Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest

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The movement toward understanding the benefits of foraging and harvesting wild foods is gaining wider acceptance. People are seeking local and sustainable alternatives to processed foods for various reasons, ranging from a desire to connect with their cultural heritage to concerns about the ecological impacts of agriculture. In Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest, educator Natalie Hammerquist shares her knowledge about wild flora found in neighborhoods and public lands. 

The illustrated guide, with its practical layout and comprehensive information, lists 40 species in alphabetical order, including where to see them, how to harvest them, lookalikes, recipes, and notes on sustainability. The section on commonly found poisonous and toxic species offers a valuable warning: do not eat anything until you are 100% sure what it is, ensuring you are equipped and ready to start foraging.

I am heartened by Hammerquist’s approach to share her nuanced knowledge about foraging. Folks from various experience levels will benefit from her straightforward explanations and clear, crisp photographs. It was also helpful to understand her story of reclaiming knowledge of her Swedish ancestors’ foodways and her focus on harvesting wild foods, respectfully and sustainably. Her emphasis on respect in foraging is a powerful reminder to be mindful and considerate, not just of the environment, but also of the cultural heritage and traditions we are connected to. Harvest only what you can consume is a wonderful reminder to share the bounty of our forests and wild lands with others, including our more-than-human kin.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Seattle Book Review.

The Dharma of Healing

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In The Dharma of Healing, Justin Michaelson integrates practical lessons from Zen, Tibetan, and secular Buddhist teachings and practices. This actionable approach equips readers with the tools to cultivate equanimity and compassion for oneself and others. Drawing from his extensive experience as an insight meditation practitioner and teacher, he extends a generous invitation toward deeper, more intentional self-inquiry.

Michaelson’s writing resonates with a comforting, deeply empathetic tone, a direct reflection of the nonjudgmental ethos central to his Buddhist training. He skillfully invites readers to lean into the sometimes-paradoxical nature of our beliefs and emotional responses, underscoring how these internal conflicts often perpetuate and intensify our experience of suffering. Instead, he encourages readers to acknowledge and embrace suffering and to be open to learning valuable lessons from difficult emotions.

Anyone familiar with meditation knows how challenging it can be to calm both the body and mind. A key message from The Dharma of Healing is the "heart-brain connection," the interplay between our emotional and cognitive processes. Michaelson also suggests using physical (somatic) practices, emphasizing a holistic approach to healing. This book is a valuable guide for anyone seeking a more compassionate and peaceful life, whether they already meditate or are just beginning their journey of self-discovery.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Los Angeles Book Review.