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Field Notes from a Fungi Forager: An Illustrated Journey Through the World of Pacific Northwest Mushrooms
This gorgeously illustrated compendium is a love letter to mushrooms—and to the Pacific Northwest.
From evergreen forests shrouded in mist to the urban backyards of Seattle, mushrooms are everywhere in the Pacific Northwest if you know how to look. Here, forager-chef and forest therapy guide Ashley Rodriguez provides an evocative and personal survey of 50 of the most fantastic mushrooms to be found in the region. This book includes the famous Morchella (morel) and Cantharellus (chanterelle) as well as lesser-known species, like the blueish purple Clitocybe nuda (wood blewit) which smells like frozen orange juice, and Hydnellum peckii (Bleeding tooth fungus), which oozes brilliant red droplets that are widely used as a natural dye. Through the lens of these humble fungi, the interconnectedness of all living things comes into focus.
Here you’ll find:
An introduction to mushrooms in the Northwest landscape.
Best practices for mushroom foraging and appreciation.
50 mushroom profiles, includes information about each mushroom’s appearance (plus scientific illustrations of each species), what distinguishes them from other species, how they have been used throughout different cultures and lore, and personal field notes from the forest floor.
The most prized edible species are paired with mouthwatering sidebars about ways to use that mushroom in the kitchen.
Infused with a forager-chef's love of edible mushrooms as well as the reverence of an eco-spiritual guide, this fully illustrated book is as much a treat to read as is to look at.
From evergreen forests shrouded in mist to the urban backyards of Seattle, mushrooms are everywhere in the Pacific Northwest if you know how to look. Here, forager-chef and forest therapy guide Ashley Rodriguez provides an evocative and personal survey of 50 of the most fantastic mushrooms to be found in the region. This book includes the famous Morchella (morel) and Cantharellus (chanterelle) as well as lesser-known species, like the blueish purple Clitocybe nuda (wood blewit) which smells like frozen orange juice, and Hydnellum peckii (Bleeding tooth fungus), which oozes brilliant red droplets that are widely used as a natural dye. Through the lens of these humble fungi, the interconnectedness of all living things comes into focus.
Here you’ll find:
An introduction to mushrooms in the Northwest landscape.
Best practices for mushroom foraging and appreciation.
50 mushroom profiles, includes information about each mushroom’s appearance (plus scientific illustrations of each species), what distinguishes them from other species, how they have been used throughout different cultures and lore, and personal field notes from the forest floor.
The most prized edible species are paired with mouthwatering sidebars about ways to use that mushroom in the kitchen.
Infused with a forager-chef's love of edible mushrooms as well as the reverence of an eco-spiritual guide, this fully illustrated book is as much a treat to read as is to look at.
- GenresNonfictionNature
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
9 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 15, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books for the ARC.
Is this relevant to me, a Midwest native who rarely leaves the state? Not really. Is this really well detailed information for the fungi foraging novice, with beautiful illustrations throughout? Hell yes. It's very well researched, with an additional list of resources if you want to dive further into the subject.
Is this relevant to me, a Midwest native who rarely leaves the state? Not really. Is this really well detailed information for the fungi foraging novice, with beautiful illustrations throughout? Hell yes. It's very well researched, with an additional list of resources if you want to dive further into the subject.
December 16, 2024
Loved the illustrations! Learned some things from the writing. Wished for more consistent information about the size of each mushroom.
October 6, 2024
Book Review: Field Notes from a Fungi Forager: An Illustrated Journey Through the World of Pacific Northwest Mushrooms by Ashley Rodriguez & Libby England (illustrator)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The author makes it clear that this book is NOT intended to be a field guide and should not be used for identifying mushroom species, particularly those meant for consumption.
Rating: 5 Stars
As an avid mushroom lover and forager-in-training, I couldn't wait to dive into Field Notes from a Fungi Forager by Ashley Rodriguez. From the moment I laid eyes on that stunning cover, I knew I was in for a visual treat. The illustrations throughout the book are nothing short of breathtaking, each one capturing the unique beauty of these fascinating fungi.
Rodriguez takes us on a captivating journey through the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, where mushrooms thrive in every nook and cranny—from misty evergreen forests to charming urban backyards. This book is a heartfelt homage to the magic of mushrooms. With 50 meticulously detailed profiles, Rodriguez introduces readers to both beloved varieties like morels and chanterelles and lesser-known gems such as the enchanting wood blewit and the eye-catching bleeding tooth fungus. Each entry is packed with fascinating information about appearance, habitat, seasons, and even cultural lore, making it a treasure trove for anyone curious about these remarkable organisms.
