The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature

I don't typically like the word "accessible" (at least in this context) because I think it comes loaded with bias and subtexts that don't really serve anyone, but this book does a remarkable job of blending solid research (yay! there are endnotes!), personal anecdotes, and let's say inspirational sensibility, if such a thing exists. Particularly wonderful is the way that Wohlleben tests his own cynic at times. I was prepared for a diatribe against some of the more touchy-feely assertions made by the tree-loving community, but Wohlleben's success lies in his willingness to explore all facets of an issue. He patiently explains how voltage works when it comes to touching trees, but also how our touch can impact plants through show more thigmomorphogenesis. Somehow the author manages to introduce a term like thigmomorphogenesis without losing his inviting tone. Part of this is because it is a story of Wholleben's learning instead of a simple narrative of what he has learned. There are a few awkward bits of English translation, particularly for English speakers in the US, but they shouldn't disrupt one's ability to appreciate this book.
Most valuable is how Wohlleben disrupts conventional/popular notions: e.g. using wood is NOT carbon-neutral. He seems to believe we all have a part to play -- forest-bathers, foresters, lumber companies alike-- and he often offers an idea of a solution (though we lack the blueprint for said solutions). A good read, and perhaps mildly frustrating as there were many times I wanted to put it down to go walk in the forest. :-) show less

Peter Wohlleben is wonderful. This is a Hidden Life of Trees update, with new science about trees, biographical developments and how to forest bathe. Although nonficton, Wohllegen writes in a captivating storytelling voice that vaguely reminds of Tolkien, such as trees that can see, breath and feel pain.

There are section of this book in which I think Wohlleben treads a little further beyond current science than I think is warranted. But I had a similar impression with [b:The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World|28256439|The Hidden Life of Trees What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World|Peter Wohlleben|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1464281905l/28256439._SX50_.jpg|48295241], but pretty much all of that turned out to be well-grounded science. So perhaps my current misgivings will prove unfounded. In any event, I learned some new stuff about trees, which always makes me happy.

The studies he mentions are interesting and the focus on reconnecting people with the forest admirable, I just felt the author was a little too present in the text

After reading the author's Hidden Life of Trees, I want to read others of his books. The first book was more about trees and their communications, while this one was about human beings' interactions with trees, which was also very good. Because he is German, these are translations, but this book had more about the U.S. and its trees, which was nice for me, since I live in the U.S. (although learning about Germany and its nature is also good). Definitely another good book to read!

No. There is just too much esoteric mixed in here, and Wohlleben is too much the guru who is going to show us all the right path. I don't buy it.

Anything by Peter Wohlleben is enjoyable reading. And, of course I always learn new things from him.