Ben Goldfarb
[isbn]
I suspect I really loved this book because it felt like something I'd read during my time as a college student studying geography. It is a really great story about the history of roads, and roadkill, and how humans often work backward to fix the mess they have made of the environment. From bears to butterflies, people are making crossings to reconnect animals to the territories they once roamed freely. There is even a chapter on folks in Portland... (read more)
Recommended by Lesley A.
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Shanna H Swan, Stacey Colino
[isbn]
This book completely changed the way I look at what I put on and in my body. Count Down has made me a more informed and conscientious consumer.
Recommended by Sydney W.
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Emma Marris
[isbn]
This book stayed swirling in my thoughts for weeks after I finished it. Fascinating, thought-provoking, and doesn't pull any punches talking about humans, animals, and the nature of our co-existence. I can't recommend it enough.
Recommended by Lesley A.
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KC Davis
[isbn]
This little book is SO LIBERATING. If you're a perfect housekeeper, do not buy this book — but for the rest of us, it's a new BFF.
Recommended by Marianne T
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Grady Hillhouse
[isbn]
The engineered environment is all around us and pretty much impossible to escape. While we live so dependently on these systems, we take for granted the profound benefits engineering bring to our lives. In Engineering in Plain Sight we get a front-row view of what it takes to run our cities and a better understanding of the systems around us. With clear illustrations and layman-friendly writing, we get an opportunity to explore (and... (read more)
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Crayola LLC , Lisa Solomon
[isbn]
The history of Crayola is so interesting. I love all the pictures showing how the crayon both changed and stayed the same over time. I can still remember the joy I felt as a kid, opening a fresh box of crayons: how they smelled and looked lined up perfectly in their box. This book fills me with so much joy.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Devon Young
[isbn]
Learn about the wonderful healing qualities of 50 easily accessible plants and herbs. Make treatments ranging from colicky baby massage to pit paste and menopause management. And gain a real appreciation for those plants around us that often go unnoticed.
Recommended by Marianne T
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Diana Beresford Kroeger
[isbn]
We heal ourselves by healing the trees.
“...the forest is far more than a source of timber. It is our collective medicine cabinet. It is our lungs. It is the regulatory system for our climate and our oceans. It is the mantle of our planet. It is the health and well-being of our children and grandchildren. It is our sacred home. It is our salvation.”
—from the Introduction, by the author
Recommended by Marianne T
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Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson
[isbn]
I read a lot of books about climate change. They can be depressing, infuriating, and induce apathy over action. All We Can Save is truly the most inspirational book I've read on our climate emergency. The book is full of essays, poetry, and art by a wonderful variety of women who share their passion, creativity, ideas, and hope as they fight for the future. What fantastic collection.
Recommended by Lesley A.
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Peter Wohlleben and Jane Billinghurst
[isbn]
The Heartbeat of Trees is a love letter to the forest. Rejecting the credo that humankind has caused too much damage to ever restore our ties with nature, Wohlleben draws on recent scientific studies to show how intensely we are connected to the natural world even now — and how vital that connection will be for the battle ahead.
Recommended by Emily B.
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Kevin Hobbs
[isbn]
A beautiful encyclopedia of the world's trees, informative and enchanting. It discusses special animal-tree relationships that have existed through time, such as between the giant ground sloth and the avocado tree, but also how human relations with trees have altered from the time of Neanderthals to today.
Recommended by Jennifer K.
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Max Adams
[isbn]
I love this book! It's the perfect coffee table or display volume, with gorgeous illustrations, as well as photographs that really give you a sense of being in the presence of each tree. Each entry is the perfect blend of informative and charming, emphasizing traditional and current use by humans and animals. From trees that purify the soil or water (moringa, for an example of the latter), to those that provide food, medicine, cosmetic oils (sea... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer K.
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Michelle Nijhuis
[isbn]
Read Nijhuis if you want to understand the conservation movement and its key figures. A dense but deeply important read, Beloved Beasts depicts the triumphs without papering over the racism and colonialism that have always been deeply intertwined with the movement.
Recommended by Emily B.
