98 pages • 3 hours read
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
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Book Brief
408
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves together Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and personal reflections to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. Through stories like that of Skywoman, the Three Sisters, and the Windigo, Kimmerer advocates for a reciprocal and sustainable way of living, blending her Potawatomi heritage with her scientific training. The book includes references to the forced relocation of Indigenous peoples.
Inspirational
Contemplative
Informative
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
153,254 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer beautifully intertwines Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and personal narratives to celebrate the relationship between humans and nature. Readers praise her lyrical prose and insightful reflections on ecology. Some find the pacing slow and the structure loose, but overall, it’s an enriching and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Braiding Sweetgrass?
Readers who cherish nature's wisdom, blend scientific knowledge with Indigenous teachings, and embrace environmental ethics will enjoy Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Comparable to Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees, it appeals to those who seek a deeper connection with the natural world.
153,254 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hazel Barnett
Hazel Barnett
Hazel Barnett is a character in *Braiding Sweetgrass* whose story is recounted by the author’s daughter, offering a unique perspective. Hazel is an elderly woman with knowledge of medicinal plants, demonstrating that respect for the environment is universal. Her story connects to themes of homecoming and reconnection.
The Windigo
The Windigo
The Windigo is an abstract concept and folkloric figure in *Braiding Sweetgrass*. It serves as a cautionary symbol rooted in Indigenous folklore, representing overindulgence and environmental neglect in the modern context. The Windigo's narrative evolves to embody the anxieties of environmental consumption.
Skywoman
Skywoman
Skywoman is a critical folkloric figure in *Braiding Sweetgrass*, serving as an entry point into Indigenous creation stories. Skywoman is a nurturing and maternal symbol whose qualities inspire the author. She represents a moral template for life and action, evolving from legend to personal principles in the author's journey.
408
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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