Thank you to everyone who joined us live for the Nature Connections Book Club.
For anyone who couldn’t join us, a summary of our discussions and details of our next meetup are below.
Your Thoughts on... We Will Not Be Saved by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson.
Our group rated this book a solid 10/10, describing it as powerful and thought-provoking.
We noted that the book is published under different titles in various countries, each with its unique resonance. The UK title, We Will Not Be Saved, carries layers of meaning that deepen as the story unfolds, and we found it compelling for its versatility and evolving themes. The US version, We Will Be Jaguars, presents a similarly powerful statement by Nemonte Nenquimo on cultural resilience, revealing its significance as the narrative progresses.
A recurring theme in our book club is storytelling technique, and we reflected on how a story that forges a strong connection with its audience holds lasting impact. Nenquimo’s writing, developed in collaboration with Anderson, achieves this beautifully, making readers feel both familiar with her and deeply invested in her journey. Though distinct from other styles we’ve explored, the narrative’s power and clarity resonate strongly.
Nenquimo’s writing captivated us with its magical descriptiveness, transporting us to the depths of the Amazon rainforest and the bustling oil towns of Ecuador. Her vivid depictions of childhood adventures invite us to experience the Amazon’s wonder firsthand, while her blend of the everyday and the extraordinary provides relatable moments for all readers. This early connection to Nenquimo’s story allows us to stay close to her as the journey unfolds. Ultimately, this is a story that bridges cultural divides and highlights the urgent need to listen to Indigenous voices and protect our forests.
Taking Your Book into Nature
This book club is about building a connection to Nature through literature. In this book, Nemonte Nenquimo shares the story of her connection to Nature within the setting of her community.
This month we encourage you to take some time out in Nature and to consider your own Nature story. How did your connection to Nature start - were you a child or did you find yourself tuning into Nature in your adulthood? Does Nature form a part of your daily routines? Where do you most often connect with Nature? In a woodland, a park, and urban garden? You may wish to journal your experience, record a voice note or simply reflect on your own connection to Nature and how Nature is part of your story.
We can’t thank everyone enough who came along and contributed to this session. If you’d like to join the discussion you can share your thoughts with us at learning@treesisters.org or join our next book club meet-up through the link below.
Our Next Book:
Reason for Hope by Jane Goodall
Wednesday 4 December
Tickets are £3 and available now via the buttons below.
If you know of a great book and would like to suggest it for a future book club, please let us know using our book suggestion form.