Who is this book for?
- Readers interested in alternative economic models and Indigenous perspectives.
- Nature enthusiasts and environmentalists looking for ways to reconnect with the natural world.
- Those seeking a more mindful and sustainable approach to consumption and resource use.
- Fans of Robin Wall Kimmerer's previous work, especially Braiding Sweetgrass.
- People interested in exploring ideas of community, reciprocity, and gratitude in everyday life.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers looking for a practical guide to implementing gift economies or alternative economic systems.
- Those expecting a detailed natural history of serviceberries or in-depth botanical information.
- Individuals strongly committed to free-market capitalism and skeptical of alternative economic models.
- Readers seeking a rigorous academic analysis of economic systems with extensive citations and data.
- Those who prefer concrete solutions over philosophical musings and poetic reflections.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Thought-provoking exploration of gift economies and reciprocity in nature
- Beautiful fusion of personal experience, Indigenous wisdom, and ecological science
- Challenges readers to rethink consumption and foster a more mindful approach to resources
- Promotes ideas of sharing, generosity, and abundance in human communities
- Encourages gratitude and a deeper connection to the natural world
- Offers alternative perspectives to dominant economic models
- Provides examples of small-scale gift economies like public libraries and community gardens
- Poetic and evocative writing style
- Includes beautiful illustrations by John Burgoyne
- Short and accessible format for introducing complex ideas
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Overly simplistic view of economics and capitalism for some readers
- Lack of concrete solutions or practical guidance for implementing gift economies on a large scale
- Repetitive content and arguments in places
- Some find the ideas unrealistic or naive when applied to modern society
- Does not adequately address potential drawbacks or challenges of gift economies
- Lack of citations or academic rigor to support claims
- Too short and underdeveloped for readers wanting a more in-depth analysis
- Some readers felt misled by the title, expecting more focus on serviceberries and nature
- Perceived as anti-capitalist propaganda by some
- Idealistic vision borders on utopianism for some readers
