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The Sweetness of a Simple Life: Tips for Healthier, Happier and Kinder Living Gleaned from the Wisdom and Science of Nature
The author of The Global Forest --an international bestseller and a classic upon publication, beloved by readers around the world--gives us her tips and advice for achieving better health and peace of mind, with frugality, simplicity and pleasure not far behind.
In The Sweetness of a Simple Life , Diana Beresford-Kroeger mixes science with storytelling, wonderment, magic, myth and plenty of common sense. Orphaned at an early age, Beresford-Kroeger was raised by elderly relatives in Ireland in the Druidic tradition, taught the overlap between the arts and sciences, and the triad of body, mind and spirit. After pursuing a PhD in medical biochemistry, Beresford-Kroeger set out on a quest to preserve the world's forests. In this warm and wise collection of essays, she gives us a guide for living simply and which foods to eat and which to avoid; how to clean our homes and look after pets; how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from illness; and why we need to appreciate nature. She provides an easy dose of healing, practical wisdom, blending modern medicine with aboriginal traditions. This inspiring, accessible book emphasizes back to basics, with the touchstone not an exotic religion or meditation practice, but the natural world around us.
In The Sweetness of a Simple Life , Diana Beresford-Kroeger mixes science with storytelling, wonderment, magic, myth and plenty of common sense. Orphaned at an early age, Beresford-Kroeger was raised by elderly relatives in Ireland in the Druidic tradition, taught the overlap between the arts and sciences, and the triad of body, mind and spirit. After pursuing a PhD in medical biochemistry, Beresford-Kroeger set out on a quest to preserve the world's forests. In this warm and wise collection of essays, she gives us a guide for living simply and which foods to eat and which to avoid; how to clean our homes and look after pets; how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from illness; and why we need to appreciate nature. She provides an easy dose of healing, practical wisdom, blending modern medicine with aboriginal traditions. This inspiring, accessible book emphasizes back to basics, with the touchstone not an exotic religion or meditation practice, but the natural world around us.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2013
75 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
About the author
Diana Beresford-Kroeger
25 books200 followersDIANA BERESFORD-KROEGER, a botanist, medical biochemist and self-defined "renegade scientist," brings together ethnobotany, horticulture, spirituality and alternative medicine to reveal a path toward better stewardship of the natural world. Diana's latest book is called The Sweetness of a Simple Life. A precise and poetic writer steeped in Gaelic storytelling traditions gathered from her childhood in Ireland, her previous books include The Global Forest, Arboretum Borealis: A Lifeline of the Planet, Arboretum America: A Philosophy of the Forest, A Garden for Life and a collection of stories, Time Will Tell. In 2010, Diana was inducted as a Wings Worldquest Fellow. The Utne Reader named her one of their Visionaries for 2011. She lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, surrounded by her research garden filled with rare and endangered species.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 9, 2013
Reading like a book of short stories, The Sweetness of a Simple Life is best dipped into here and there, a little at a time. Each chapter stands alone and provides insight into some facet of healthy living whether pulled from the author's experience as a botanist and avid gardener or from ancient wisdom gleaned from our country's aboriginal heritage.
The author's voice is very unique so the book does not read like your usual self-help heath manual. There is an almost mystical feel, a folklore or fable kind of telling. This did distract from the message at times, leaving you wishing there was just a bit more information on that particular subject or even wondering the purpose of a chapter. However, there was plenty of fascinating and life-changing material here to make this a worthwhile read for those interested in a better world-connected life. I think a chat with the author under one of the many trees in her research garden would make a fascinating experience.
The author's voice is very unique so the book does not read like your usual self-help heath manual. There is an almost mystical feel, a folklore or fable kind of telling. This did distract from the message at times, leaving you wishing there was just a bit more information on that particular subject or even wondering the purpose of a chapter. However, there was plenty of fascinating and life-changing material here to make this a worthwhile read for those interested in a better world-connected life. I think a chat with the author under one of the many trees in her research garden would make a fascinating experience.
