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

Many thanks for this gift

What did you like best about this story?

This book has changed me. Robin some how wove a beautiful story out of what she has learned from her culture, from science and her own experiences. I feel wiser, more aware, saddened and empowered to take responsibility for all the gifts that we were given. She has made me feel more connected to the earth than ever and I feel a sense of purpose and gratitude after hearing her speak.

What about Robin Wall Kimmerer’s performance did you like?

Extremely unique story-telling style. She tells the truth, it's breathtaking.

If you could give Braiding Sweetgrass a new subtitle, what would it be?

Our responsibilities as people of the earth

Any additional comments?

Thank you so much Robin. I feel enlightened and humbled after hearing you. I've stepped on a new path and can never turn back, thanks to your voice.

Fabulous!

The beautiful writing and soothing narration of this book helped calm me on my hour-long commute in dense Houston traffic. But more importantly it inspired me to get back into the garden that I had forsaken after heavy Spring rains had turned it to a weedy jungle. I realize now my responsibility to care for my garden and see the reciprocal nature of my relationship to her.

This should be required reading in our schools.

Excellently presents the state of the earth's ecosystem today, with solutions. Thank you, Robin Wall Kimmerer, for opening my eyes.

Touched my heart repeatedly reached me deeply. Her

It was a true gift to hear her narrative voice. Touched my heart deeply.
Wonderful.

Good but not great

Native American spirituality taught by a professor. It is quite interesting at times and quite repetitive in others. The authors voice at once soothing but at the same time annoying. I learned quite a bit from listening to this book. I also think it sentimentalizes Native American ways of life. A good listen but with caveats.

Every thinking person should read this book

A book both spiritual and scientific, joyous and depressing, informative and utterly uplifting. I am SO glad I listened to this book. The author made her love of humanity and every other specie felt at a gut level. Her voice was perfect for the words that so obviously came from her heart. Highly listenable and highly significant. Excellent!

Braiding Sweet Grass is a book to Remember

One of my favorite books to date it has changed my way of thinking
Feeling, respecting the mother and the great universe.
Grateful to the author Robin Kimmerer for teaching the truth in a gentle factual way.
Kind regards,
Susan

Stories everyone needs to hear!

I love that Robin is both the author and the narrator. Her book has a genuine feel, a beautiful braid of stories, plant biology and more!!! I have recommended to many and am listening for the second time myself. If you have any interest in the history of the the United States, indigenous people, plants and more you will enjoy this read.

Life Altering

This book will change the way you see yourself and the world you inhabit if you let it. I am forever changed by the wisdom and truth held in these pages.

story as medicine

Engaging, brings the listener a much needed dose of awe, humility, and love for our home the Earth.