Book Review: “Tell Me What I Am: The Language of Trees” and “The Book of Minds”

Una Mannion
Faber, £14.99, pp336

Ruby’s mother, Deena Garvey, mysteriously vanished when Ruby was just a young child. Currently living under the control of her domineering father Lucas and his passive mother, Ruby has very little recollection of her mother and is forbidden from asking any questions. On the other hand, Deena’s sister Nessa firmly believes that Lucas is responsible for her sister’s disappearance. With a narrative that oscillates between past and present, showcasing Ruby and Nessa’s perspectives, Mannion crafts a haunting and deeply poignant portrayal of the intricate dynamics of domestic abuse, familial bonds, and the weight of grief.

Katie Holten
Elliott & Thompson, £16.99, pp320

Artist and activist Katie Holten has masterfully compiled a collection of writings exploring our enduring, profound connection to trees. Featuring contributions from nearly 70 individuals including renowned artists, writers, and fellow activists such as Zadie Smith, Robert Macfarlane, Ada Limón, and Tacita Dean, as well as historical figures like Plato and cultural icons like Radiohead, the book presents a diverse range of perspectives through poetry, essays, and personal reflections. The result is an immersive, celebratory, and timely exploration of our relationship with nature, beautifully complemented by Holten’s exquisite illustrations.

Philip Ball
Picador, £12.99, pp512 (paperback)

In this thought-provoking work, writer and broadcaster Philip Ball delves into the intriguing question of how we would perceive the concept of the mind if we did not place humanity at its core. By shedding light on the belief systems of other cultures, which attribute “minds” to entities beyond humans, such as rocks, rivers, trees, and even the weather, Ball argues for a more expansive understanding of the mind. By drawing from the fields of neurology, philosophy, computer science, and artificial intelligence, the book offers captivating insights and illuminates the reader’s understanding of consciousness.

Reference

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