Native American Heritage Month
Michael asked this question about The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World:
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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The Hidden Life of Trees
by Peter Wohlleben
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