What I appreciate most is how Rodriguez emphasizes that this isn’t a field guide; it’s a personal exploration. Her passion for foraging is palpable, and she shares her own experiences in a way that makes you feel connected to the forest floor. The book serves as an entertaining starting point for anyone looking to embark on the gratifying adventure of mushroom foraging. It’s infused with practical tips on best practices and foraging etiquette, which is incredibly helpful for newcomers like myself.
Each mushroom profile also features mouthwatering culinary suggestions, sparking my imagination about how to incorporate these earthy delights into my home cooking. As someone who loves mushrooms in all forms—grilled, sautéed, or simply tossed into a hearty stew—this section particularly resonated with me.
In short, Field Notes from a Fungi Forager is a beautifully crafted book that is part memoir, and all passion. It’s perfect for coffee tables or as a thoughtful gift for fellow mushroom enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or just dipping your toes into the world of fungi, this book is an absolute must-have. Thank you, Ashley Rodriguez, for sharing your love of mushrooms with us!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
IMPORTANT NOTE: The author makes it clear that this book is NOT intended to be a field guide and should not be used for identifying mushroom species, particularly those meant for consumption.
Rating: 5 Stars
As an avid mushroom lover and forager-in-training, I couldn't wait to dive into Field Notes from a Fungi Forager by Ashley Rodriguez. From the moment I laid eyes on that stunning cover, I knew I was in for a visual treat. The illustrations throughout the book are nothing short of breathtaking, each one capturing the unique beauty of these fascinating fungi.
Rodriguez takes us on a captivating journey through the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, where mushrooms thrive in every nook and cranny—from misty evergreen forests to charming urban backyards. This book is a heartfelt homage to the magic of mushrooms. With 50 meticulously detailed profiles, Rodriguez introduces readers to both beloved varieties like morels and chanterelles and lesser-known gems such as the enchanting wood blewit and the eye-catching bleeding tooth fungus. Each entry is packed with fascinating information about appearance, habitat, seasons, and even cultural lore, making it a treasure trove for anyone curious about these remarkable organisms.
What I appreciate most is how Rodriguez emphasizes that this isn’t a field guide; it’s a personal exploration. Her passion for foraging is palpable, and she shares her own experiences in a way that makes you feel connected to the forest floor. The book serves as an entertaining starting point for anyone looking to embark on the gratifying adventure of mushroom foraging. It’s infused with practical tips on best practices and foraging etiquette, which is incredibly helpful for newcomers like myself.
Each mushroom profile also features mouthwatering culinary suggestions, sparking my imagination about how to incorporate these earthy delights into my home cooking. As someone who loves mushrooms in all forms—grilled, sautéed, or simply tossed into a hearty stew—this section particularly resonated with me.
In short, Field Notes from a Fungi Forager is a beautifully crafted book that is part memoir, and all passion. It’s perfect for coffee tables or as a thoughtful gift for fellow mushroom enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or just dipping your toes into the world of fungi, this book is an absolute must-have. Thank you, Ashley Rodriguez, for sharing your love of mushrooms with us!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
October 29, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Field Notes from a Fungi Forager is a gorgeously illustrated useful field guide with observations for the fungi of the Pacific NW written by Ashley Rodriguez. Released 15th Oct 2024 by Sasquatch Books, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The author has a respectful and accessible voice throughout the book. This isn't really a foraging guide (the author is quite specific in that regard); it's more a beautifully illustrated monograph on some of the fungi (and other species) to be found in the Pacific NW, and her own experiences hiking and foraging.
There are useful resources throughout; the book opens with an alphabetical species listing with page numbers for quick reference. There's a quick primer on fungal life cycles and biology, which is followed by the individual listings. Each entry includes botanical nomenclatures including family designation, appearance, habitat, season(s), and detailed notes.
The illustrations by Libby England are clear, colorful, and detailed. Although not photorealistic enough to work for actual definitive ID purposes, they absolutely are clear enough to recognize.
