Whether you find yourself relaxing on a dock, beach or hammock this summer, we suggest picking up one of these books to enjoy as you unwind. The first two books we have selected are on the topic of bees, to keep with Friends of the Earth’s major campaign focus this summer.

 

A Sting in the Tale, Dave Goulson.

This book is equally entertaining and educational. Author Dave Goulson takes us through his journey from life as a young boy discovering wildlife, to his later years as a biology professor who founded the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. His light-hearted touch and humor make learning about his cutting-edge research a fascinating read.

 

Keeping the Bees, Laurence Packer

An informaive narrative, telling of all kinds of bees; from tiny solitary bees to communal, honey bees. It is written clearly, with humour at times, by Laurence Packer, a melittologist from Toronto’s York University. A must-read to understand the lives of bees, and how they are disappearing before our eyes.

 

The Sweetness of a Simple Life, Diana Beresford-Kroeger.

The Sweetness of a Simple Life reads like a book of short stories, each chapter providing insight into achieving better health and peace of mind. The author draws on her experience as a botanist and medical biochemist to teach us how to simplify our lives and connect with the natural world. Diana writes; “Each essay is built on science, a practice I have spent my life pursuing. In some ways I believe that science has stolen the innocence out of modern life, but without it we would not have all the improvements of everyday living, ease of transport and communication. We are all stuck in that forward momentum of science, but with each essay- on the health of your body, the food you choose to eat, your hearth and household, your backyard and garden and the world all around you- I am offering you a new wellspring of simplicity to use to your advantage. Each such choice and change helps simplify and strengthen the larger environment we all share.”

Reclaiming the Commons for the Common Good, Heather Menzies

In this groundbreaking memoir, author Heather Menzies blends an intimate account of her ancestors’ lives on the commons with an exploration of key contemporary practices that can help us reconnect with each other and with the Earth. A detailed description of the self-organizing, self-governing and self-informing principles of this nearly forgotten way of life -including its spiritual practices and traditions- is linked to a number of current popular initiatives around food security, climate change, community renewal and Aboriginal self-determination, and a unified vision for reclaiming the commons.

Click here to read Heather’s guest post for Friends of the Earth

 

The team at Friends of the Earth has been very busy this summer pushing for momentum on our Bee Cause campaign, but we still value the chance to relax and unwind with a good book. Here’s wishing you a safe and enjoyable month of August, with time to enjoy good company and good books!