"The Wild Trees"

With summer 2014 fleeing by, I was delighted to see 5 book club gals at my home for the July book discussion, The Wild Trees by Richard Preston. By preparing I had the opportunity to learn more about the author, as well as to discover his 2007 book, “a story of passion and daring”.

Richard Preston, born in Massachusetts, turned 60 this August. He was educated at Pomona College and Princeton University and is known as a science writer whose earlier works focused on infectious diseases and bioterrorism: Cobra, Demon in the Freezer and The Hot Zone .The last, a 1992 book about the Ebola virus, has recently acquired new attention with the resurgence of the disease evidence in western Africa. After Michael Crichton’s 2008 death, Preston completed his mentor’s book, Micro.

However, I think it is safe to say — those present at this book group were surprised by discovering a new approach of a known topic, climbing trees. The Wild Trees takes this outdoor activity to a whole new level. In essence, it is the story of men and women who have a passion for getting to tree tops – by climbing. Not just any trees, they want to climb America’s Coastal Redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens - trees several centuries old that have grown to heights greater than 350 feet (32 stories) and 26 feet in diameter. The higher, larger, older and most secluded are crucial tree traits that shaped and influenced the lives and professions of the main characters. Through Preston’s writing approach, the reader learns about college-age friendships, youthful recreation decisions, and advanced tree climbing skills. The reader also learns about human intimacy amongst the branches! All this, with intertwining themes of dendrology, botany, ecology, and environmentalism. A lot of content exists in this less than 300 page book. For additional information on The Wild Trees, check out the 20-minute TED TALK, February, 2008…very interesting. A google search states that there may be, as many as, 

40 million book clubs today. 

Aspects of our discussion revealed varying perspectives on some of the characters’ maturity levels and on Preston’s writing style, – too simple or satisfying? I believe opinions contribute to making book groups valuable. A quick google search stated that there may be as many as 40 million book clubs!

In closing, it was great to hear about everyone’s summer activities (and even of those not able to attend). No doubt about it, “members” of this book group have a real zest for life. Plus, Sherri’s bag of home grown, just picked cucumbers all found homes and salads! 

Linda Hamilton