Four and a half stars. Very well done. Not a comprehensive guide, and it has a limited range focus (Pacific NW of North America), but overall a worthwhile addition to library collections and home reference.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Field Notes from a Fungi Forager is a gorgeously illustrated useful field guide with observations for the fungi of the Pacific NW written by Ashley Rodriguez. Released 15th Oct 2024 by Sasquatch Books, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The author has a respectful and accessible voice throughout the book. This isn't really a foraging guide (the author is quite specific in that regard); it's more a beautifully illustrated monograph on some of the fungi (and other species) to be found in the Pacific NW, and her own experiences hiking and foraging.
There are useful resources throughout; the book opens with an alphabetical species listing with page numbers for quick reference. There's a quick primer on fungal life cycles and biology, which is followed by the individual listings. Each entry includes botanical nomenclatures including family designation, appearance, habitat, season(s), and detailed notes.
The illustrations by Libby England are clear, colorful, and detailed. Although not photorealistic enough to work for actual definitive ID purposes, they absolutely are clear enough to recognize.
Four and a half stars. Very well done. Not a comprehensive guide, and it has a limited range focus (Pacific NW of North America), but overall a worthwhile addition to library collections and home reference.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 15, 2025
I have never enjoyed eating mushrooms, but her descriptions on how she prepares them made me want to maybe giving them a chance. But my lack of enthusiasm for eating them didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this book. I have a purely scientific and esthetic fascination with mushrooms. I love spotting them in the wild and I’m fascinated by all of the different varieties that I can find in just one walk around my neighborhood.
This book is not meant to be a field guide to identifying mushrooms, and I really appreciated how much the author cautioned not using it that way. The majority of the mushrooms she describes are edible, but some are not and there are a lot that look almost identical and could cause serious harm if you are wrong. She highly recommends that you learn to forage mushrooms with experts before venturing out on your own.
The book starts out with some facts and information about fungi and mushrooms. I found this section very well written and very accessible to lay people who know very little about the topic. It then goes into more detail about the different species and how to identify them. The accompanying illustrations are beautiful and I spent minutes just looking at those after reading about the mushrooms. I also enjoyed the little anecdotes that she included in her descriptions about times that she has found a certain type of mushroom and how she prepared them or used them in her cooking.
Although this book is specifically about mushrooms and fungi found here in the Pacific Northwest, many of these species are found elsewhere. You can certainly enjoy this book no matter where you live, mostly just because of the beautiful illustrations, but also for the culinary aspects of the book.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
This book is not meant to be a field guide to identifying mushrooms, and I really appreciated how much the author cautioned not using it that way. The majority of the mushrooms she describes are edible, but some are not and there are a lot that look almost identical and could cause serious harm if you are wrong. She highly recommends that you learn to forage mushrooms with experts before venturing out on your own.
The book starts out with some facts and information about fungi and mushrooms. I found this section very well written and very accessible to lay people who know very little about the topic. It then goes into more detail about the different species and how to identify them. The accompanying illustrations are beautiful and I spent minutes just looking at those after reading about the mushrooms. I also enjoyed the little anecdotes that she included in her descriptions about times that she has found a certain type of mushroom and how she prepared them or used them in her cooking.
Although this book is specifically about mushrooms and fungi found here in the Pacific Northwest, many of these species are found elsewhere. You can certainly enjoy this book no matter where you live, mostly just because of the beautiful illustrations, but also for the culinary aspects of the book.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
July 16, 2024
I am mildly obsessed with mushrooms. They are delicious. I love eating them in meals that I make. I take functional mushroom supplements for overall health and cognitive function. I am drawn to the natural beauty, mystery, and coziness of mushrooms. My grandfather used to forage mushrooms and bring home a full basket to roast. I just love mushrooms.
So naturally, I was drawn to Field Notes from a Fungi Forager by Ashely Rodriguez. Her book is noted as a love-letter to mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest. Rodriguez is a forager-chef and forest therapy guide in the PNW who details 50 of her favorite mushrooms found in the area. She provides best practices for foraging mushrooms, as well as tasting notes and a few recipes for tinctures or teas.
I really enjoyed reading Field Notes from a Fungi Forager. I loved the beautiful illustrations, and I liked reading about each mushroom that was detailed by Rodriguez. I saw this book as exactly what the description stated, a love-letter to mushrooms. This is a great coffee-table book or gift for a mushroom lover! 5 ⭐️
I received this e-book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you @sasquatchbooks books for allowing me access to this beautiful e-book via @netgalley
So naturally, I was drawn to Field Notes from a Fungi Forager by Ashely Rodriguez. Her book is noted as a love-letter to mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest. Rodriguez is a forager-chef and forest therapy guide in the PNW who details 50 of her favorite mushrooms found in the area. She provides best practices for foraging mushrooms, as well as tasting notes and a few recipes for tinctures or teas.