March 20, 2014
Instead of living a simple life after reading this book I wanted to spend a pile of money on trees that likely wouldn't grow in my zone as well as re-outfit my kitchen with all new plates, cups etc. instead of feeling more drawn to simple living I left the book envious of how brilliant minded this author is and wishing I lived on her farm. Not quite the feeling I was hoping to walk away with. It is an interesting read however.
December 23, 2013
Firstly, thank you Random House Canada for this wonderful little book!
There are many, many timely tips for healthier, happier, and kinder living through the Science and Wisdom of Nature, offered by the author, Diana Beresford-Kroeger.
She is well-qualified in sharing her revelations with readers.
I was left wanting a more thorough read of her other books on the same subjects as she presents in this offering.
There are many, many timely tips for healthier, happier, and kinder living through the Science and Wisdom of Nature, offered by the author, Diana Beresford-Kroeger.
She is well-qualified in sharing her revelations with readers.
I was left wanting a more thorough read of her other books on the same subjects as she presents in this offering.
January 1, 2015
I expected to really like this book, because I loved "Arboretum America: A Philosophy of the Forest". But I had a hard time finishing this one -- it was too folksy for me compared to Arboretum America. I don't disagree with the message she gives in "The Sweetness of a Simple Life" but it wasn't that enlightening for me, and I think my expectations were too high for this short and simple book. That said, I truly admire Diana Beresford-Kroeger, and appreciate her passion about living with nature.
September 7, 2019
A wealth of knowledge served up with a well needed reminder that the health of humans is intricately linked to the wellbeing of the planet.
November 6, 2013
I received this book as the result of a First Read Giveaway.
Rarely do I read non-fiction type books unless I want to know something about my gardening, crafting or cooking. Even rarer for me is to read one and not get lost in garble and what sometimes feels like a pile of manure.
I was THRILLED to discover that this book was wonderful! If you have ever had the pleasure of listening to a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or older neighbour tell you how to do something or tell you about the way things were done in their day, you'll understand how I felt. This was the equivalent of getting much wanted knowledge and tips of that. I honestly wish I had listened more and paid closer attention when my mom was alive, but she instilled in me a love of gardening, one that I began to experiment with on my own the first time we owned a small plot of land. This love has grown more so after moving out of the city and into a small town with a larger yard, a garden, flowerbeds, trees and recently a greenhouse. Reading this book was the equivalent of hitting the mother lode of gardening knowledge and tips on how to be healthier.
I loved the language and feel of this book. You can only imagine the author as not only highly intelligent but soft spoken, kind and the type of person you would love to have a cup of tea with while you stroll around the gardens.
This is not a book that one should read in one sitting. It is so much more than that. It is one that you read a few chapters of, set down and then digest. It's more fun to digest the information with loved ones as it can cause an interesting discussion. I personally loved that it made me feel like I was on the right track with the changes we have made over the years.
The only thing I would change about the book is I would love to have some pictures. I want to see the trees and plants Beresford-Kroeger writes about...I now have a desire to find a few to plant in my yard.
A fantastic book that deserves a place of honor on a nearby shelf where you can refer back to it time and time again. This book will be showing sign of great wear in our house for the incredible fountain of knowledge that is offers.
Two thumbs up...it would be more if I had more thumbs to point up!
Rarely do I read non-fiction type books unless I want to know something about my gardening, crafting or cooking. Even rarer for me is to read one and not get lost in garble and what sometimes feels like a pile of manure.
I was THRILLED to discover that this book was wonderful! If you have ever had the pleasure of listening to a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or older neighbour tell you how to do something or tell you about the way things were done in their day, you'll understand how I felt. This was the equivalent of getting much wanted knowledge and tips of that. I honestly wish I had listened more and paid closer attention when my mom was alive, but she instilled in me a love of gardening, one that I began to experiment with on my own the first time we owned a small plot of land. This love has grown more so after moving out of the city and into a small town with a larger yard, a garden, flowerbeds, trees and recently a greenhouse. Reading this book was the equivalent of hitting the mother lode of gardening knowledge and tips on how to be healthier.
