As an avid gardener and amateur naturalist, I’ve long been fascinated by plants. Watching a plant go from seed through its entire life cycle always seems like pure magic. So when I heard about Zoe’s new book, I leapt at the chance to read it. Boy, am I glad I did.

It’s easy to get intimidated by science-related books, so I appreciated how easy it was to read this book. I was immediately drawn in by the introduction and eager to learn more. The chapters are well organized around a higher concept and then detailed using the latest studies by scientists worldwide. More than that, though, in plain language, Zoe tells us what the research means in an engaging way that helped me really understand it.

I can say with confidence that I’ll never look at a plant the same way again, and I have a greater appreciation for them overall. What complex organisms they are! The way they can communicate with each other, recognize kin, and pass on knowledge to future generations is nothing short of incredible. 

Beyond just the plant knowledge, Zoe also highlights how the field of plant science is evolving. How some of the new research has not been well received, as it sounds more like sociology than biology, and I find that also fascinating. How some scientists are starting to realize that Darwinism doesn’t explain all of evolution and we need some new theories. We obviously have a long way to go in our knowledge of the natural world, and all of this has profound implications for humans in understanding our place in it.

A must-read for anyone interested in nature, The Light Eaters will change the way you look at plants.

Exhausted and disheartened with reporting on the ongoing climate crisis, journalist Zoë Schlanger turns her focus to the fascinating world of plants. In poetic and accessible language, she deep dives into cutting-edge plant science, and attempts to answer ongoing questions around plant intelligence. Reading this book feels like entering a whole new world of verdant green – although it may make readers side-eye their spider plant. The Light Eaters is excellent science writing that inspires awe and curiosity.

Recent discoveries in the plant world have revealed remarkable abilities like communication, memory, and shape-shifting camouflage. This book delves into the cutting-edge research and debates surrounding plant intelligence, highlighting their vital role in our ecosystem, and the ethical implications of their complex capabilities.

Part autobiography, part philosophy, and part science, this book is beautifully and lovingly written. Though I was expecting a stronger focus on research, the book is informative and surprising.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.