The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer

TL;DR: Another great look at reciprocity that was first introduced in Braiding Sweetgrass
Source: NetGalley, thank you so much to the publisher! I also did purchase my own copy as well.

Premise: I really liked this as a short little essay to read at this time of the year (Thanksgiving to Christmas) I thought it was relevant and well done.
Readability: Robin Wall Kimmerer is a little bit denser than some nonfiction I recommend but as long as you read carefully it’s definitely not the densest I’ve read. Around a 6 out of 10.

Thoughts:

Braiding Sweetgrass was a very impactful and thought provoking read for me when I finished it. The ideas, especially around reciprocity that were introduced in that got my brain juices a stirring and I’ve pondered the idea several times since. The Serviceberry continues that discussion, both elaborating on it and acting as a good step stone for those who haven’t read Braiding Sweetgrass.

Robin Wall Kimmerer looks at the natural world and how everything there works to keep in balance. Abundance and reciprocity work hand in hand to sustain every being and even when things lean or fall to far in the wrong direction these ideas work to bring it back to equal footing given time. She asks if it’s possible to implement those ideas in human culture and society. Can we move back to a society that gives rather than sells and takes?

I love these ideas, I have been working to live and think more along those lines in my own life. If this is something you’re interested in, an idea that you’d like to see explored this is a great place to dip your toes in. It’s short, friendly, and beautifully illustrated. I highly recommend it (so much so I bought my own copy)!