I picked up The Tree-Sitter by Suzanne Matson from the library–no recommendation, no big prizes (that I was aware of), no endorsements from any big name writers. I just read the synopsis on the front inset of the cover–story about a privileged college woman who falls in love with a radical environmentalist–and I thought I’d give it a shot.
Check it out if you have time. It amazed me. The last few times I picked up random novels, I was satisfied but not wowed. This one wowed me. Matson takes a hard look at environmental activism and the humans on both sides of the debate. There was also a whole lot more–feminism, first love, idealism vs. practicality (a big one for me, as this blog’s readers know!), and East Coast money and comfort as it clashes with the Oregon logging community. Matson is also a poet, which contributed to her deft use of language. I’m surprised this book hasn’t won any big prizes, but then again, I guess there are so many books out there that tons of great books never get the recognition they deserve.
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I agree with everything you said. About #1…I think...
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