11 Books and Movies That Inspire a Relationship With Nature

Be prepared to be cracked open by this moving, honest account of writer Cheryl Strayed’s 1,100-mile solo hike at the age of 22 along the Pacific Crest Trail. Propelled by sheer willpower after her mother died and her marriage dissipated, Strayed set off on the physically and mentally taxing journey with no “experience or training” but was healed by nature in the process. The memoir was selected for Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 and made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Reese Witherspoon, so you know it’s good.

Robin Wall Kimmerer’s essay collection is a masterful exploration of the power of nature and environmental regeneration (how some plants and animals have the ability to naturally restore damaged or missing cells, tissues, organs, and body parts). The Native American botanist and professor of environmental and forest biology weaves in the wisdom passed down from her lineage of Potawatomi elders to highlight how nature is our greatest teacher. Who knew the plant kingdom was so ripe for life lessons?

“Black poets have long had a tradition of incorporating the natural world into their work, although nature writing is a genre that historically hasn’t been counted as one in which they have participated,” according to the book’s synopsis. In this 432-page anthology, Camille T. Dungy selects 180 poems from 93 African American poets that provide unique perspectives on the great outdoors, the wild, and more. The collection includes such acclaimed writers as Gwendolyn Brooks, Rita Dove, Phillis Wheatley, Sterling Brown, and other writers who lived during Reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, and other time periods.

Revisiting one of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved books turned movie is a treat at any age. Once banned in 1989 in a California school, the timeless and hopeful children’s book about ​​a place devoid of flowers or trees reminds readers of the pleasure and beauty of living in a world with the towering green giants. The Lorax fights to protect his world by warning of the dangers of mindless human consumption of nature, encouraging kids to stand up for others, and urging people to treat the planet with kindness — but it also reaches through the page to remind us of the same things.

Living in the modern world means that we’re all largely disconnected from nature in some sense. “Simon Barnes’ series of stories argues that it is not the land that should be rewilded, but us,” says a Herald Scotland review of the book. Like a loving family member speaking straight to you, this book offers new tips and techniques for readers to embrace the outdoors and enjoy nature — and even become part of it.

This collection of poems, personally selected by Mary Oliver — the woman who birthed the popular musing “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — is composed of her most illuminating work. The Pulitzer Prize-winning nature poet beautifully pens magnificent and astute observations about the creatures and physical world that surrounds us all. A New York Times bestseller and selected as one of Oprah’s “Books That Help Me Through” for Oprah’s Book Club, this selection of her best work inspires every reader to embrace thoughtfulness when stepping outside.