Rating: 
Summary: It's something to read.
Review: Like most of the reviewers, I found Julia Butterfly's experience of sitting in the tree, Luna, for over two years quite amazing and inspiring. What a powerful committment to make on the behalf of what one believes! Unlike some reviewers, I just cannot believe that Ms. Hill sat in that tree for more than two years with the idea of becoming a celebrity. There are easier ways.Unfortunately, this book is written somewhat unevenly. Much material is repeated throughout the book over and over. Things that could have been exceedingly interesting were not brought fully to light (ex: how the platform was put together and held in the tree). I think that while Ms. Hill is an ok writer, this book could have stood the polishing of a ghost writer. One big disappointment that I had with this book, was the missed opportunity on Ms. Hill's part to say something really important about the environmental movement. There is no good, solid fact-based information given about logging, environmental impact, government policy, or what can/should be done. What a wasted opportunity! When this book came out, everyone was interested and the environmental movement would have benefited a great deal from the publicity this could have brought to their specific issues. Getting people excited about the environment and unified with Ms. Hill's tree sit is all fine, but if you don't back it up with information and a what-you-can do attitude, is entirely pointless. So, if you want to be inspired by a story of a person's convictions - by all means read this book. It's not terrible. If you want motivation to go out and do something about the environment, contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.
Rating: 
Summary: Incredible.
Review: Though many reviewers wish this book had been a bit more structure and substance, I cannot give it less than four stars. It's true that this is a quick read, and Julia's writing isn't glossed over - it's very raw... but real. As for Julia "cashing in on her celebrity status" - I think it's a story that needs to be told. The actual event is the most intriguing part of this book - I wish I knew where the ambition came from when Ms. Hill decided to live in a Redwood tree for over two years. It seems nearly impossible, albeit a bit crazy! As I read the last few pages, my heart absolutely ached. This is one of those books you'll finish and immediately lend to your friends. I couldn't sleep until I had finished it! Thank you for writing this book, Julia. Your dedication and perseverance has completely changed my perception - One person CAN make a difference!
Rating: 
Summary: A Fascinating Autobiography
Review: This novel is a fabulous autobiography of Julia Hill, and her experience living in a redwood tree for two whole years. At first I thought it would be dull- how could I read a story about a woman living in a tree? I was quickly hooked to this book though. What makes it really fascinating is that Julia wasn't your typical environmentalist. In fact, until she sat in the tree, she wasn't an environmentalist at all (she was a business major-gasp!). This book also points out that the traditional trees vs. jobs problem is a bit of a myth and the real culprits are the big executives who believe in killing all trees rather than practicing sustainable forestry. This novel is both inspiring and eye opening.
Rating:
Summary: Legacy of a Butterfly
Review: Julias book hits a sharp note. We can do something to make an impact if we try hard enough! Julia " Butterfly " hill, is now 26 and is an inspiration to so many! The book deleves you into the world as Julia sees it. Written with true feelings it is a must for all of you who need a spiritual lift, or have a deep passion for our environment! Starting out with her terrible accident she had, which ultimately sent her in an upward spiral to make her life truly meaningful. She headed twords her legacy in dec, of 97 and recounted everything from pacific lumbers terrible attempts to get rid of her by trying to both starve her out of the tree, and sending huge helicopters near her that made the tiny 6x8 platform she lived in a piece of flimsy paper blowing up and down in the wind as she held on to dear life. She writes several poems about life, luna ( tree ) and pacific lumber. Gifted with a truly passionate touch, Julia reminds us to listen to the wisdom of the earth, live by it and learn from it. There are very few books that give such an impact to the reader to bring them into the world of julia and to live the life of a person who is so truly genuine and inspirational. All proceeds go to her circle of life foundation, in hopes to keep our environment a healthy and stable one. I recommend this to all readers young and old, and if you read this book and dont feel overwhelmed with emotione you have not payed close attention to her message, of love and respect to all circles of life. Happy readings. ( Warning you may feel the sudden urge to go out to a tree farm and buy a tree to plant!)
