Lisa's Reviews > Second Nature: A Gardener's Education

Just got this at Strand and have been thoroughly enjoying it. I think this is my favorite of his books, and you can see the threads from his other books in it- the Botany of Desire especially- in some of his musings. I like his writing because it is accessible without being condescending, funny, and moving.
He writes about Americans' obsessions with lawns, weeds, and compost- all things I am interested in, but the underlying premise is the most valuable part of the book to me. To Pollan, nature and culture are not forces inherently opposed to each other. Examining all these aspects of gardening is about exploring the possibilities of interacting with nature that is mindful and positive. While his writing can be poetic and striking, this book feels grounded.