Celebrate Earth Day with 14 nature-loving books
Megan McKeough
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
A tea monk and a robot embark on a journey to find the true meaning of fulfillment in an existential and thought-provoking sci-fi adventure.Fable user lilybet_88: “Absolutely lovely. A bit of hope and respite in the storm of current events.”The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Written in 1993 and eerily set in a future where climate change has ravaged the Earth (2024. Yikes.), Butler’s epic fantasy follows a young woman who learns to harness ‘hyperempathy’ to feel the pain of those around her and save her loved ones. Fable user Jordie: “There is honestly so much that you can get on a personal level about your role and responsibility to yourself and your community.”Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
An unforgettable love story and an unsettling glimpse into a near future, where a lush wilderness has been ravaged by corporations that get carried away by their scientific ambition. Fable user Emma: “Dystopian, near futuristic, pre/post-apocalyptic fiction all wrapped into one. Margaret Atwood nailed it with this book. It almost feels like an episode of Black Mirror.”The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
The inspiration for one of my favorite animated movies of all time, The Lorax is a cautionary yet hopeful tale about a cute, curmudgeonly, orange creature who speaks for the trees, and an ambitious Onceler who profits off of them. As a bonus, the audiobook is narrated by the dulcet tones of Ted Danson. Fable user Roxy: “Big girls cry at The Lorax. He’s my fave eco-warrior.”Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
Set in Appalachia, where neighbors and loved ones clash over various ecological issues, Kingsolver ingeniously examines the delicate balance of ecosystems and human relationships, highlighting the beauty and resilience in both.Fable user Selena: “Every line in this book was stunning and vibrant and made you think deeply about the relationship between humans and our earth. This was so special!!”Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Powerful, brilliant, and contemplative, this audiobook (narrated by the author) builds a bridge between modern science and Potawatomi traditions, humankind, and the natural world.Fable user Denny: “this one is so so so special and will forever motivate me to do what I can to give back to the earth and be thankful for the gifts it continues to give. Restoration is not possible without care.”What If We Get It Right? by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
An inspiring combination of poetry, data, and meaningful conversations, Johnson’s non-fiction book offers a hopeful glimpse into the flourishing future we could have if we act now. Fable user Daniella: “I loved this book. It lays out the realities of climate change but remains deeply hopeful.”Hope Dies Last by Alan Weisman
While we’re talking hopeful non-fiction, award-winning journalist Weisman offers an encouraging narrative of resilience amid an uncertain future. The author traveled the globe to witness the impacts of climate change first-hand and met with innovators along the way to discuss creative solutions.Fable user Mereditih: “This book at times can feel dense, but it ultimately paints a picture of a world of scientists and activists who are hoping and working to save the environment.”Cage of Souls by Adrian Tchaikovsky
For sci-fi fans, Tchaikovsky offers a unique reflection on the fragility of humanity and the complexities of political societies through life in Shadrapar — the sole surviving city in a world where humanity is dying out along with the sun. Fable user Valeria: “The strongest part of it was how it makes you think about the future of humanity.”A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
Part satire, part travelogue, Bryson documents his time walking on the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine, hysterically documenting other humans he encounters, and making an urgent case for conservation. Fable user Ew: “I legit laughed out loud at this - the humor was right up my alley. I loved the little history lessons sprinkled throughout too.”The Word for World Is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin
Le Guin’s haunting sci-fi follows a civilization that was built on the foundation of peace, but forced into violence by its captors, endangering their lush planet. Fable user Lydia: “A great exploration about colonization and its ties to climate health. Guin asks the question, ‘what are the depths required to understand life and what we call humanity?’, within every page.”The Overstory by Richard Powers
Richard Powers’ magisterial work is, ultimately, about being unable to see the forest for the trees. Except in this case, it’s human beings who are the trees, and trees that are the forest.Fable user Tracey: “A huge book, but an important book illustrating our eco-crisis in the most thoughtful, creative, and interesting way.”Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Owens’ lyrical ode to the marsh and its inhabitants follows Kya, a girl who comes of age in the woods, largely alone and misunderstood by everyone except the nature around her. The story jumps from past to present, exploring the mysterious death of a popular man in town.Fable user Abs: “Where the Crawdads Sing is incredibly well written, with vivid descriptions of the marsh that make you feel like you’re actually there.”This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein
A political and economic guide to reshaping our consumption habits to mitigate climate change. Klein’s solution-based approach offers a way to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, bridge the income gap, and strengthen the economFable user Cassie: “Klein, as it seems she always does, provides an incredibly thorough look at climate change.”
Megan McKeough