Part popular science article, part memoir, this is an enjoyable account of how scientists work. Scientific findings about the state of the world's forests are interspersed with stories about the everyday research process and the struggles faced by field scientists, especially women in the field. Lowman writes in an easy to read style and clearly understands the importance of making science accessible to anyone who is interested. ( )

Meg Lowman has led an impressive life and had an impressive. impactful career by almost any measure. I appreciate the book for informing about them. But in the latter third, it kind of seem like she was recycling articles first published elsewhere. This isn't something that would make me quit reading, but it did bleed a little of the enjoyment out of what was otherwise a solid autobiography.
[Audiobook note: The narrator, Christina Delaine, was solid on the straightforward narrative but hit-and-miss on the botanical Latin. This, too, bled a little of my enjoyment.] ( )

SUBTITLE: A Life Discovering the Eighth Continent in the Trees Above Us

I love trees. I really like reading about science. I love reading about strong women who pursue their dreams despite the obstacles place in their paths by societal expectations / restrictions. So, I should have loved this book. I didn’t.

Yes, Lowman’s personal story was interesting and inspiring. I marvel at all she has accomplished against considerable opposition and without much encouragement, let alone actual help. However, too much of the book read like an academic research paper. And I found parts of it overly preachy. It took me two MONTHS to read it ( )