He was taken by the graphics on the carton, and started photographing them, investing them with the personalities of people facing changes to their homes. As the neighborhood changed, the project did, too, and this book is about what happens to places long forgotten when they're rediscovered, only to become unrecoverable.
	Title: Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains Author: Rosalie Haizlett Summary: Tiny Worlds is a 240-page, hand-illustrated celebration of the smallest inhabitants of the Appalachian Mountain range that Rosalie has always called home. The book chronicles her 6-month trip from Alabama to Newfoundland as she hiked slowly, keeping an eye out for small, often-overlooked flora, fauna, and fungi. Rosalie painted and wrote about these observations along the way, and the finished book includes more than 150 watercolor paintings and illustrated maps.

*Book Cover Photos from Amazon