Early Book Review: Into the Forest: The Secret Language of Trees by Susan Tyler Hitchcock

I received a sample of Into the Forest: The Secret Language of Trees by Susan Tyler Hitchcock, which is currently scheduled for release on April 5 2022. This review is based on the sample rather than the complete book. 

For millennia, trees have offered renewal and inspiration. They have provided for humanity on every level, from spiritual sanctuary to the raw material for our homes, books, and food. In this beautiful and revealing book, National Geographic combines photography with  science to illuminate how trees influence the life of planet Earth; from our personal lives to the weather cycle. Illustrated essays tell the stories of the world’s most remarkable trees; from Tane Mahura in New Zealand, the ancient Maori "lord of the forest," to Pando, a single aspen spreading over 100 acres: Earth’s largest living thing. You’ll also discover how an astronaut carried tree seeds to the moon and back; the reason "microdosing" on tree gas is a sure way to boost your immune system; and why playing in the dirt boosts serotonin, happiness hormone.

Into the Forest: The Secret Language of Trees grabbed my attention first because of the photography. I found the chosen photographs to be stunning in their own right. When combined with the information about the trees themselves, and how amazing they are in the grand scheme of things the images took on even more beauty and importance.  I really enjoyed the sample I received of this book, and I anticipate enjoying the final product as well, both visually and intellectually. I look forward to getting my hands on a print copy, and would recommend it for library collections and those that are interested in the subject matter and photography.