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Foster Huntington
[isbn]
I always wanted to live in a treehouse as a kid, and spend a maybe-embarrassing amount of my adult life watching tiny home TV shows and scrolling through the #vanlife hashtag. Off Grid Life is the perfectly curated collection of my dreams, showcasing beautiful homes — yurts, converted shipping containers, tiny houses of all stripes — in stunning landscapes. With hundreds of photographs and interviews with some fascinating folks living... (read more)
Recommended by Michelle C.
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Douglas W. Tallamy
[isbn]
Buying books for the climate change section can get a little depressing sometimes, so when a book with “hope” in the title comes along, I pay attention! This title is part of a growing area of climate literature that focuses on big picture changes individual folks can make — in this case, how to make your backyard part of a conservation corridor for wildlife in order to help boost biodiversity. Practical, inspirational, and full of scientific and... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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John Wackman, Elizabeth Knight
[isbn]
Consumerism is such a tricky friend. I"ll be the first to admit that I'm attracted to something new and shiny, even when the item I'm replacing could be repaired easily. I'm convinced that there must be a happy medium in there somewhere, and the rise of the repair café culture definitely brings that point home. Repair Revolution: How Fixers Are Transforming Our Throwaway Culture reminds us that we don't always need to upgrade, and that... (read more)
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Isabella Tree
[isbn]
This book has done the impossible — it has given me hope for the future. Wilding is the true story of how the owners of a depleted British farm decided to return the ecosystem to its natural state in an attempt to make the land viable again — and the fact that 28 years later the plants and animals and insects and soil are all now FLOURISHING is so beautiful and hopeful and moving I can hardly stand it. This planet is desperate for more... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Zach Klein and Freda Moon
[isbn]
This book is truly a feast for the eyes and fuel for wanderlust as it takes the reader around the world and inside various cabins, treehouses, and one truck hut. Warning: reading this will send you into an Airbnb rabbit hole in search of your next getaway.
Recommended by Rachel M.
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Leda Meredith
[isbn]
I’m not actually a forager myself, but The Skillful Forager makes me want to become one. It’s pretty much a perfect book — the author’s dedication to this practice is evident on every page, it’s so incredibly thoughtful and well put together. So much helpful information can be found here, whether you’re an established forager or just getting started. I can’t wait to give it a try!
Recommended by Leah C.
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Erica Feldmann
[isbn]
When I heard the founder of the amazing store HausWitch was writing a book, I was on board before I even knew what the book was about. Luckily, after it arrived I discovered it's as inspirational, fun, and flat-out wonderful as I had hoped! In this small but jam-packed volume, Erica Feldmann walks you through how to make your house into a home — not just with decorating tips, but with energy and intention that you can use to create a true refuge.... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Marie Kondo
[isbn]
An international sensation, Marie Kondo's technique of "sparking joy" has helped millions declutter and recenter their homes, and consequently their lives. The simplicity of Kondo's process makes it easy to understand and adopt her approach in your own life. Read and discover for yourself why The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is, well, life-changing!
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Raleigh Briggs
[isbn]
An awesome do-it-yourself guide for simple remedies, medicines, and cleaners! I say simple, but you will acquire a lot of skills if you put any of these methods in practice. If you're interested in relevant homesteading skills in a fast-paced world where there is hardly any time for that, this is totally for you!
Recommended by Rin S.
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Timothy Egan
[isbn]
This is the story of the biggest forest fire in US history. Three million acres burned across three states, aided by the flammable gas that boiled out of pine sap during the conflagration!
Recommended by Jennifer K.
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Grackle & Pigeon
[isbn]
Brimming with colorful photos and sketches to get your creative juices flowing, this whimsical book is all about creating cozy spaces anywhere you happen to be. You’ll find a treasure trove of imaginative ideas — there’s even a book cave!
Recommended by Moses M.
