I finally got round to reading this as it was our non-fiction book of the month recently. Enjoyed but took my time - there’s a lot to digest in each section. I have a few more of Tristan’s books already which I’m interested to read, and will continue to recommend to customers!

I the very first chapter the author tells us about the landscape map that trees provide.
I recog used this map some years ago in Northern California.
My husband and I were following a marked trail up a mountain s.ope.
We started at sea level and. moved up to the top of small plateau. In this plateau the trees were small conifers. Very small, ut full grown. They were twisted and leant away from the prevailingg wind, bent in some cases almost to the ground. Where the soil was stoney and thi . Sandy.. trees similar to Bristle Cone Pines in fact.
At sea level were .use broadleaf trees and plants in the undergrowth. Then towering Redwoods enjoying a damp breeze. Further up we encountered pines. Different species, with different height and width as we climbed.
To our minds we fo..owed a landscape map, very clearly de.ineated by the trees and understorey that we encountered.
That walk has stayed in my mind.
The information given in this book will also stay with me as I walk through woods in the future.

I enjoyed the read, as the author is partly describing factual matters about trees - the apical bud controls growth around the tree - and partly describing walks he took in forests or mountains. When he looks at a tree he tells us the type, what part of a mountainside this tree grows on, what suits the tree and what the trees look like at differing ages. He's not concerned about which exact subspecies or hybrid, more about which shape lets snow slide off the branches, and how trees help you know north or south.

The book is suitable for enthusiastic walkers, tree lovers, forestry students and anyone who wants to understand more about the environment. Also for fantasy game and art creators, who need to understand background environments. There are some drawings and diagrams, and the tone suits adults or bright teens who already know something about trees and the outdoors.

I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

Really makes you look at trees differently after reading this book.

Who said they could not talk?

Thank you to #Netgalley and #Hodder&Stoughton for allowing me access to this arc to review.

Tristan Gooley, yet again, deftly gives us a knowledgeable and enjoyable book, demonstrating his expertise, this time with trees. He skillfully draws your attention to the minutiae of a tree's shape, health, and development, enabling the reader to absorb information to put into practice in the field. It certainly makes you pay attention and look more carefully at what is growing around you.
Gooley's charming narrative conveys his wisdom and a chatty, friendly manner. It offers the reader insight as to what it would be like to take a stroll with him through England's fields. Highly recommended.

'How To Read A Tree' suggests helpful and interesting tips on how the shape and development of a tree can be used to determine its health, as well as key features and phenomenon about the area it inhabits. It drills down into why trees are the shape they are - both genetically and as consequences of their environment - and examines how we can use that to navigate in a wry, lighthearted style.

Gooley's passion for trees and for walking in nature is clear in every chapter, balancing knowledge and facts with anecdotes about his own rambles and discoveries. The writing itself, therefore, is somewhat meandering, but always easy to understand. It's rather like listening to a friend talk about something they dearly love and wish to share with you.

As Gooley has suggested, I've started really looking at trees when I go outside, and trying to pick up on all the details that make up "the tree". My walks get longer every time I go out, and it's a very relaxing kind of focus. Another, somewhat unexpected consequence of reading this book is that my art has improved. Understanding why the trees bend this way, or spread their roots, has given my amateur sketches a much more confident form.

An interesting read; I have enjoyed working through the different chapters and uncovering the mysteries behind the interesting individuality of trees.

As someone who actively looks at trees when out and about and with a reasonably sound background knowledge on the subject I still learnt a lot about the smaller details which I have previously overlooked.

The over arching context of “reading” trees in the book is for the purpose of way-finding and I think there is possibly some useful information to help someone who is interested and already experienced in this. However personally on looking at my local trees I found it difficult to find any tree unaffected by humans, surrounding trees, buildings and grazing to give a clear indicator of prevailing wind and light in order to do this.

I will certainly be looking much more closely for the smaller differences and details in the trees I come across from now on and as the book covers trees in all seasons it’s definitely one to revisit when they are in leaf..

Many thanks to Tristan Gooley and Netgalley for the ARC

Many years ago I read the Natural Navigator by Tristan Gooley and over the years this has been a point of reference before and after hiking and walking - providing me with invaluable knowledge and guidance. This latest book is as superb and as I read it I found myself wanting to go outside and explore the information about trees I was acquiring. Tristan has produced an incredibly detailed and informative book about trees - yes, we admire and notice them but this book will add further depth and many dimensions to your appreciation of them … so much so I was making notes as I read the book to take with me when walking. Living a short distance from the South Downs many featured landmarks were familiar to me and this book will help me view them and all other locations in a new light. With the impact of climate change becoming more and more obvious and it’s impact affecting all ,it feels fundamental that all young people - no all people - should have access to a book such as this and realise the fragility of nature and how these majestic beauties can tell us so much about the world around them ( Trees and people) This is a truly extensive and wonderful book ( a labour of love I’m sure) and one that you will need to return to time and time again . Highly recommended