Rating: 
Summary: Book Falls Short of Legacy
Review: Admittedly, the saga of Julia Butterfly Hill and the Luna Tree-sit is an incredible and inspiring tale. Anyone wanting to gain insight into the mind and motivations of Hill, and to share in her perspective of this 2 year long act of civil disobedience, will certainly want to read "The Legacy of Luna". Beyond these elements however, the book is a great disappointment and fails to live up to the monumental significance of the story it attempts to portray. As many other reviews attest, "Legacy" is an easy read. I personally finished the book in less than 4 hours. This readability is unfortunately a result of the book's lack of substance and disconnected ramblings. In her rushed effort to complete the book Hill has failed to capture and articulate the genuine spirit of her action, instead providing a mostly dry account of day to day life in the tree mixed with meandering philosophy. By failing to consider the widespread effects and ramifications of the tree-sit - from its context and sometimes controversial influence within the modern environmental movement to the role the action played in effecting the dynamic of government forest policy on a local and national scale - Hill leaves the reader without a definite sense of just what the legacy referred to in the book's title is. "The Legacy of Luna" also falls short of providing a comprehensive account of the story in its failure to address many significant events and efforts on the ground which directly related to Hill's success. The reader is instead brought along on the journey in the vacuum of isolation that was Hill's two years in Luna. Considering that the book was written while Hill remained in the tree, having no opportunity to stand back and take account of the bigger picture, Hill's perspective is understandable. Yet as a reader I was left feeling that much was left unaccounted for, including the massive community effort which supported Hill's action that is at best is given passing reference in the book. This considerable omission, along with comments contained in the book's jacket, unfortunately perpetuates the public's romantic perception that the tree-sit was the action of a lone individual. As the author's Media and Ground Support Coordinator for over one year (I ceased involvement with the tree-sit in April, 1999), I have first-hand knowledge that Hill is a deeply spiritual, gifted activist and a passionate and articulate speaker and writer. Complaints regarding inaccurate timelines and erroneous accounting of events aside, the greatest disappointment is the book's failure to reflect the true legacy of Hill's accomplishments. In the publication of this book Hill was given what may possibly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a long-standing and profoundly influential work along the lines of Aldo Leopold's "Sand County Almanac" or Edward Abbey's "Desert Solitaire". Instead, in her hurry to complete the book while under the daily pressures of her action, Hill has produced an interesting, yet unsubstantial account of her experience. Readers desiring to learn more about the context in which Hill's action was conducted are encouraged to read David Harris', "The Last Stand: The War Between Wall Street and Main Street Over California's Ancient Redwoods". For another account of a personal journey within these magnificent forests Joan Dunning's, "From the Redwood Forest: Ancient Trees and the Bottom Line: A Headwaters Journey" will be of interest.
Rating:
Summary: A great book!
Review: This is a great book and I enjoyed reading every page. Very inspirational and moving. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Bravo!
Review: I remember Julia Butterfly Hill making her stand and remember being so proud of her (and impressed with her bravery). This is a good book recounting what she went through and some of her thoughts over that period. So much of her love for this planet comes through and that was what really spoke to me throughout since I feel the same. I think its hard to write that kind of passion into words - but her actions speak so much more loudly than words. Wonderful work!
Rating:
Summary: The "Silent Spring" of our time
Review: Julia Butterfly Hill is the Rachel Carson of our time. I loved this book ... There are very few people who "walk the walk." Julia truly shows us how to make a difference with this book.
Rating:
Summary: Keeps your attention
Review: This book definitely keeps your attention for the simple fact that it is so strange. I really admire this woman for living in a tree for two years for a good cause. It seems like a great adventure to write about. The book was well written, and I even am a member of the Sierra Club, but this girl is different.
Rating:
Summary: Finding Balance
Review: This is an amazing story. I think if you are of one extreme political view or the other in regards to the redwoods, or environmentalism, you will be softened somewhat after reading Julia's odyssey. It is largely written from a place of neutrality (the heart), and does not "preach", nor is it angry in tone. I am a Northern Californian myself, and after experiencing personally the enormous anger/hate that goes on between BOTH sides of the spectrum, i.e. the logging industry, and the environmentalists, her book was very refreshing. It was as if, by climbing the tree, and remaining in it for so long, Julia stood on the fulcrum of both extremes. I remember one part of the book where, after a confrontation with one of the loggers, she lowered down a photograph of herself dressed in a formal gown. Seeing her as someone he could identify with, and not just as a tree-hugging-hippy out-to-ruin-his-life-by-taking his livelihood away, shifted him. It may be that I believe Julia is a saint, simply because I'm a tree fanatic. But I feel she has really helped shift a lot of the stagnatic energy on both sides of the tree agenda. She has a wonderful heart, and I believe most of you will be able to identify with her, just as that logger did. The only reason I did not give this book 4 stars, is that there are parts of the writing which seem repeated or slow. But definately, read this book... it is a very unique story!
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