Divining, A Memoir in Trees

In her book "The Secret Life of Trees," Maureen Dunphy explores the nature of human-arboreal relationships and how trees have served as friends, confidantes, and places to rest. She reveals the deep-rooted complexity that connects all of humanity to trees, providing oxygen, food, shelter, emotional refuge, intellectual enrichment, and physical, mental, and spiritual health. Through essays, she encourages readers to reimagine their relationships with nature and self.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2023
Publisher: Wayne State University Press

In sixteen captivating essays, each named after a species of tree, Maureen Dunphy delves into the intricate nature of human-arboreal relationships and the profound ways in which these trees have served as companions, confidantes, and sanctuaries throughout human history. Through her intimate and universal writings, Dunphy unveils the depth and diversity of these connections, inspiring both emotional resonance and informative insights. While her relationships with trees are uniquely personal, her work highlights the profound interconnectedness that binds all humanity to our steadfast companions, the members of the Standing Nation.

Beyond their vital roles in providing oxygen, food, and shelter, trees become sacred spaces of emotional refuge, sources of intellectual enrichment, and pillars of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In essays like "Stairway to Heaven: The American Sycamore" and "Rocky Mountain High: The Colorado Pinyon," Dunphy offers readers a transformative perspective on our relationship with nature and ourselves. Through her skillful integration of scientific facts, she strikes a harmonious balance between passion and practicality, inviting readers to reconnect with the trees that surround us, even in the midst of the modern world's distractions.

By inviting us to explore the profound connections between humans and trees, Dunphy's work reminds us of the importance of nurturing our relationship with the natural world. In a world often dominated by technology, screens, and the stresses of contemporary life, her essays serve as a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty and wisdom that nature offers us. As we immerse ourselves in her words, we are invited to reimagine our roles as stewards of the planet and to embrace the trees as our allies, friends, and guides on the path to a more sustainable and fulfilling existence.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780814348420