Rating: Summary: An inspiring, coming-of-age-tale. Review: I don't understand the overly critical reviews here... this in not a text book but story of grit and determination in an age of selfish materialism. Julia Hill writes in the spirit of a young girl with a big story to tell. In an age of self absorbed memoir writing her story stands apart for its focus on something other than herself. I loved hearing of her day to day existence in the tree. I loved how she first went to the forest to pray for direction and purpose. Julia Hill is a listener in a world full of shouters. Her writing style is simple and pure. I predict this book will become a cult classic someday. Her passion alone is enough to sustain the reader to the end.
Rating: Summary: Wooden Review: Oh, please, people -- this misshapen thing is awful in subject, writing style and substance. A celebrity exercise in vanity which I predict will be the "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" of the 2000's (and how many people today read or remember THAT Hallmark card of a book). The author knows nothing -- nothing -- of economics, biology, sound forestry practices or anything else requiring effort -- this is just a bunch of fuzzy feelgood stuff which is preaching to the choir. Prior reviews indicate she has found an audience. But you won't like this turkey unless at the time you pick it up you are already a dendrophilist (look it up). Pass.
Rating: Summary: How many? Review: Julia Hill climbed up a redwood to stop the massacre of the trees. By doing so, she saved that tree, and a few acres around it. Now, think of how many trees died to publish her book and tell me if she was being altruistic. Bad girl!
Rating: Summary: Worth Reading Review: I came to this book sideways-- from what some might consider more "mainline" conservation interests. But, that's my point. Although I have some negative reaction to the "new age" tone and anthropomorphic naturizing in this book, it does teach the lesson of on how many fronts the conservation fight is being fought. If one compares this book to, say, Goodall's Reason for Hope, or Johnson and Coates' Nabokov's Blues, one sees very different approaches to truly heartistic fights for conservation. I've come to the conclusion, in this day and age, all of them are worthwhile. Thus, if it wasn't for my own personal choices re spirituality and the like, this book might really be a "five". There are many people waging battles for the good cause of conservation and perhaps it will even do the most hardened of "scientific-types" good to take a look at this book and read it honestly. The nickname "butterfly" is probably a good one-- reminds of the same fascination of the subject of one of the other books mentioned above. I'd choose to take Ms. Butterfly at her word and not read in anything disengenuous to this book. Give it a run.
Rating: Summary: An inspirational story that leaves you wanting to know more. Review: I loved reading this book when it first came out. I have recently read more about Julia Butterfly Hill and the aftermath of her tree-sit. I am still captivated and amazed that someone could find the committment within herself to willingly sacrifice some aspects of life (comfortable living indoors, walking, showering, grocery shopping, dating,) for some other rewards. It has been suggested that Ms. Hill now mishandles the fame that she gained through this action. I am willing to give her the time to present her cause and herself, over a period of years, to then determine just what drives her and what the outcome of her style of activism will be. Perhaps being a catalyst for debate is all that is required of one sometimes. Ms. Hill's story made me want to know more about conservation, to wonder what I would be willing to commit myself to for long stretches of time, and to once again acknowledge that the diversity of personalities of human beings is a blessing. I would say that there is a time for quiet actions, and there is another time for lecture tours and book signings. I certainly would not have known much about deforestation if this book had not been published and promoted enough to get my attention. I look forward to reading more of what Ms. Hill has to say, and I hope that she will be able to keep a healthy perspective as she achieves more renown.
Rating: Summary: I can't believe how much I love this book! Review: I absolutely love this book! I didn't expect it to be the gripping, suspenseful, page-turner it turned out to be. It is fascinating to read about her peaceful, love-inspired problem-solving skills. I wish all heads of states had her negotiating ability. She is truly a hero. My husband took our 6-year-old daughter (also named Julia) to one of her book signings and she wrote this inscription: "Julia, you make the difference." Ms. Hill has inspired me and anyone else who reads this book to believe in the power of one.
Rating: Summary: Wonderful Evening Read Review: This book is an amazing testament to dedication. Julia does not attempt to be what she is not - a professional writer. I do recommend this book as it is honest and genuine. While Julia was up in her tree sit - I sent her a letter and gift. She was gracious enough to write me a card of thanks (much to the amazement of my boyfriend). Julia had the strength to do what those of us who went to school in Humboldt wished we could do - save the magnificent trees.
Rating: Summary: Inspiring and Compelling Read! Review: Julia is a marvel. Her experience and wisdom at such a tenderage are a beacon of hope to the world. ... You willnot read a more moving or inspiring account of one person's determination to make a difference.
Rating: Summary: A great story, not a great book Review: What Julia Butterfly did for the Redwoods is amazing, I willadmit, and I am thankful to her for that. BUT....the book wasdisapointing...I quickly grew bored with her metaphors and repetitiveness. It didn't make any sense, and the ending was anti-climatic. I could hardly stand to finish it. I would LOVE to watch a documentary of her plight and the results, but the book I can't bring myself to recommend to anyone. END
Rating: Summary: she a wonderful person, but not a writer Review: I greatly admire Julia Butterfly. After seeing her speak at a booksigning I just had to buy the book. But, it doesn't do justice to an incredable story. She switches tenses, misuses several words, and I still can't figure out if she wrote it while in the tree or not. Many times she says something like I live in a tree, then a paragrph later, or earlier, says when I lived in the tree. Maybe I'm just picky, but things like that distract me from enjoying the book. She should have put more time into it after coming down, or had a writer tell the story for her.
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