The Golden Spruce, by John Vaillant
"The Golden Spruce" by John Valliant is a captivating and meticulously researched environmental tale that weaves together history, nature, and human ambition. Set in the pristine wilderness of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada, the book revolves around the astonishing story of a unique and legendary Sitka spruce tree with striking golden needles.
Valliant beautifully portrays the reverence and cultural significance the tree held for the Haida community, drawing from their folklore and oral traditions to emphasize its importance. He also paints a vivid picture of the region's logging practices and the ecological consequences, revealing how human actions can have far-reaching effects on nature—notably, the story of Grant Hadwin, a conflicted logger-turned-activist, who played a significant role in the tree's fate, adds a layer of complexity and moral dilemmas to the narrative.
STAFF PICK:
“Not long into the book, I felt my heart beating like I was actually hiking in Haida Gwaii. I have been deeply moved by these islands and the Haida people, and would love if more people could take the time to learn about them. Valliant offers just that in an incredible package with The Golden Spruce.”
~ Marc