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David Banis and Hunter Shobe
[isbn]
A remarkable, visually stunning collection of infographic maps that allow an unparalleled view of the Rose City, Portlandness is an impressive accomplishment offering indispensable insight into our beloved city. Go ahead, take a look — it may well be the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Scott Freeman and Susan Leopold Freeman
[isbn]
From sapling germination to salmon run cycles, Freeman’s humble explanations of each step of the Tarboo Creek restoration are tenderly lyrical. More importantly, his dedication to this cause reminds us why every piece of the natural earth is worth protecting and preserving.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Niki Brantmark
[isbn]
A delightful companion to the Danish Little Book of Hygge, Lagom elaborates on the Swedish philosophy of nurturing a balanced lifestyle. It’s the perfect book to take in on a quiet day when you want to slow down and reflect on how you’re spending your time and energy.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Foster Huntington
[isbn]
There is no greater feeling than hitting the open road to see where it takes you. Van Life celebrates those who make the open road their home. While we're not van dwellers, my family and I find that adventuring the West in our Dodge Sprinter van is our home away from home. No need to be a fellow van lifer to appreciate the rich photographs and stories in this beautiful collection — just don't be surprised if it converts you into... (read more)
Recommended by Kate L.
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Nichole Graf, Micah Sherman, David Stein, and Liz Crain
[isbn]
Grow Your Own provides a much needed DIY approach to cannabis cultivation, wrapped up in a modern, accessible, and pretty package. It provides all of the info you'll need to get started learning about, growing, and enjoying cannabis.
Recommended by Leah C.
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Marie Kondo
[isbn]
I was clowning on this when I first saw it, but my interest was piqued just enough to give it a shot. If it isn't just the cutest! It's as camp as it is earnest (totally what you expect from someone who sincerely thanks her belongings before giving them away), and a very digestible guide to the KonMari method. Pro-tip: the manga has step-by-step drawings of Marie Kondo's folding technique that beats the written description in The... (read more)
Recommended by Britney T.
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Julie Pointer Adams
[isbn]
What a treat this low-key entertaining guide is, reminding us that living a pleasurable life does not mean having to abandon our values. It reads like a summertime hygge book, both sensuous and inviting, providing inspiration for mindful gatherings.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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David George Haskell
[isbn]
A thorough investigation into a dozen trees and the biological communities they are a part of. Haskell beautifully details the complicated relationships these living organisms share. From a pear tree on a Manhattan sidewalk to a towering giant in the Amazon, we learn that wildness is everywhere.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Philip Connors
[isbn]
Every summer Philip Connors runs away from home. He spends half the year in a remote fire lookout savoring the solitude and the joy of monotasking. His wonderful book, Fire Season, will make you want to quit your job, sell the house, and find your own little piece of wilderness. You've been warned.
Recommended by Shawn D.
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Ashlee Vance
[isbn]
This fascinating and broad-ranging biography of Elon Musk examines one of the most interesting minds in Silicon Valley. Focusing both on his personal story and the stories of Tesla and SpaceX, Ashlee Vance poses necessary and urgent questions about our technology industry and the nature of innovation.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Mark Sundeen
[isbn]
Sundeen's curiosity and affection for his subjects are infectious as he shares captivating stories from those who have decided to abandon all materialism and consumerism for the good of all. While I'm not ready to shed all of my modern creature comforts, I'm more than inspired to purge the luxuries and live more consciously.
Recommended by Kate L.
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Grinspoon, David
[isbn]
In his rousing, sanguine, and far-reaching new book, Earth in Human Hands, astrobiologist, NASA advisor, and acclaimed science writer David Grinspoon offers an unforgettably singular view of humanity’s simultaneously promising and perilous place on our home planet. The must-read science book of this year… and the next — essential and engrossing! Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Steven Johnson
[isbn]
This thoughtful celebration of our most playful pursuits is fascinating — and a pleasure to read. Wonderland offers a persuasive argument that popular entertainment is responsible not just for momentary thrills, but for significant technological advancements.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Nick Offerman
[isbn]
Good Clean Fun is an irreverent look into America’s woodshops by humorist Nick Offerman (of Parks and Rec fame). Expect a goofy read — but also expect to learn how to build stuff! While it's a deeply fun book, Offerman's respect for gorgeous wood and stunningly crafted wood furniture shines through.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Peter Wohlleben
[isbn]
Have you ever imagined trees as having thoughts and feelings? The Hidden Life of Trees suggests you may not have been so far off. This book became a surprise sensation in Germany, and it completely surprised me too. I read it while camping and it made the experience so much richer.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Bryson, Bill
[isbn]
Bill Bryson could make paint drying seem utterly fascinating. In his own house, a former parsonage in a tiny village in England, Bryson is perplexed by the attributes (and non-attributes) he finds there. There are no stairs up to the attic, but what is up there is a beautifully finished door to... nowhere. So starts Bryson's quest to discover all things homey. The original reason people started living in houses, the immensity of London's... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Edward O. Wilson
[isbn]
In Half-Earth, Wilson takes a hard look at damage humans have caused the planet. However, Half-Earth isn’t without hope for the planet’s future. Wilson presents a balanced view of a complicated issue, and you don’t need a science background to understand where he’s coming from.
