Braiding Sweetgrass

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

By: Robin Wall Kimmerer

Narrated by: Robin Wall Kimmerer

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 Tantor

Most Incredible Read Ever

I am ordering copies of this book for my Children and Grand Children. The stories contained, convey better than I ever could, the lessons I have wanted to share...and I ENJOYED THE AUDIO VERSION VERSION IMMENSELY.

Almost too relaxing

This story felt simultaneously like a poem and a meditation. I learned so much about indigenous teachings through the relaxing voice of Robin kimmerer. That being said, it was a little slow and redundant and could easily put me to sleep.

Blessing

This book is full of heart, history, learning about what has been, is and can be... written beautifully, and Robin,s voice nourished - and sometimes broke - my heart. Thank you, Robin, for all you are giving and know that your teaching makes me a better giver- and receiver.

I had to work very hard to have patience

Overall I love the content this book covers. Perhaps with another narrator. I generally love books narrarated by the author, but honestly I struggled to stay awake and engaged. So many fantastic stories enclosed in this book that were lost to lack of sonorous melody. Like Barbara Kingsolver's narration of her own "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" the soft, soothing tone often feels self- righteous or preachy. Robin Wall Kimmerer at times came alive, but especially in telling Native American stories she fell into a somber lull, almost as if telling these stories with passion or life is forbidden.

Mesmerizing

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, totally captures the heart of the author and her voice is so lyrical.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Everything the story, the prose.

What does Robin Wall Kimmerer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her heart

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I could yes.

Pure Beauty

Knowledge and understanding wrapped in beautiful story telling. In this book Robin shares her pure heart and thirst for life with such grace. She help us know more deeply plants, cells, indigenous connection to land, marsh, the essence of sweetgrass and so much more! I am deeply greatful for the life Robin lived and that she spent time to weave this beautiful work of art together.

Poinent and tender

This is a book for our times. The earthly progression of human disregard for environmental issues is addressed directly. The deep love and reverence for plants, even salamanders, is the part of her story that touched me deeply. Her voice reading her words is gentle, yet strong.
Highly recommend this book. Myself, I will listen again. And I have the print version as well.

Gifts from Spirit

This is a living story. I appreciate that the author was the speaker and could feel the wisdom and heart in the words she chose. I feel the responsibility to take care of the resources that I use in my surroundings, and am reminded that I can do more. I felt the emotions from sadness to joy to hope and a lot of remembering… I recommend this book to all especially those who value the wisdom of the plants and the ancestors. I also enjoyed the scientific names and explanations which to me gave the book a richness.

A beautiful call to honor the Earth

As a Native person, this book resonates. It has reminded me of lessons I have forgotten, and provided me with the realization that action commences in the present moment. Philamayaye!

heart warming and eye opening

Such a beautiful book that connects you the teaching right under our nose. Braiding Sweet grass has blessed me by adding to my growing connection to nature and all that she gives.