Beautifully written thoughtful look at motherhood both in human form and in the plant world ,.This book is so well written so engaging I was engrossed by the authors thoughts,I will be recommending.#netgalley #broadleafbooks

4⭐️

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the published from netgalley. thank you!]

an interesting and insightful love letter to the natural world

Thank you NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Mother, Creature, Kin by Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder is incredible. As a student of both literature and conservation, I was intrigued when I first saw this book. Upon completion, I am impressed and moved by Steinauer-Scudder’s masterful prose.

This book, admittedly, set out to accomplish a lot and Steinauer-Scudder managed to accomplish it all. This book disentangles what it means to be a mother from gender roles and confines. To “mother” as a verb is to be conscious of the environment, something we are all capable of. It tackles conflicts between conservation and capital gain, our engagement (and disengagement) with our natural world, and more.

Steinauer-Scudder writes of great ecological tragedies and success. This is framed by the first three years of her daughter, Aspen’s, life. The childlike wonder and consideration for everything that Aspen holds frames the environmental complexities of our world. This framing leads to an, ultimately, hopeful view of our place in this great, ecological marvel we call home.

Steinauer-Scudder also leans upon fellow scholars, writers, ecologists, and mothers of all kinds to help her as she grapples with the problems of our changing planet.

Mother, Creature, Kin is a masterclass in tending to ecological issues while delivering exquisite prose. I think everyone should read this truly triumphant book by Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder.

As someone who works as a biologist for a living, this book immediately appealed to me after reading the summary. I don't have children but I do have a much younger cousin who I am extremely close to, and I am often worried about why kind of world she is going to grow up/be left in the future. The author really approched this book in such a thoughtful and deep way, it was really interesting to read. It felt both realistic about the future of our planet but also hopeful.

I enjoyed the way the author chose to divide the book into sections, it felt like a really good way to explore the topic of care, motherhood and how that relates to the environments around us. I was especially partial to the chapters dedicated to tidal marshes, as thats a habitat I work closely with.
I will definitely be recommending this book to my coworkers and friends once its released!