When the Forest Breathes has taken a while to read because it has so much to absorb that it would have been an insult to rush through it. There is no way that I can do this book justice in the few words of a review. Instead I shall offer something that Suzanne Simard has been, I believe, the first to discover which is both truly amazing and on having it pointed out, to me at least, unsurprising. Tree seedlings grow so much better when they are planted with older siblings than they do when planted alone or even with trees of the same genus: surprisingly like humans really! An Advanced Reader Copy review - free books never buy my opinion!

Suzanne Simard is a remarkable person; she and her colleagues and friends' research and scientific investigation into the lives of trees; the communication between them and their life cycles is truly astounding- forever changing the global view of the natural world. However, the journey she has taken to try and fight against the climate crisis and ensure that we fully understood the benefit to human kind of ancient woodlands has not been ( and still isn't ) an easy one- the continual battle from logging companies, governments and scientific bodies ( jealousy and funding by big business? ) who undermine her views and evidence has made for a difficult time. But she has persevered. This book describes her research and the challenges she and her team encountered whilst trying to develop the Mother Tree Project - the work alongside First Nation people of Canada and the cultivating of ancient wisdoms is very powerful to read. When such proven knowledge of centuries is disregarded by so many , insanity prevails- Scientists are perceived as the new Gods. The need to de-mechanise forestry work and the clear understanding that ancient trees are needed for clean air and water and rebirth of new trees is paramount. This is part autobiography, travelogue, compendium to her previous book and a plea to all readers that we must try to show solidarity against the shocking outcomes of clear cutting in Canadian forest land and forests globally- the impact of the destruction is clear but still prevails( but there are some small steps in the right direction.) Incredibly readable, full of information that you will want to tell others but most of all a book about humanity's need to wake up NOW before our planet is irreversibly ruined. You'll also be seething with frustration .Very moving and also heart breaking too as Suzanne also reflects upon personal grief.. If there were world leaders with a gram of Suzanne's Simard's understanding and knowledge of the impact of forest destruction and what we can be done to reverse the decline and save global forest then the world might stand a chance... we can but hope a new generation of young politicians will see what needs to be done before it's too late. Suzanne's work should be a manifesto for the future. Highly recommended

Superstar forest ecologist Suzanne Simard is back again after the ground-breaking success of her previous book, Finding the Mother Tree, which I highly recommend. Her research into tree networks, communication, kin recognition and support as well as the best ways to grow and harvest trees whilst preserving the delicate ecosystem is a balm against climate change. Though, sadly, her findings and actionable data seems to have fallen on deaf ears as loggers continue to clear cut old growth forests in British Columbia, and beyond, at pace. Not just clear cutting trees but destroying the soil and all life within the areas where they harvest. This is harrowing reading at times, though essential to know, but is hard to take. Do you recall the vast devastation in the film Ocean with David Attenborough? That's it in a nutshell but set within forests. It is hard to believe that in this day and age people continue to turn their backs on nature. Humans, apex predators, have become mindless consumers of every possible resource on this planet but do not stop to think at what cost. The practice of clear cutting is fastest and cheapest so the option most often employed but the harm that ensues not only devastates the landscape and all life within their zone of control but releases carbon at a shocking rate. It is easy to despair with the knowledge of our planet being ravaged to chase a buck but Suzanne gives us hope. She spends a lot of time with indigenous peoples around the world who have ancient wisdom on safeguarding the forests in their care. They take what they need with respect and give back to the natural cycle. Simple logic that is beautiful and awe inspiring. Why don't we live this way? In harmony with nature instead of fighting to control it. This layman's research paper crossed with a memoir carries on from Finding the Mother Tree and is very approachable. Suzanne's story is an impressive one, gently kindling a flame of passion within the reader which mirrors her own. All is not yet lost but we must work to protect ancient woodlands EVERYWHERE, before it is too late.