I loved the language and feel of this book. You can only imagine the author as not only highly intelligent but soft spoken, kind and the type of person you would love to have a cup of tea with while you stroll around the gardens.
This is not a book that one should read in one sitting. It is so much more than that. It is one that you read a few chapters of, set down and then digest. It's more fun to digest the information with loved ones as it can cause an interesting discussion. I personally loved that it made me feel like I was on the right track with the changes we have made over the years.
The only thing I would change about the book is I would love to have some pictures. I want to see the trees and plants Beresford-Kroeger writes about...I now have a desire to find a few to plant in my yard.
A fantastic book that deserves a place of honor on a nearby shelf where you can refer back to it time and time again. This book will be showing sign of great wear in our house for the incredible fountain of knowledge that is offers.
Two thumbs up...it would be more if I had more thumbs to point up!
February 15, 2020
I loved this book! I loved that each chapter was short, focused, included a personal reference or story, each filled with wisdom and practical ways to live simpler with nature.
I loved learning about the aerosols that trees emit into the atmosphere, their chemical makeup, the benefits to all of us on the earth, and why being with the trees and in forests is so good for our health and well-being. Forest walking.
I loved learning how trees comb the air and remove pollutants and toxins.
I really love Diana's writing - the visual-ness of it. I can just be there with her.
I love her bioplan concept and how practical it is. Planting trees is the response. If not planting then caring for trees in our neighbourhood. All possible.
I love that the spelling is Canadian.
I read this book concurrently with reading To Speak for the Trees and loved moving between the two book. Some stories are repeated but in different contexts (because To Speak for the Trees is her autobiography) and I loved that coming to me at the same time.
This book has inspired me to plant a tree in our backyard soon. I gave this book to my husband for Valentine's Day, hoping he will come to the same decision.
Excellent read!
I loved learning about the aerosols that trees emit into the atmosphere, their chemical makeup, the benefits to all of us on the earth, and why being with the trees and in forests is so good for our health and well-being. Forest walking.
I loved learning how trees comb the air and remove pollutants and toxins.
I really love Diana's writing - the visual-ness of it. I can just be there with her.
I love her bioplan concept and how practical it is. Planting trees is the response. If not planting then caring for trees in our neighbourhood. All possible.
I love that the spelling is Canadian.
I read this book concurrently with reading To Speak for the Trees and loved moving between the two book. Some stories are repeated but in different contexts (because To Speak for the Trees is her autobiography) and I loved that coming to me at the same time.
This book has inspired me to plant a tree in our backyard soon. I gave this book to my husband for Valentine's Day, hoping he will come to the same decision.
Excellent read!
November 10, 2019
This book contains some really interesting botanical information unfortunately buried in pseudoscientific nonsense. There are very few references provided, fewer still from peer-reviewed materials, and nothing that could clearly be used to support some of the more fantastical medical claims in this book (“cancer-curing” is used more than once). Some parts are just inaccurate (the word “probiotic” is used where the author is describing a “prebiotic”) which makes me wonder if there was any fact-checking on the content of the book before publication.
This type of book seems to avoid real critique because of the blend of things that ARE true with things that sound like they could be true. In my opinion the negatives outweighed the more interesting parts relating to the millenium project and urban forests.
This type of book seems to avoid real critique because of the blend of things that ARE true with things that sound like they could be true. In my opinion the negatives outweighed the more interesting parts relating to the millenium project and urban forests.
December 19, 2014
I just literally finished this book. I'm speechless and in an awe of its contend. I have read numerous books on natural, herbal, or plant healing and remedies but this one surplus all of them. Not so much for the amount of information as for the quality of writer's supportive statements backed up by her wast knowledge and biochemist background. I want to buy a dozen copies of this book and send them to every of my beloved family member to read it.
October 29, 2015
I'm not technically finished this book but I feel it is a book to referred to over time not read in one sitting. In fact, I feel this is a book you will refer to over and over again. This book is filled to bursting with useful information which is written in a fashion which is both easy to understand and an interesting read. This book should be on everyones bookshelves.
