Writer and editor Martin (coauthor of Fruit Trees for Every Garden) offers an insightful memoir describing her experiences living in Northern California during 2020’s devastating wildfire season. Partly motivated by Martin’s health crisis, she and her partner moved from the city to a house on a hill in the Sonoma woods in 2017, a few years before the fire season intensified. Martin chronicles the devastation wrought by the fires, capturing the fear and uncertainty of living during this time while working through her own healing and recovery. Martin interweaves a history of the land, reflections on climate change, and discussions of Indigenous fire control practices into her memoir, arguing that people must now live with fire throughout the year, not just during fire season. Narrating her own account, Martin’s tone is pleasant and well-paced. Listeners will sense her urgency and concern as she recounts details of her life during the fires. VERDICT Martin’s memoir about living through and emerging from devastation, together with her reflections on history and climate change make for a rich and timely listen.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?