7/26/2023
Good choice for a book club!
Ramsey County Master Gardener volunteers read and discussed The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams at the July 2023 Book Club. Volunteers read the book and shared their
thoughts in small group discussion.
The author presented a fascinating exploration of the science behind our connection to nature, looking at nature’s restorative benefits to a sense of well-being, happiness and health. Williams takes the reader through the natural world, from the forests of Japan to the beaches of California, using various scientists and their theories and experiments to tell her story.
Participants found especially interesting sections such as the positive impact of nature sounds like water and bird songs, how our brains and eyes use fractals in observation, and how time in nature is being used in treatment of veterans with PTSD and teenagers with ADHD. As little as 15 minutes in the woods reduces levels of cortisol and an increase to 45 minutes shows improvements in cognitive
performance.
Several participants were interested in positive benefits of “awe,” which many people experience in nature.
Participants felt inclusion of the therapeutic benefits of nature has a definite place in Master Gardener's educational and promotional programs.
Reader Poll
Enjoyable—4.5 out of 5 stars
Educational— 4.75 out of 5 stars
Recommended—4.5 out of 5 stars
Reader Comments
The readers shared their thoughts about this book:
A slow read while absorbing a lot of scientific detail
Interesting and good flow.
I loved the book. It gave scientific studies showing how being in Nature helped lower blood pressure, lessen stress, increase creativity, help with ADHD and PTSD.
The book was written in a conversational manner and covered scientific studies.
Enjoyed reading about the science behind our reactions to nature.
Good choice for the book club!
Find this book
You can find this book at the Ramsey County Library. There are physical copies of the book, and ebook and audiobook copies (via MELSA) available to readers in Ramsey County for free.
Next Book Club Discussion: The Plant Hunter
In September, the Master Gardener volunteers will be discussing The Plant Hunter: a Scientist's Quest for Nature's Next Medicines by Cassanda Leah Quave.