February 14, 2014
A pleasant read. Now how about something for us prairie country dwellers.
March 30, 2018
Fascinating and essential.
October 31, 2025
There is nothing simple about this life. I’m not exactly sure who this book is for? If you’ve got plenty of free time and lots of ancestral money, you will want to buy yourself a large country estate. Be sure it has a large root cellar as you are going to need that. Now plant yourself a large garden so you can have organic potatoes because the ones in the supermarket are going to kill you. Once the garden is going, get started planting rare native trees. You will need to stock up on organic beef bones from your local butcher (make your own stock with them first!)Then put the bones in the holes you dug to plant your trees. Now burn some other trees so you have wood ash for your root cellar and to spread around your new trees. Grow yourself some grapes so you can make your own wine—but don’t drink too much of it. And, and, and, after all this simplicity, fall over and die of exhaustion.
The author is an expert in biochemistry and plants and is doing lots of good work trying to save native trees and reforest urban areas. There is plenty of good information if you’re somehow unsure that trees are important. But this book has nothing to do with living a simple life and if that’s what you’re looking for, you will not find this helpful.
The author is an expert in biochemistry and plants and is doing lots of good work trying to save native trees and reforest urban areas. There is plenty of good information if you’re somehow unsure that trees are important. But this book has nothing to do with living a simple life and if that’s what you’re looking for, you will not find this helpful.
December 5, 2023
Honestly, this book kind of drove me crazy. On the one hand, she's fascinating. I didn't love her audiobook narration, but what an interesting person with such a interesting background. I loved hearing the science, I loved hearing her relate that to simple and concrete ways of living. I also... hesitate to go all in with someone who has lined their home with foil, and let's be real, she's an aristocrat who's using her money for good, so there's a little bit of stretch to try and believe that how she lives is how _I_ could live.
One the other hand, she is ALL ABOUT TREES, so I think she's a good candidate for sainthood and perhaps all of the governments in the world should immediately do what she says about preserving forests, restoring rare trees and creating healthier human habitats in cities. And I totally want to carpet my yard in pet-healthy thyme to make my cat happy.
She might be kind of loopy, I can't really tell. Or she's absolutely one of the most brilliant minds out there today. Perche no los dos?
Advanced listening copy provided by Libro.fm
One the other hand, she is ALL ABOUT TREES, so I think she's a good candidate for sainthood and perhaps all of the governments in the world should immediately do what she says about preserving forests, restoring rare trees and creating healthier human habitats in cities. And I totally want to carpet my yard in pet-healthy thyme to make my cat happy.
She might be kind of loopy, I can't really tell. Or she's absolutely one of the most brilliant minds out there today. Perche no los dos?
Advanced listening copy provided by Libro.fm
May 12, 2017
An excellent book written by a highly intelligent individual who has spent her life studying the natural world. It is written in a simple language for the general public to understand but at times it slips into too much scientific detail, thus my rating of 4 versus 5. Still I would highly recommend this book. It is divided into three parts: Health and Food, Home and Garden, and The Larger World. There are two quotes from the book that moved me: "Poetry opens the soul and expands the ability to fly with thought and ideas to other places." (p.328-329) AND "We will make a difference to nature, one by one and tree by tree."(p.332) Looking forward to seeing the documentary Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees" which features the same author.
April 10, 2021
This is a magical book, I can just recommend to everyone to read. Diana Beresford -Kroeger has a beautiful, engaging, exciting energy, it always makes me feel alive, and ready to save the world :).
It is a treasure chest of a book, with so many useful information, from how to use baking soda, to how to plant a tree, why is it good to sing to plants (which I always did, even before), to what kind of thyme I can plant for my cat. And many other wonderful info like wine and chokolate, and also, my biggest love, the beautiful trees and how amazing beings they are.
It is a treasure chest of a book, with so many useful information, from how to use baking soda, to how to plant a tree, why is it good to sing to plants (which I always did, even before), to what kind of thyme I can plant for my cat. And many other wonderful info like wine and chokolate, and also, my biggest love, the beautiful trees and how amazing beings they are.
