Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Potawatomi botanist and scholar, has created a pocket of calm, like a soft bee’s hum in the cacophony of modern living, with The Serviceberry (2 hours). Written and narrated by Kimmerer, The Serviceberry is an educational yet heartfelt guide to cultivating a mindset of reciprocity, modeled after the life cycle and properties of the titular berry, a fruit important to several Indigenous cultures. Using the berry as a metaphor, Kimmerer argues for cooperation and gift-giving as greater investments into our economy—and our future—compared to the scarcity mindset of our current capitalist system. In a world driven by competition, we’ve lost sight of gratitude, she explains. We’ve gotten greedy, and returning to habits like only taking what we need, and giving back to communities, is crucial for combating crises like climate change.
Kimmerer writes with stunning elegance, her vocabulary deliberate and evocative, and her prose is enhanced by her steady, solemn intonation. The Serviceberry is a quick listen, accessible as well as thought-provoking—Kimmerer breaks down complex concepts into digestible sections punctuated with personal anecdotes. This little audiobook prompts necessary reflection and promotes healthier, happier living.