Recommended by Ashleigh B.
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Diane Ackerman
[isbn]
In her sweeping survey of the way humans have fundamentally altered the planet, Ackerman once again dazzles with her luminous prose and boundless curiosity. Far from a book weighed down by doom, The Human Age examines both our mistakes and our triumphs to demonstrate that, while we can't reverse course, we can forge a new path to sustainability.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Alan Weisman
[isbn]
We humans, despite our natural aptitude for mathematics, seem to have an arduous time making sense of concepts that involve very large numbers. Unfortunately, however, abstract notions have absolute consequences, whether anticipated or otherwise. Although it took until the early 1800s for global population to reach its first billion, it has doubled twice since the year 1900, giving us now some seven billion people worldwide. Around the year 2050,... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Tim Flannery
[isbn]
Tim Flannery's reputation for lucid, potent writing has led to wide acclaim for his previous books (especially The Weather Makers, The Future Eaters, and The Eternal Frontier). As an eminent scientist and environmental activist, Flannery's expertise is readily apparent, but it may also be the accessibility of his works that has made them so popular. Here on Earth is an engaging, expansive work that teeters... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Degrasse Tyson, Neil
[isbn]
The great Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, director of the Hayden Planetarium, PBS/Nova host, and ambassador to all sorts of interstellar and cosmic awesomeness, is also the author of nearly a dozen books. His newest, Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier, is a collection of three dozen articles, speeches, and interviews (and even a poem!) previously published or delivered in public. Divided into three main parts ("Why,"... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Marie Kondo
[isbn]
Marie Kondo is back with detailed instructions on how to tidy up various categories of your belongings. Expanding on the principles outlined in her first book, she goes into much more detail, complete with charming illustrations.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Colin Beavan
[isbn]
Whether you aim to change a habit or completely transform your life, use this book as a blueprint for inspiration. More a lifestyle guide than self-help book, How to Be Alive presents research, personal stories, and exercises so you can live the happy life you were meant to.
Recommended by Jen C.
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Ken Jennings
[isbn]
Ken Jennings's Maphead: Charting the Wide, Weird World of Geography Wonks is an intriguing (dare I say, captivating?) look into the realm of maps, geography, and cartophiles. Jennings writes remarkably well, infusing his engrossing subject with a surprising amount of both wit and humor. Each chapter of Maphead offers insight into a different aspect of map lore, from the historical to the hypermodern. Collectors, cartographers,... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Elizabeth Kolbert
[isbn]
In her Pulitzer Prize–winning book, The Sixth Extinction, New Yorker staff writer Elizabeth Kolbert confronts what may well be the most compelling, portentous, and defining characteristic of our modernity: the nearly inconceivable and irretrievable loss of earth's biodiversity at the hands of our own species. Although earth has endured five mass extinctions over the last half-billion years — during which "the planet has... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Claudia Lucero
[isbn]
This fantastic cheese-making cookbook from Portland's own indie crafter is so easy to use it's almost hard to believe. Almost. I've made yummy cheese from the step-by-step photo recipes in it several times now, thanks to Claudia's simple, encouraging instructions. This book boasts 16 varieties of fun cheese recipes to try, all in one hour or under. There's an assortment of cheese accompanying recipes in the back as well. I recommend this... (read more)
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Marc Reisner
[isbn]
Almost 30 years since its original publication, this absorbing, no-holds-barred condemnation of water policy in the American West remains an essential book for understanding our current water crisis, with California grappling with the most severe drought in recent history and the threat of global water shortages growing ever more real. Reisner reveals how the West's transformation from a barren landscape to a lush paradise is the result of... (read more)
Recommended by Renee P.