January 25, 2023
Scientist Diana Beresford-Kroeger dispenses tons of information in this book. Some of it is very frustrating because it is unattainable for the average person - I can't wrap my house in tin foil to keep out the radiation, and some of it is very practical - plant trees.
She is so right about the environment and how we have corrupted it, but what I was looking for was very practical advice - like clean with baking soda. That I can do.
I loved her stories and examples and plan to read all of her books to glean wisdom and practical tips for healthy living.
She is so right about the environment and how we have corrupted it, but what I was looking for was very practical advice - like clean with baking soda. That I can do.
I loved her stories and examples and plan to read all of her books to glean wisdom and practical tips for healthy living.
September 29, 2022
I have been reading this one glorious essay at a time. Honestly, this is one of the most no nonsense explanations I've seen for the relationship between trees, forests and life. It's one clear message, if we take care of trees, they will take care of us. My copy of this book is full of sticky notes, underlines, tears (that's crying tears, not ripping tears) and smiley faces.
This is a read, re-read, think type of book.
This is a read, re-read, think type of book.
July 18, 2025
Diana shares many important messages and information to us in her books. Every one can plant a tree somewhere, in any zone, and that simple act will benefit us all.
If you live in a condo, there are places where you can sponsor a tree or adopt a tree for care in your city. You can even support your city arborist program by purchasing a tree for them to plant.
Her wisdom backed by science, is an enlightening read for many of us.
If you live in a condo, there are places where you can sponsor a tree or adopt a tree for care in your city. You can even support your city arborist program by purchasing a tree for them to plant.
Her wisdom backed by science, is an enlightening read for many of us.
January 11, 2022
What a beautiful book. I love Beresford-Kroeger's writing style and it helps that I listened to a podcast beforehand so I had her voice with me throughout the entirety of the book. Loved it and one we can all learn from to create a simple life while saving the world :).
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
August 12, 2024
A lovely collection of personal essays, but it isn't quite what the title or introduction promises - it is more a memoir than practical tips. Nonetheless, I enjoyed being immersed in her narrative of a life in the countryside and her careful nurturing of living things - the medicine path, native tree collection, descriptions of the biochemistry of so many plants and trees, etc..
January 25, 2026
Connects plants and some of their corresponding chemicals to existing medicines, which act as great arguments to protect and plant more trees/native plants. She shares cultural significances/uses of lots of plants, which are interesting to hear about. But, she makes a few too many broad/overarching/all-encompassing conclusions for me.
August 9, 2020
What a little gem this book is. An extraordinarily interesting woman that manages to fill you with childlike enthusiasm and wonder through her tales of knowledge derived from a soup of science and folklore. Great addition to your collection 👏
September 18, 2020
I tried, I really did...
I tried to like this book. But ultimately I could not. I found the writing style choppy and disjointed. I had trouble getting through the chapters/sections, and just kept skimming for a glimmer of something that would hold my interest.
I tried to like this book. But ultimately I could not. I found the writing style choppy and disjointed. I had trouble getting through the chapters/sections, and just kept skimming for a glimmer of something that would hold my interest.
January 13, 2023
I had the highest of hopes for this book but found it to be somewhat disjointed and while full of helpful tidbits there were so many of them across such a broad spectrum of ideas that it didn’t leave me with a feeling of sweetness or simplicity.
March 21, 2025
Short chapters making it a very easy read though at times there is a lot to process here. It is a book I had to have a pen nearby to take notes and not be overwhelmed by all the inspiring pieces of advice.
Want to read
October 21, 2019I looked up this author and book after watching her documentary The Call of the Forest, which I found very interesting and important in these times of deforestation and climate change.
April 20, 2020
Short essays of everything related to garden, forest, home and beyond, anchored in Diana Beresford-Kroeger's signature anchoring in science, traditional wisdom and a hint of magic.
August 23, 2022
I'm not going to make my own stock (and recycle bones), but I AM going to walk more and enjoy nature. Some great practical things to do in here!
November 18, 2022
it was okay.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews