Braiding Sweetgrass
Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
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Braiding Sweetgrass
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Narrated by:
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Robin Wall Kimmerer
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Written by:
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Robin Wall Kimmerer
About this listen
As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers.
In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowing together to reveal what it means to see humans as "the younger brothers of creation". As she explores these themes, she circles toward a central argument: The awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the world. Once we begin to listen for the languages of other beings, we can begin to understand the innumerable life-giving gifts the world provides us and learn to offer our thanks, our care, and our own gifts in return.
©2013 Robin Wall Kimmerer (P)2016 TantorYou may also enjoy...
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Editorial Review
It is only by understanding what came before that we can truly understand ourselves. Braiding Sweetgrass is a moving and beautiful book by Robin Wall Kimmerer that looks at the teachings of plants, from both a botanist’s perspective and a spiritual point of view. Robin Kimmerer is an indigenous scientist and member of the citizen Potawatomi nation. Drawing on an understanding of ecology and a deep scientific knowledge, Kimmerer explores Indigenous wisdom which celebrates the beauty, history and lessons that can be learned in the natural world. An intelligent blending of Native American and science, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants addresses ecological consciousness and the impact that the natural world has on us as humans. Kimmerer's book is both a non-fiction study of plants and a spirit-based reflection on being connected to all living things and affirming their role in the larger circle of life. By acknowledging the living world as an entity in itself, Kimmerer views plants as the universe's oldest teachers. She uses this understanding of nature, as seen by indigenous people, to explore feelings of deep compassion, connection and knowledge associated with the natural world. This audiobook adaptation is narrated by Kimmerer herself, which allows her passion and voice to shine through the work and connect with the listener on a deeper level. Her warm, understanding spirit shines through with both her words and her performance right through to the last page. Named by Literary Hub as the best essay collection of the decade and a New York Times best seller, Braiding Sweetgrass effortlessly moves through each essay to create a large picture and understanding of indigenous science and wisdom. Lovers of this audiobook will also enjoy Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses.
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What listeners say about Braiding Sweetgrass
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amanda H
- 2019-12-28
Everyone should listen to this!
This was the perfect audio book. The author/narrator has such incredible insight, wisdom, knowledge and perspective to share. And listening to her voice share her words was beyond beautiful. If I had to use just one word to describe this audio book, I would choose " healing".
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mary
- 2018-08-16
beautiful integration
weaving together Indigenous wisdom and modern science isn't easy but Wall Kimmerer Makes It seem so with her beautiful storytelling. this is part spiritual treatise and part scientific exploration of the world inspiring us all to develop healthier relationships with our elder brothers the plants and animals Wall Kimmerer so respects and explains to us.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Chari
- 2019-02-16
This should be required reading
From the very first words, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s melodious, soothing, sensual voice wraps tightly around you, pulling you into a mysterious world where magic still exists, not letting go of you until you are desperate to banish the Windigo from your life and return to a more natural, balanced and reciprocal existence. This is a must read for everyone searching for serenity, everyone feeling lost. If the world is spinning too fast for you, Braiding Sweetgrass shows the way to offer thanksgiving and live your best life.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Peach and Daisy
- 2019-06-18
Beautiful
A beautiful gift, that all who read must reciprocate with change, and following the grass path.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mia Moutray
- 2021-03-18
This.
This book is transformational, essential, change making and profound. I don't have enough words to share with the world about this incredible piece of writing. It has changed my life: how I view and interact with nature, my own life and all my relations. Kimmerer's soothing voice is poetic, calming and deeply wise. Even though I have read the book and listened to it many times, it also is my grounding tool, my sleeping aid and anxiety relief. This is by far the one book I can't live without. You need to read this and notice how Kimmerer's wisdom impacts you. I doubt anyone can read this without being forever changed.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 2020-01-31
Beautiful Lyrical story for everyone
Robin tells her story in a beautifully lyrical way. I don't think I could appreciate the book as much in print as I do audio. Audio has the essence of Robin's indigenous oral tradition. The book is easy to follow for everyone and enriching for both ecologist and non-ecologist. A great book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Wendy
- 2020-06-02
Like a Magnet
Like a Magnet, this book drew me in. Listening to Robin narrate her own writing enhanced a personal and sensitive element to her reflections. The organization of chapters with separate themes allowed me to read each in time, reflecting on the many perspectives that Robin focuses on. Gracefully presented and thoughtfully organized, this book is a beauty. Its messages will stay with me for a lifetime.
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- Josie Fast
- 2021-10-27
Amazing book!!
This book should be required reading for every person living in North America. The wisdom, understanding and kindness that flows from the author is inspiring. My perspective on Mother Earth has completely changed and I am forever grateful for Robin Wall Kinneret and her dedication to her gift of writing. Thank you for sharing this precious gift with me.
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- Rae
- 2022-01-21
if you're human, read this book
narrated with heart, beauty AND science Braiding Sweetgrass is both a heart warming and heart breaking narrative of humanity and land/land use. Although I am Canadian and of a completely different nation with different language, I found so much symmetry in the teachings expressed in this book and similar experiences in the loss of connection to landamd beings. Such an important book in this time of global change.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lauren
- 2021-06-13
I will read this book many times!
A beautiful marriage of science and Indigenous wisdom sharing the story of the connection of humans to land. Everyone should read this book!
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