Gathering Moss

A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses

By: Robin Wall Kimmerer

Narrated by: Robin Wall Kimmerer

Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

Living at the limits of our ordinary perception, mosses are a common but largely unnoticed element of the natural world. Gathering Moss is a beautifully written mix of science and personal reflection that invites listeners to explore and learn from the elegantly simple lives of mosses.  

Robin Wall Kimmerer's audiobook is not an identification guide, nor is it a scientific treatise. Rather, it is a series of linked personal essays that will lead general listeners and scientists alike to an understanding of how mosses live and how their lives are intertwined with the lives of countless other beings, from salmon and hummingbirds to redwoods and rednecks. Kimmerer clearly and artfully explains the biology of mosses, while at the same time reflecting on what these fascinating organisms have to teach us.  

Drawing on her diverse experiences as a scientist, mother, teacher, and writer of Native American heritage, Kimmerer explains the stories of mosses in scientific terms as well as in the framework of indigenous ways of knowing. In her audiobook, the natural history and cultural relationships of mosses become a powerful metaphor for ways of living in the world.

©2003 Robin Wall Kimmerer (P)2018 Tantor

Pure lovely, insightful and inspired

This is one of the loveliest books I have listened to or read in a long time. A beautiful and profound discourse between humans and the world we inhabit. I loved this book. I would recommend it to anyone.

Beyond moss into the balance of nature

It took me a while to get into this book. There is the wonder of the natural world but also the story of the destruction of a way a life that lived in balance with nature. Robin ying yangs back and forth. inviting us to see through her eyes the beauty and awe and harmony that she sees and then, bringing as vividly, the horror she feels at the violence and disrespect with which our culture tears all that beauty and delicate balance apart. I have to say, it was pure pleasure to listen to her speak of the first, nature's intricate ways, and vey hard at times to hear how we, our society,, belief system, and pursuit of gain, is cutting through the very fabric of nature that is there to sustain us. Not just us, as people, of course, but all that is, in this world.

This is very important book with concepts we must come to learn if we want to survive as a species.

Soul Stirring

Not only is Robin Wall Kimmerer's writing amazing but she has the loveliest voice I've ever heard in a book narration. Her writing has changed me deeply. I can't even begin to say how but I'm so grateful to have stumbled upon it. Braiding Sweetgrass is just as beautiful too.

Superb and moving

Highly recommended! This book, though titled Moss, sharpened my appreciation for all nature around me. It's a work of science and beauty. It's wonderful to read a well written book by a scientist -- they are not easy to find in Auduble. The book also deepened my connection with our planet and the need to preserve it, and my ambition to work toward greater human respect for all that we are blessed to have evolved in the midst of. With her background in scientific rigor, her intrepid and tactile outdoor exploration, and her ability to find and explain connections between all things, Robin Wall Kimmerer continues in the tradition of Alexander von Humboldt, the incredible subject of a new book by Andrea Wulf.

Good, but not comparable to Braiding Sweetgrass

This was a very good book. I can’t imagine a more enjoyable way to learn about mosses without going out and studying them in nature. However, I was hoping to, but did not, feel the same inspiration that I felt when listening to the author’s previous book: Braiding Sweetgrass, which is one of my favorite books.

A beautiful and gripping natural history.

I listened straight through on a drive across British Columbia. I was completely pulled in to her story, and loved how she intertwined the lives, gifts, and adaptations of moss with the lives of humanity and other beings. You can hear the passion and emotion of the author in her reading of her own words. Very powerful.

love this book

Such a wonderful writer, love her books. listen to Braiding Sweetgrass also! Wonderful soft voice.

wow

Poetic, precise, informative and just one of a kind. I'd love to thank the author personally. Leaving a 5 star review is the least I can do.

Excellent

Engaging, relaxing,and informative. Her voice is soothing, melodic, and I smiled when she did and felt angry with her. I'd love to pick her brain further.

the narration is not

audible. As with so many female narratives, the voices are recorded at a level that cannot be enhanced so that they can be heard.

Drowned by unbearably inane prattle

I wanted a natural & cultural history of mosses but instead got some facts here and there buried under shovelfuls of uninteresting pontifications on tenuously related me-me-me subjects. I do not like this type of writing, where pedestrian internal dialogue traditionally mused upon and forgotten (generally while on the toilet) is actually committed to the page as if it adds value. For instance in one section she languidly discuses waiting for her school bus in the cold (wow), then mentioning (again) her 9 months of being pregnant (how fascinating), then waiting for her kids coming home (please tell me more) as some kind of treatise on the passing of time (stick to Keats)... it feels i'm stuck in a lift with an ancient boring hippy who burnt out their brain on illicit substances several decades ago. Its a shame as I was excited to get some moss knowledge for my forest walks

Beautiful book, inspiring to hear...

I have loved and continue to gain from listening to Gathering Moss. It opens my world and brings joy to my daily walks through woodlands. I absolutely recommend it and am in awe of Robin Wall Kimera for her knowledge, courage to explore life and tell her story with empathy, with love and with deep respect for life and relationship to life as a whole.

Inspiring

A beautiful, an interesting, warm and inspiring book. Gorgeously narrated, on my second listen already.

Beautiful insightful book

I love the way Robbin shares her wisdom for the humble, all to often overlooked, moss. My words cant do justice to her life's work but as someone without scientific knowledge her creative writing style kept me spellbound and changed the way I now look at tue world.

Deep gratitude and big respect

Exquisite writing and narration

Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves indigenous ways of knowing, science, memoir and politics through the subject of these little-known plants in such a breath-taking way, I was sad when the book ended. Her narration is simply beautiful. This book is making me question how I approach my daily life in a more focused and thoughtful way. I've just bought her second book, Braiding Sweetgrass, to listen to next.

Wonderful writing and beautifully narrated

I enjoyed this so much, not only did I learn a lot but really enjoyed listening to the stories as opposed to just facts upon facts. The writers passion for mosses has inspired me to be much more observant of them when I’m out walking.

My eyes are opened. a whole new world is revealed.

Stunning writing and beautifully read. I look forward to more from Robin Wall Kimmerer.
And I thank her for that which had previously gone by me.

Another fantastic book by Robin Wall Kimmerer

I learnt so very much, not just about mosses, as well as finding a place of mindfulness during Robin Wall Kimmerer's calming, passionate narration. I truly hope she write more and I thank her for writing this and sharing so much.

Wonderful

I really enjoy the perspective Robin Wall Kimmerer opens up for me in her writings about plants and the natural world. Her passion for botany and for her cultural heritage gently draws me in...and gives me hope.

A relaxing listen

While this wasn’t quite what I was expecting (I was hoping for more folklore and uses of moss) I did really enjoy it. Informative and interesting and read in such a lovely soothing voice!