Oh hey there fellow steward, today is a quick post about books on my list this year, and an invitation to talk all things compost, gardening and stewardship on this month’s forum.
Since soil became a full-time focus for me, I have been reaching for more fiction during my down time. But it’s important to keep new information and perspectives flowing into my work, so this year I aim to read at least 6 books on the topic of soil and climate. And I’m challenging myself to work through books I already have in my library, but have yet to read.
What If We Get It Right? | By Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
I’ve been enjoying the podcast of the same name, it’s been serving as a touchstone to the big-picture, global perspective on climate solutions. The title question captures the importance of story-telling — specifically the stories we tell ourselves and others about not only the climate crisis, but the solutions available to us today and what the future could look like if we get our collective act together. I’ve started this book already and the vibe is: pragmatic hope (my favorite kind of hope).
What Your Food Ate | By David Montgomery & Anne Bikle
I’ve loved every book from these two authors, they’re excellent communicators. I’ve had this book on my shelf for a while and am excited to tap into the food / diet side of soil — a sub-topic I haven’t visited in a few years, at least via a book. My household has come a long way in the quality of our protein sources; I have a feeling this book is going to inspire me to make more progress in my gardening practice and veggie sourcing.
Beyond the War on Invasive Species | By Tao Orion
I read a few chapters of this a couple years ago and despite liking the subject matter, I fell off. Like many non-fiction reads it can be dense, but my instinct is I need to see this one through as it’s a fresh perspective on a topic that is often negatively monotonous.
Wanted! Mountain Cedars | By Elizabeth McGreevy
Similarly, this book is a rich history and fresh perspective of the too often maligned mountain cedars prevalent in my region. I’m particularly excited about this one as I’ve recently had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth McGreevy on her initiative, Project Bedrock.
Experimental Design for Biologists | By David J. Glass
I learned experimental design for a very specific context: lab experiments. I’m hoping to brush up on techniques for field experiments and trials with this concise textbook.
The Secret Life of Compost | By Malcolm Beck
Another one that’s been sitting on my shelf too long! Malcolm Beck is a local legend in Central Texas on all things compost, soil and mulch. While I know a lot about composting, both intuitively and intellectually, in theory and in practice, I hope this read gives me some new perspective on composting at scale.
Note: where possible, I’ve linked to bookshop.org which is a great way to support a local bookshop through an online purchase rather than funneling more money to you know where.
Enjoying any videos, podcasts, books or articles on the topic of soil & climate lately?
My friend in soil, Krisi Olivero, is a fellow Soil Food Web alumni and co-owner of Alter Eco Farms in Tennessee. Krisi’s enthusiasm for soil life is unmatched and with her background in theatre, she is the perfect person to take these concepts to the TEDx stage. She managed to pack a punch in this short talk introducing soil ecology in a thoroughly entertaining way (there’s dancing!). This is a great one to share with your friends who aren’t yet obsessed with soil ; )
December and January posts in review!
Ask Me Anything (AMA) or Share Anything by leaving a comment on this thread! Sometimes I write in some Q’s I’ve received from readers lately, feel free to chime in on any thread if you have something to add. I love hearing from you.
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