The author tries to cover way too much in the little over 200 pages of this book. I thought it was about trees and specifically the wonder and mystery of trees. And how they are necessary for our planet.

But Bolen also covers so much more (too much more): religion, spiritualism, the start of Buddhism, patriarcy, feminism, eco-activism, psychology, therapy, death and dying, male brains vs. Female brains, the importance of clean water in third world countries, supporting women in third world countries, activism, girl scouts, privilege, grace, Greek mythology, Hildegard of Bingen, creation stories, etc.

Plus all the info about trees - from what is the oldest, the largest, what are the sacred trees around the world, how to get in touch with the energy of a tree, how children have natural connections with trees, the Muir woods etc.

And she also has little asides where she describes talking to a person after they read the intro to this book and they recommend some organization (feminist or ecological or spiritual) that she should include. So she does.

A bit overwhelming. Too much information. Also a bit dated in this fast paced ever changing world (references a lot of things happening in the early 2000s).

Her overall message is wonderful though: "the hope that there is enough time for trees and tree people to save our beautiful planet from turning into a wasteland, and heal the wounds of patriarchy with its focus on dominance over everything. "

I'm in the minority here, but I thought this book was kind of lame. I agree with the author's main points about tree people and/or women saving the world, but I thought the relationship between the two was forced and cliche. While I got a few meaningful snippets from the book, it seemed to be the author mostly talking about other books she has either written or read. So why don't I just read those books???