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This is an amazing story crafted by an exceptional author. The book begins with eight stories of people who have yet to meet. All have developed an interest in trees and how certain individual trees have have affected their lives. As the years go by, they become connected in ways none of them could have predicted. The book is lengthy, but don't let the number of pages deter you. The reader becomes so involved in the story of each person that time passes quickly. It's one of those books you'll have trouble putting down and you'll find that the characters stay with you long after the last page has been read. At the beginning the story unfolds slowly, but don't let that hinder you from continuing your journey. Your trip is well worth reaching the destination.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The 500-page novel, “Overstory” by Richard Powers is founded with ideas, the wisdom of trees, eco-terrorism, connection of trees and human. The book is in four sections, roots, trunk, crown and seeds. The Overstory is the Understory Biome of nine characters, the layers of their life, foliage of their camouflage with like-minded individuals, and a canopy of these characters careers, for example, video game pioneer, intellectual property lawyer, a professor, an actress, and average citizen, and of the tree scientist living a hermit life in the woods, she takes the story of trees to the highest level with awe and wonder, as if inspired by current times of ecoterrorism and environmental rapes. Many of the tree details are facts although it is a fiction novel, reminded me of Rachel Carson and Jane Goodall Science through observation at that times, 1950s. A thoughtful concise write-up of trees deep observation, data collection, and analysis. Roots section, begin with a remarkable, ancient technique of story-telling, the origin of characters, their love for the majestic trees, the Chestnut, Mulberry, Ash and Oak, Red wood and many more, all sturdy and strong, rooted deep and strong with families in the book, later all nine characters evolve and merge as one like a trunk of a tree, together they try to build eco-resistance against the multi-millionaire loggers, impart wisdom of trees. Later the characters re-invent themselves, mingle and branch like the crown of a tree, sometimes shining green and giving the best at other time perished. The story is embedded with entertainment, art, literature, love for books, video games, music and drama. The Seed, is parallel to human old age, mostly self-questions of the actions and consequences, of earlier stages of life. Seeds need fire, acids, heat, exposure, sometimes transportation to back to full life again. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Powers combines the stories of a group of disparate people into a remarkable examination of the necessity of forests and diversity on the planet. The novel is both sad and hopeful. Sad, because we recognize the events he writes about, but hopeful because of the built-in resiliancy of life. I have recommended it to my friends and wish I was still in a book club, because there is so much in here that I would love to discussi, since I didn’t understand all the ideas put forth. It is a book that stretches the intellect...and I like that.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Havent had a chance to read entire book, but the author writes beautifully.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Read this in 2019 and recently sent it to a friend for her birthday. I would say it's the one of best novels I've ever read (and I'm an avid reader). Beautiful for its intimate, lyrical prose but also for its very important and timely message given our relentless exploitation of our environment. I recommend this book to everyone!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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