I really enjoyed reading Field Notes from a Fungi Forager. I loved the beautiful illustrations, and I liked reading about each mushroom that was detailed by Rodriguez. I saw this book as exactly what the description stated, a love-letter to mushrooms. This is a great coffee-table book or gift for a mushroom lover! 5 ⭐️
I received this e-book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you @sasquatchbooks books for allowing me access to this beautiful e-book via @netgalley
October 2, 2024
Field Notes from a Fungi Forager by Ashley Rodriguez is jam packed with interesting information, lovely and easily identifiable illustrations, and foraging tidbits by a passionate forager. Rodriguez makes it clear this is not a field guide but rather a sharing of knowledge and experience. This book is a starting point into the world of fungi for those interested in embarking on one of the most gratifying pastimes imaginable.
Some of the highlights include the high percentage of plants requiring mycorrhizal fungi, uses of fungi such as fertilizers and fermenting agents, and spore dispersal. I like that Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of the foray and how to read shrumps. She describes 50 fungi characteristics, habitats, appearance and seasons. She also discusses black and white truffles. My favourite area in the world for top notch white truffles is Istria, Croatia, which unfortunately is not often mentioned in fungi books. As a forager, mycophile and baker, I am besotted with the clever use of oyster mushroom powder.
If you are overwhelmed and/or intrigued by the crazy and marvelous world of fungi, do read this for inspiration.
My sincere thank you to Sasquatch Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing book.
Some of the highlights include the high percentage of plants requiring mycorrhizal fungi, uses of fungi such as fertilizers and fermenting agents, and spore dispersal. I like that Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of the foray and how to read shrumps. She describes 50 fungi characteristics, habitats, appearance and seasons. She also discusses black and white truffles. My favourite area in the world for top notch white truffles is Istria, Croatia, which unfortunately is not often mentioned in fungi books. As a forager, mycophile and baker, I am besotted with the clever use of oyster mushroom powder.
If you are overwhelmed and/or intrigued by the crazy and marvelous world of fungi, do read this for inspiration.
My sincere thank you to Sasquatch Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing book.
June 29, 2024
This is a beautiful, informative, fun book. Rodriguez tells helpful and fascinating information on her favorite 50 wild mushrooms, with a beautiful illustration (sometimes taking up two pages) of each. There is some information on where they grow and such, but this is not a foraging guide. Instead, it’s a love letter to each one, including some that are poisonous or not worth eating but are remarkable for other reasons.
These are mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest so I don’t have access to all of them, but at least a dozen of them are ones we’ve foraged in Minnesota and there are more that I know are in the area that we just haven’t found. And some may not live where I do but are still fun to learn about. Well recommended.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
These are mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest so I don’t have access to all of them, but at least a dozen of them are ones we’ve foraged in Minnesota and there are more that I know are in the area that we just haven’t found. And some may not live where I do but are still fun to learn about. Well recommended.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
October 10, 2025
This is gorgeous! The language tends toward the simple/understandable but is still quite beautiful, especially for a science book: "even though the east side of the mountains sees less rain, the soil is nourished by the rivers that run like veins" (p 14).
Purchasing this book is worth it for the paintings alone. I want to buy prints and pepper them around my house.
As an important distinction from some other recent nature ID books, this one states clearly that it's not meant to be a definitive resource for identification. It positions itself perfectly for its content.
approved for the eARC from NetGalley but didn't get to it in time; I read the hardcopy provided to me as a member of an awards committee.
Program topics: none
Discussion prompts: none
Purchasing this book is worth it for the paintings alone. I want to buy prints and pepper them around my house.
As an important distinction from some other recent nature ID books, this one states clearly that it's not meant to be a definitive resource for identification. It positions itself perfectly for its content.
approved for the eARC from NetGalley but didn't get to it in time; I read the hardcopy provided to me as a member of an awards committee.
Program topics: none
Discussion prompts: none
March 23, 2025
Gorgeous full color illustrations, lots of important information about edibility, or not, and where and when to find them. This is an absolute jewel of a book that made me want to go walk in the woods.
March 24, 2025
Delightful to read and beautiful to view.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews