95 pages • 3 hours read
Robin Wall KimmererBraiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves together Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and personal reflections to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. Through stories like that of Skywoman, the Three Sisters, and the Windigo, Kimmerer advocates for a reciprocal and sustainable way of living, blending her Potawatomi heritage with her scientific training. The book includes references to the forced relocation of Indigenous peoples.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer beautifully intertwines Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and personal narratives to celebrate the relationship between humans and nature. Readers praise her lyrical prose and insightful reflections on ecology. Some find the pacing slow and the structure loose, but overall, it’s an enriching and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Braiding Sweetgrass?
Readers who cherish nature's wisdom, blend scientific knowledge with Indigenous teachings, and embrace environmental ethics will enjoy Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Comparable to Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees, it appeals to those who seek a deeper connection with the natural world.