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Lloyd Kahn
[isbn]
As the founding editor-in-chief of Shelter Publications, Inc. and the former editor of the Whole Earth Catalog, Lloyd Kahn boasts a long history of stellar publications, and his latest is no exception. Builders of the Pacific Coast showcases some of the most creative owner-built homes on the West coast, among them: working homesteads, driftwood abodes, gypsy-type caravans, houseboats, homes that are at once beautiful and... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Kelly Coyne, Erik Knutzen
[isbn]
From the creators of the urban homestead blog HomeGrownEvolution.com comes this thorough and accessible manual to self-sufficient city living. Whatever your desired skill — beekeeping, dumpster diving, greywater, vermiculture, lacto-fermentation, etc. — you're almost certain to find it here, along with countless others you probably hadn't even considered!
Recommended by Tove H.
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Quinn, Lisa
[isbn]
I am neither a mom nor an author nor an Emmy Award-winning TV host... nonetheless, I feel like Lisa Quinn and I have a lot in common. We are both recovering perfectionist control freaks, looking for ways to clean, decorate, and entertain like Martha Stewart without breaking the bank or tearing our hair out. In Life's Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets, Quinn helps like-minded domestic overachievers lower the bar and regain their sanity... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Art Ludwig
[isbn]
In recent years, you may have noticed bright blue rain barrels cropping up in your neighborhood, as more and more people discover the ease and practicality of using harvested rainwater to quench their gardens' thirst during the summer months. But those looking to store water for more than just landscaping purposes (be it for fire safety, disaster preparedness, or to cover long dry seasons) will need either a lot of rain barrels or a more... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Robyn Jasko, Jennifer Biggs
[isbn]
Just as a small plot of land can yield a bountiful harvest, this unassuming little book packs quite a punch. Jasko's friendly, informative, and unfussy instructions cover all the basics of growing, preparing, and preserving your own food, while Biggs's charming line drawings challenge you not to crack a smile in the process. You don't need a green thumb or a culinary degree to enjoy farm-to-table goodness — this book should do the trick.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Jennifer Kujawski
[isbn]
Much of what I've learned about vegetable gardening I've learned through trial and error, and while I'm certainly a better gardener now than when I started out, my stubborn refusal to keep a garden journal has made the learning process a slow-going and often frustrating one. Thankfully, Ron and Jennifer Kujawski have come to the rescue with a vegetable gardening guide so user-friendly it's absurd: all you need is your region's last frost date... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Lloyd Kahn
[isbn]
The house I grew up in (with my sister, my two parents, a constant but ever-changing assortment of critters, and all the associated clutter one might expect) was 800 sq. ft. In a word: tiny.
But the homes in Lloyd Kahn's Tiny Homes: Simple Shelter give my childhood home a run for its money. Tiny Homes showcases a fantastic assortment of structures under 500 sq. ft. What these buildings lack in square footage,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Selby, Todd
[isbn]
What began as a website (www.theselby.com) devoted to pictures of
photographer/illustrator Todd Selby's friends in their homes quickly exploded into a full-time project that took him on a whirlwind tour of interesting people's homes the world over. In The Selby Is in Your Place, Selby showcases some of his favorite visits in a raucously artistic collection sure to inspire oohs and ahhs and more than a little house envy.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Patricia Hoskins
[isbn]
With a few exceptions (namely all things baby- or dog-related, and the spats on page 147), the projects in this book are things I would actually use, wear, or proudly display in my home... and each of them requires a mere 36 inches of fabric! Whether you're looking to downsize the ever-growing pile of leftover fabric in your craft space, or simply hoping to cut costs at the fabric store, One-Yard Wonders has the project for you.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Zach Klein
[isbn]
What’s surprised me about this book is how moving it is. It’s sweet to look at beautiful photos of woodsy cabins; it’s calming and the pictures are lovely. But the stories about the work behind the cabins — that’s the magic.
Recommended by Britt A.
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Randall Munroe
[isbn]
Ever wonder how a "food-heating radio box" (i.e., microwave) works? How about those "big flat rocks we live on" (tectonic plates)? Using only the thousand most common words in the English language plus line drawings, Munroe cleverly breaks down complex concepts into simple ideas in this funny and fascinating book.
Recommended by Renee P.
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