Halfway There: Reflections on Braiding Sweetgrass

Nature, Storytelling, and the Language of the Sky

We’re about halfway through Braiding Sweetgrass. Take a look here at why we chose it. I’m so happy so many of you have found this book with me—and if you’re curious, it’s never too late to start reading along.

Here are a few reflections from my reading:

In the opening, Robin Wall Kimmerer shares the story of Sky Woman and asks us to think about how humans and nature are connected. She writes about the difference between the generous embrace of the world compared to banishment—which connects to my own complete disconnect from the natural world.

When I think about my screen-oriented days—indoor days—the book reminds me to step outside, dragging my protesting children with me. Once they get outside, they become free, alive, excited. “The gifts of the world are here to catch us.”

In the video above, my kids were SO outside this weekend—although their friends did create a tow rope to get them up the hill!

When did you last intentionally head outside just to be in nature?

The fresh, cold air got me thinking this week. We had a blizzard predicted and I could see only blue skies. I became fascinated by the language of the sky—what was it telling me about the upcoming weather that I couldn’t read? As always, with books I love, I found myself inspired to write and I plan to share with you all about clouds and sky-reading next week!

The deeper story, one that I think about a lot in Saskatoon, Treaty Six Territory and Homeland of the Métis, is the arrogance and determination of settlers, like me, to impose a world without nature as better.

What could it have looked like if we’d listened instead? If we listened now?

Have you had any challenges reading? Mine have been that I want to read this book slowly. I’ve downloaded this book as an audiobook, which means I can listen while I’m driving and then read it again in bed when everyone is sleeping, so I keep going. The audiobook is so peaceful and beautiful, read by Robin Wall Kimmerer herself.

As she says, “We need to learn to listen.”

What’s Standing Out to You?

Let’s check in:

• Are there any themes or ideas that have surprised you? For me, the idea that there is power in the telling is embedded in my day-to-day, but there are many stories and ways of looking at nature that I have never encountered.

• How are you finding the reading pace? Have you finished? Or are you reading slowly like me?

I noticed today that Katherine May, whose book Wintering we read for our last Book Club, has also selected Braiding Sweetgrass for her book club this month. She has a wonderful read-aloud you can enjoy. And if you know someone who’s looking to join a book club, share this post so they know about our Life-Changing Book Club!

If you’re new here, my name is Alice Kuipers and I’m a writer, mother and dog & cat-owner transplanted twenty years ago to the Canadian prairies from England. I’ve published fourteen books in 36 countries and my writing has been described as: “For storytellers and story lovers,” by Kirkus Reviews; ‘Gorgeous, heart-ripping, important,” by VOYA; and “Intense and wonderful” by Bif Naked. Join me for coffee breaks, book conversations, and to share my writing life together.

Xoxo