An interesting and in-depth look at the mighty oak and all of the different ways that it provides life to those around it. Told through the months of the year, the author shares information about his own experience with growing oak trees, the devastation of oaks in North America, and the abundance of life that surrounds the oak.

A really good starting look at oak trees, it s cycle and the creatures that are friend and foe. Takes a look through a year of what one may see. Is more of a USA look, but could be helpful to other areas.

i ate through this book in an hour, and now i want to plant an oak tree. unfolds month-by-month, revealing the rich, complex ecological world sustained by these trees. i'd say it's less about oaks themselves and more about the various caterpillars (SO many caterpillars) and insects that rely on them, with a few birds thrown in for good measure, but it's still a fascinating read. i am forever convinced that we should abolish lawns, and maybe plant oak forests instead.

Tallamy writes so confidently and convincingly that I want to go out and plant a white oak tree in my front lawn today. He succeeds in his mission to reveal that a tree is not simply a tree. It is a highly complex ecological world unto its own. His succinct and straightforward narrative was perfectly tuned for the curious observer in all of us. Learn why you shouldn't rake leaves; why rot is okay; why hungry caterpillars are not bad; and what hundreds of creatures rely upon oak trees for their livelihood.

I audibly celebrated when I found this on NetGalley to read in advance. Douglas Tallamy is a national treasure. I first read his book "The Living Landscape", and while I admired the photos and made lots of notes for my own yard, I did not fully appreciate his expertise. Several years ago I heard David Mizejewski speak, and he made special note of Tallamy's assertion that native oak trees support over 500 species of caterpillars. After subsequently reading all of Tallamy's books, I was delighted by "The Nature of Oaks" for both its format and content.

We have multiple mature oaks on our 1+ acre, so while the information is relevant for any reader, I found it especially enlightening on a personal level. I am looking forward to owning a copy so that I can follow along month by month with my own oak trees. Tallamy writes in such a way that I can imagine what it would be like to hear him tell us these naturalist tidbits in person. This book is solidly in my "Did You Know" category because while reading it I kept hunting down my husband to say "Did you know..." about things so interesting I just had to share them with someone! It was also a quick and informative read, but also one I will want to read again to pack all of it in my brain.

I highly recommend this for anyone with an interest in nature. An interesting and well written look at the role that oak trees play in our environment. The book is easy to understand and has plenty of photos.

A fascinating love letter to the Oak tree and its life. . Everyone should read this book and understand the how intertwined nature is with each other. I loved it.

Fascinating And Easy Read. This is one of those esoteric books that you didn't know you wanted to read that turns out to be utterly fascinating... at least if you're remotely interested in caterpillars and similar insects. The narrative structure takes on each month of the year, beginning in October, and looks at what is happening within, on, under, and around an oak tree within that month - and there is quite a bit more than most probably realize. Written by an academic who studies oaks and with a particular emphasis on what he sees in the oaks within his own yard, this book is remarkably approachable and I daresay even funny - which is rare for such an academic tome. But that seems to have been at least part of the author's goal - to write a tale for the rest of us showing just why these trees are so important and the rich biodiversity they support. This is a goal the author pulled off remarkably well, and this book is very much recommended.

If anything good could come out of Covid 19, it’s our renewed interest in nature. In a world that seems out of control, nature has been a constant, soothing balm. Tallamy explores the world of the mighty oak tree, month by month, season by season. Readers learn about not only the trees, but the ecosystem of plants and animals they sustain. A fascinating and restorative read in these uncertain times