The best books about nature, trees, animals and ecology I've read
30 November 2025
As part of my Climate Journey story, here’s a list of the books that shaped my perspective on ecology and the interconnectedness of all life.
Each of them helped me see the bigger system and rethink how we, as humans, fit into it.
I didn’t try to create a framework or cover everything (which I believe is impossible). The books list came together naturally, driven by whatever felt most interesting at the moment.
Some books on this list may surprise you, because they’re not commonly viewed as “nature books.” But for me, they were essential pieces in understanding how ecology works and why every part of the system matters.
For example, Why Buddhism Is True shows how deeply connected we all are – and how the boundary between us, the world around us, and other organisms is much blurrier than we tend to think.
Thinking in Systems explains that everything we believe about the world is just a model (meaning not entirely accurate), how systems behave, and how the paradigms behind them can be changed. (By the way, here’s a summary.)
The books are listed in the exact order I read them. It doesn’t mean you need to follow the same order, of course. What I mean is that there’s a certain logic to it – each book led to the next, expanding or deepening the narrative.
Enough talking. Let’s dive into the list:
Each of them helped me see the bigger system and rethink how we, as humans, fit into it.
I didn’t try to create a framework or cover everything (which I believe is impossible). The books list came together naturally, driven by whatever felt most interesting at the moment.
Some books on this list may surprise you, because they’re not commonly viewed as “nature books.” But for me, they were essential pieces in understanding how ecology works and why every part of the system matters.
For example, Why Buddhism Is True shows how deeply connected we all are – and how the boundary between us, the world around us, and other organisms is much blurrier than we tend to think.
Thinking in Systems explains that everything we believe about the world is just a model (meaning not entirely accurate), how systems behave, and how the paradigms behind them can be changed. (By the way, here’s a summary.)
The books are listed in the exact order I read them. It doesn’t mean you need to follow the same order, of course. What I mean is that there’s a certain logic to it – each book led to the next, expanding or deepening the narrative.
Enough talking. Let’s dive into the list:
The best nature books' list:
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by David R. Montgomery, Anne Biklé
A fascinating look at how soil health shapes the nutrient density of our food — and us. The authors connect farming practices, plant biology, and human health in a way that’s scientific but very readable. It changes how you think about food from the ground up. -
by Peter Wohlleben
Wohlleben reveals the social, emotional, and surprisingly complex world of trees. Forests communicate, cooperate, and care for each other. This book makes you see trees as living communities rather than scenery. -
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This book is a poetic blend of Indigenous wisdom, science, and storytelling. Kimmerer writes with warmth and reverence about reciprocity, gratitude, and our relationship with nature. A beautiful reminder of how interconnected everything is. -
By Fred Provenza
Provenza explores how animals instinctively choose what’s good for them — and how humans lost that intuition. It’s part science, part philosophy, and a great read if you’re curious about life, nutrition, instinct, and natural intelligence. -
By Gabe Brown
This book is a practical, story-driven introduction to regenerative agriculture. Gabe Brown shows how he transformed degraded land into a thriving ecosystem using simple principles. Inspiring, accessible, and full of real-world examples. -
By Robert Wright
A modern, scientific take on Buddhist ideas — without the mysticism. It explains how meditation, mindfulness, and evolutionary psychology overlap. A great book for understanding the mind, our connection to the natural world and why we react the way we do. -
By Donella Meadows
A foundational book for anyone who wants to understand complexity. Meadows shows how systems behave, why problems repeat, and where real leverage points lie. Clear, elegant, and surprisingly accessible book. -
By Ashley Ward
A fun and insightful exploration of how animals form societies, communicate, and cooperate. Ward makes animal behavior feel relatable and often surprisingly similar to our own. -
By Peter Wohlleben
In this book Wohlleben reveals how plants, animals, forests, and even the climate are connected in subtle ways. It’s a gentle, story-like explanation of ecological relationships that often go unnoticed. -
By Peter Wohlleben
This book looks at the emotions, intelligence, and inner worlds of animals — from joy to grief. It’s touching and full of anecdotes that make you see animals as deeply sentient beings (as they are). -
By Martin Wikelski
A forward-looking book about tracking animals with technology — GPS, sensors, satellites — and what this data teaches us about ecosystems, migrations, and conservation. A great mix of science and storytelling. -
By James Bridle
Bridle explores different forms of intelligence — animal, plant, fungal, and even machine. It expands the idea of what “thinking” means and challenges the human-centered worldview in a gentle, thoughtful way. -
By Richard Powers
A powerful novel about people whose lives revolve around trees. It’s emotional, beautifully written, and one of the best pieces of fiction about nature. You don’t just read it — you feel it. -
By Merlin Sheldrake
A mind-bending journey into the world of fungi. Sheldrake’s writing is vivid and playful, showing how fungi shape ecosystems, evolution, and life as we know it. After this book, you’ll never look at mushrooms the same way.
Additional read
The two books below are closely linked, but I’ve separated them because they’re not purely about nature. They look at how economic growth, resource use, and human systems shape the planet – and why our current model clashes with ecological limits.
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By Donella Meadows
A clear, data-driven look at how population, resources, economy, and the planet interact as one system. This updated edition shows which predictions held true and why exponential growth has limits we can’t ignore. It’s not alarmist — it’s grounded, thoughtful, and a must-read for understanding global dynamics. -
By Elizabeth Kolbert
Kolbert investigates the current mass extinction event through vivid stories, field research, and conversations with scientists. It’s unsettling but deeply engaging, showing how human activity reshapes life on Earth. A powerful reminder of what’s already changing — and what we still stand to lose.
Anything is missing on this books list?
This is an evergreen list of books I truly love – the ones that shaped my understanding of the natural world and shifted something in me. I add new titles as soon as I finish them, as long as they touch on nature, animals, plants, fungi, soil, ecology, ecosystems, and the ways all of this connects back to us.
If you think there’s a great book missing here, feel free to share it in the comments. I’d love to read it, and if it resonates, it will end up on this list too.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you think there’s a great book missing here, feel free to share it in the comments. I’d love to read it, and if it resonates, it will end up on this list too.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Olga Shavrina
Olga Shavrina: Product Leader & Startup Builder
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