3 Inspiring Books by Trailblazing Women
Each of these books are written by indigenous women using their talents to educate and better the world around them, despite all setbacks and obstacles they encounter. Whether they’re writing from a scientific, philosophic, or political standpoint (all three at times), all are gifted storytellers with lessons to share.
To Speak for The Trees by Diana Beresford-Kroeger
This is probably my favorite book to date.
Diana Beresford-Kroeger writes the tale of her childhood, sparing no details of the traumas she endured. Her life has centered around being a holder of ancient Celtic knowledge that has been all but erased by colonialism. In this book she makes sure some of that knowledge is passed on for generations to come. Her personal life along with her roots (between her Irish mother and aristocratic English father) provide the foundation for being trusted as the keeper of this information, and the whole journey from start to finish is endlessly fascinating. Her parents pass early on, and Kroeger ends up at an Uncle’s house who oft forgets to feed her (don’t worry, she tells of their passing very early on in the read so no spoilers here).
Kroeger has a photographic memory that has served her well in her roles as a botanist, polymath, and biochemist. She is a genius whose mission is to spread Celtic knowledge through a scientific lens. Her and our next author have this in common.
2. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
I am so grateful to Kimmerer for writing this book.
This one hits closer to home as Native American Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer spreads indigenous wisdom to all of her readers. She starts with the origin story of her people, Sky Woman, and dives into native plants and the magic and lessons they carry if we let them. Kimmerer tells the story of her childhood here in the U.S. and the hardships she had to endure based on her status as an indigenous person. Kimmerer goes on to tell the heart wrenching ways in which her language and culture have been forcibly removed from her. Somehow, though her trials have been hard and many, her tone is always hopeful.
Kimmerer has a resilient attitude through all the b.s. bureaucracy and prejudice she endures and can teach us all something on the matter.
This book provides so much scientific insight to the world outside our door, and proves that science and magic often mix. That lightbulb moment feeling is a constant when you’re reading Braiding Sweetgrass.
3. Unbowed by Wangari Maathai
Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai is an indigenous Kenyan woman who has changed the lives of countless Kenyans and many others through her Green Belt Movement.
Maathai’s book begins like the others in our lineup, in childhood. Maathai goes into detail about the culture of her people and the transformation they endure through colonialism. By chance, Maathai is given the opportunity to attend school at the age of 8, altering the course of her life and many others.
While Kenya is being stripped of it’s resources and it’s government becomes more and more corrupt, Maathai shows her grit and determination through her initiatives and political actions. A woman of this level of education is unheard of in Kenya, and she is willing to risk it all for her country. She is fearless when confronting a government that likes to make people disappear, and she refuses to apologize for being the powerhouse that she is. Even if it means the end of her marriage.
Maathai is the picture of grit that I needed in my life. She’s the sort of person you can’t believe exists, that makes you look at yourself hard in the mirror and admit you could do with a little more of the Maathai grit and spirit you’ll read about in this memoir. An icon, no doubt.
If you go on to read any of these books, or have some suggestions for me on other books of this genre, please reach out! I would love to nerd out with you.