Questions About The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World

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Answered Questions (8)

Why does the author struggle to convey simple scientific information? Also, why does he struggle to get the information technically accurate? Also, why does the author not define his terminology? Also, why does he skim over points requiring scientific examples? Also, why does he lean on subjective ideas rather than using a decent PubMed search? Also, why are a number of his scientific comparisons incorrect?

Diane Michael, interesting that on your profile, your only favorite quotation is R. K. Rowling's “If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at…moreMichael, interesting that on your profile, your only favorite quotation is R. K. Rowling's “If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” So did writing your snarky "questions" make you feel superior? Hmmm?

You may be a researcher, but my take is that this book's readers are not basic science "lab rats", but instead are a lay audience, who may have never before heard of or considered trees as social beings with senses and awareness and the ability to protect themselves against mobile foes who can cause them harm. I've heard this premise before and find it intriguing, which is why I picked it up to learn more about this fascinating topic. So what if it's anthropomorphic and charming in the telling? If he had gone the direction you suggest, it would not have had the appeal to his lay readers. I’m still reading the book, and am quite interested in continuing. Lighten up.

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Why does a book written by a German contain solely imperial units?

Klas Sundelin The translation to Norwegian has metric measurements. But the audio book I have in English has imperial units. I'm sure they wanted to make the book m…moreThe translation to Norwegian has metric measurements. But the audio book I have in English has imperial units. I'm sure they wanted to make the book more accessible to the American public. They should just have a conversion table in the beginning of the book. And encourage the americans to learn the SI unit once and for all. (less)

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did anyone like this book ?

Lynda I like it very much! This book validates the feelings I have whenever I walk in a forest. I have learned to use caution about sharing my thoughts abou…moreI like it very much! This book validates the feelings I have whenever I walk in a forest. I have learned to use caution about sharing my thoughts about trees at these times, as it usually results in an awkward silence...

In addition to the fascinating facts about trees, I love the author's positive views about some issues that I find depressing, such as climate change. (less)

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Is this a horrible translation or is this book just really poorly written? It's like the Bridges of Madison County of natural history literature.

Leandra I only have read the English translation, so it would be difficult to comment on this first half of the question unless both versions have been read a…moreI only have read the English translation, so it would be difficult to comment on this first half of the question unless both versions have been read and compared. But, in regard to the second half of this question, in my opinion, “poorly written” is subjective based on the reader’s expectations. As someone who enjoys reading and learning about nature/conservation but who is not well-versed in technical jargon, I view the goals of this book to be lyrical at times but mainly a book for the “commoner”. It gives the bare bones without getting too deep. If you want to dig further, there is always the references on the back.(less)

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there were sequiolfa?

Lesley Ragsdale He does talk about them indirectly. He talks about how sequoias taken from America and planted in European parks don't do so well outside of their nat…moreHe does talk about them indirectly. He talks about how sequoias taken from America and planted in European parks don't do so well outside of their native environment.

He doesn't spend much time talking about specific biology of New World trees though. The specific trees he talks about most are European beeches, oaks, and spruces.

However, he's really mostly concerned about the commonalities of trees in general and specifically trees interacting together in a forest so the information is relevant to any species of trees. (less)

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