The Environmental Book Club

Reading list for 2026 March 18 The Barn by Wright Thomas Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward Determine following meetup May 13 or June 17 By The Fire We Carry by Rebecca Nagle The Last Report On The Miracles At Little No Horse by Louis Erdrich Determine following meetup July 15 or September 16 Is a River Alive by Robert MacFarlane River Meets The Sea by Rachael Moorthy Determine following meetup October 21 or November 18 Enshittification by Cory Doctorow The seed keeper by Diane Wilson Determine following meetup

 American War by Omar El Akkad Book Club Questions: 1. The novel’s epigraphs draw from an ancient Arabic book of poems and the Bible, framing the conflict in a way that echoes historical narratives of resistance and divine justification for ecological destruction similar to We will be Jaguars. How does this literary choice challenge or reinforce Western-centric views of war and resistance, and what does it suggest about the colonial power (coloniality) in the narrative of the Second American Civil War? 2. The war in American War is triggered by a ban on fossil fuels, a policy that disproportionately dehumanizes the Southern states, mirroring historical patterns of extraction where colonial and imperial powers imposed economic restrictions on occupied regions. How does the novel depict the South’s resistance as a form of anti-colonial struggle, and in what ways does this reflect real-world dynamics of resource control and resistance? 3. The use of unmanned drones, referred to as "...

 We Will Be Jaguars: A memoir of my people. By Nemonte Nenquimo Questions: Here are six bookclub discussion questions  1. Intersection of Gender and Environmental Resistance: What does the forest represent for the Waorani?  How does the framework of patriarchy result in drunken men signing away rights? Why does it mean that the UN has no role in the book? Why hasn't the Sierra Club or Rainforest Alliance taken up Nemonte Nenquimo’s cause? Is it related to leadership challenges to the Western, patriarchal models of environmental activism? In what ways does her identity as an Indigenous woman shape her approach to defending the Amazon, and how does the book highlight the gendered dimensions of both ecological destruction and resistance? How big is the problem that she has to solve? 2. Colonial Violence and Extractivism: The book details the invasion of oil companies and missionaries into Waorani territory.  How are the cars we drive in California connected to disposses...

The Serviceberry: An Ecology of Hope* by Robin Wall Kimmerer Questions: 1. Reciprocity and Relationship Kimmerer emphasizes a reciprocal relationship with the more-than-human world. How does this ethic of reciprocity challenge dominant Western, patriarchal, and capitalist models of nature as a resource to be exploited? In what ways does this align with ecofeminist principles? 2. Indigenous Knowledge and Feminine Wisdom Kimmerer, as an Indigenous woman and scientist, weaves together traditional ecological knowledge and personal narrative. How does her voice disrupt the historical separation between reason (often gendered male) and emotion or intuition (often gendered female)? What role does gendered knowledge play in ecological healing? 3. The Serviceberry as Symbol The serviceberry tree offers food, beauty, and medicine freely each season. How might this model of generous giving—without domination—serve as a feminist alternative to extractive economies? Can you think of other...

Questions: What does the novel say about the American Dream, and how does it relate to the characters of Cándido and Delaney? Are animals and invasive species worth more than migrants here illegally? What does traffic mean for animals? Why does Cándido see America as weak and defenseless. How does the novel portray the experiences of Mexican immigrants in the United States? Does it makes sense for nations and borders to exist anymore? Are resource predators like coyotes? What role does the character of Delaney play in the novel, and how does he change throughout the story? How does the novel use satire to critique American society and culture? What message do you think the author is trying to convey through the novel's conclusion? What themes does Boyle explore in the novel, and how does he develop them throughout the story? The relationship between Delaney and Cybele is complex and multifaceted. What are their motivations, and how do they impact the plot? The character Ofendoza is...

White Flight Discussion Questions Here are some discussion questions for "White Flight: Atlanta and the Making of Modern Conservatism" by Kevin M. Kruse: What are the main themes of the book? How does the author explore the concept of white flight and its impact on American politics and society?  How does the book challenge the conventional understanding of white flight? Does the author present a new perspective on the issue, and if so, what is it?  What role did Atlanta play in the broader context of the civil rights movement and the conservative movement? How did the city's history and politics influence national trends?  How did the language and tactics of white resistance evolve over time? What were some of the key strategies used by segregationists, and how did they change as the civil rights movement progressed?  What were the economic and social factors that contributed to white flight? How did these factors interact with racial attitudes and politics?...