I had high expectations going into this book because of the great reviews I’d heard and a lot of them speak to things I enjoyed while reading. The characters are engaging and really fleshed out. As they start to interweave into each other’s lives, I was ready for the pace to pick, for the plot to take the forefront. But this book moves, appropriately, at the pace of trees. Did this book need to be as long as it was?

In the latter half, I started listening to the audiobook with the text to help speed my way through. I did not find myself itching to keep reading. I’m all here for the environmental justice lens this book takes. Trees and nature are dying and the stark facts given in this book through the lives of the characters are sobering. The writing is beautiful and impactful at points, wordy and superfluous at others. 

If you like slow paced books and an ensemble cast, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy it (maybe! idk you!)