Divining, a Memoir in Trees

by Maureen Dunphy

In sixteen essays, each named after a species of tree, Maureen Dunphy explores the nature of human-arboreal relationships, and how each of these trees has—literally—served as a friend, a confidante, or a place to rest. The depth and diversity of these relationships are revealed through essays that are both intimate and universal, moving and informative. While Dunphy's relationships with trees are unique and personal, her work reveals the deep-rooted complexity that connects all of humanity to our staunch, upright companions in life, the members of the "Standing Nation." Beyond providing oxygen, food, and shelter, trees can be sites of emotional refuge, sources of intellectual enrichment, and a boon to physical, mental, and spiritual health.

With essays, such as "Stairway to Heaven: The American Sycamore" and "Rocky Mountain High: The Colorado Pinyon," Dunphy gives readers many ways to reimagine our relationships with nature and self. Within reflections of her personal experience, she skillfully integrates scientific facts to achieve a balance of passion and practicality. While technology, screens, and the stress of the modern world directs our attention elsewhere, Dunphy brings the reader back to the trees right outside our windows.

Divining is printed on recycled paper.

Genres: Nature, Memoir, Essays, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2023

Reviews

[Annie Carrott Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this memoir is interspersed with the author’s remembrance of trees in her life. As a child I climbed a lot of trees and also played many games under our weeping willow. Her discussion of old growth forests and where to find them in Michigan has inspired me to try to go to the ones that aren’t too far away. I’d also like to read her other book - Great Lakes Island Escapes!
This book is part of the Made in Michigan Writers Series at Wayne State University in Detroit.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book of reminiscences that use trees as a centering motif. The author is from Michigan, so she writes about trees that she encounters in that state. I enjoyed the way she drew in history, memory, botany, literature and other threads in the chapters. The thing I wished for was a drawing of each tree at the beginning of the chapters.

[Jennifer Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm and wise memoir, looking at how connections to trees.