Hi folks! Today I will be writing about something a little bit different from what I normally talk about. While I have loved writing these Daily doses of green, it is impossible for me to go super in-depth into each subject. 

In addition, I know that many budding environmentalists like myself are always looking for a reading list. This past year I have tried to read one environmental themed book a month in order to expand my knowledge, and I thought that today I would share some of my favorites so that you too can find some new books to read!

Perhaps the most well-known environmental texts of all time, it is only fitting to start with “Silent Spring.” This book was written by Rachel Carson, one of the most influential naturalists ever, and launched the modern environmental movement, eventually leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

“Silent Spring” is first and foremost a scientific text that exposes the shocking damage of pesticides—specifically DDT—on the environment. However, Carson writes in an easy to understand and digestible tone, making it a great entry book on environmental science for all readers. 

I really enjoyed this book, and many of the alarming statistics have stuck with me. However, it can get a bit dense and technical at times, which may be unappealing for some. Overall, this is a crucial book to read regardless of if you are interested in the environment or not so much.

 It teaches you to question authorities and always pay attention to the fine print. “Silent Spring” is beloved for a reason and I believe that everyone should read it.

“Braiding Sweetgrass” was written by an indigenous scientist, and advocates for the blending of indigenous wisdom and respect of the Earth with scientific knowledge. It highlights the ideas of reciprocity, gratitude and kinship in the form of what can be described as lecture, memoir or prose. 

This book is loved by many, and I can definitely understand why. The author has a unique ability to drop you in the moment and paints a very vivid picture. However, the book did have a tendency to drag on for me. There were a few times that it lost my attention and, not going to lie, some of the descriptions about trees could have been cut short in my opinion.

If you love deep, philosophical books, this one is for you. It definitely expanded my thinking and gave me a greater appreciation for the Earth. 

I’ve read two environmental books by one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth Kolbert, and “The Sixth Extinction” is one of them. This book explains how the Earth has gone through five major extinction events, think the dinosaurs, and how we are now in a sixth one, except this one is entirely the fault of one species—humans—something which has never happened before.

Each chapter tells the story of one species that is facing extinction due to human activities, such as the great auk and Panamanian golden frog. I found this method of storytelling to be extremely captivating and engaging. The book did not lose my attention and I learned a lot about our unfortunately new reality, leading  to my rating of 9.5/10 stars. 

This book is a great entry-level book and one of my favorites. It’s great for those who have a shorter attention span and constantly need new information.

This is the second book that I have read by Elizabeth Kolbert, and I enjoyed it just as much. This book is shorter than “The Sixth Extinction” but is still jam-packed with information. 

“Under a White Sky” shares a variety of new technologies, one in each chapter, that are being used to solve the current environmental crisis that humans have caused. These technologies range anywhere from genetically modifying coral to electrocuting invasive species. 

I enjoyed this book because it offered a more positive outlook than “The Sixth Extinction” and others books I have read, while still questioning the ethical concerns of human intervention. Again, Kolbert’s writing style is very appealing and kept my attention, so I would rate it a 9.5/10.

This book shattered me. I read it all in one day over spring break and did not talk to my family for six hours. Although not a traditional environmental book, “Parable of the Sower” is a dystopian book that asks many of the same questions that nonfiction texts ask.

The novel follows the fictional character Lauren Olamina who lives in a post-apocalyptic world. She escapes her climate-change ravaged home in California after her entire family is murdered and heads North, where she founds the religion “Earthseed.”

What really shocked me about this book is how similar it is to our reality; it scares me because I worry that similar things could occur. It was written in the 1980s but set in 2024, and contains many parallels to the present. The president even has the motto “Make America Great Again,” and aims to restore “the good old days” by limiting human rights and encouraging religious extremism. 

Although this book is fictional, it displays a reality that may come all too soon. “Parable of the Sower” forces you to ask questions and look deep within yourself. 

This book can be violent and disturbing, so I would not recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light read. However, this is my favorite book of all time and I think it could be yours as well. There is also a second book, which I have yet to read, so that is an option as well if you really love it.

I hope that you take away some new reading materials from my recommendations! There are so many amazing environmental books out there, and these are just a few of my favorites. I am currently reading “The Future Earth” by Eric Holthaus, and have enjoyed that as well, so that’s another book to check out. I think you will find that all of these books are extremely interesting and different in their own ways, yet crucial as we reach a new reality.

Elena