Reading + Reflection Guide: The Serviceberry
When a 100'ish-page book prompts an entirely new way of thinking, you know you've found something special!
I’m an avid reader, but here’s something that rarely happens in my reading life:
Finding a tiny 112-page book that I am immediately drawn to even though I don’t actually know what it’s about.
Sitting down and reading the entire thing within a few brief sessions.
Immediately feeling so inspired, renewed, and hopeful that I end up taking pages upon pages of notes in my study book.
Instantly knowing that this book needs to be a part of my Reading And Purpose and Your Best Self book clubs.
But this is exactly what happened upon reading The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and I can’t wait to discuss this with you in our May book club meetings!
I first discovered Robin Wall Kimmerer when I listened to the audiobook of Braiding Sweetgrass back in 2022. Much like with The Serviceberry, I didn’t actually know what that book was about when I began it either, but when a book pops up on my radar multiple times in a short period, I’ve learned to trust the nudge to pick it up. I listened to it mostly while walking the nature trails in my area, and the combination of my beautiful surroundings, the gorgeous writing, and Wall Kimmerer’s generous wisdom and soothing voice prompted me to walk several more miles than I had planned that particular week! I could not - and did not want to - put it down.
I also read her book, Gathering Moss, a couple years later and had a similar experience. So at this point, you could probably put Robin Wall Kimmerer’s to-do list in front of me and I would read it with great interest.
That being said, I was a bit uncertain when I first picked up The Serviceberry. As a continuous learner and lover of knowledge, I am sometimes disappointed with super-short books; I read one a while ago that one reviewer described as a ‘cash grab’ and I unfortunately felt similarly in that particular instance. Many authors of tiny books, however, surprise me with the powerful punch they can pack into a slim, sparse treasure (looking at you, Claire Keegan!), and The Serviceberry definitely fits among that category. It is beautiful, important, inspiring, thought- and action-provoking, and couldn’t be more timely. I highly recommend.
And if you’re a paid subscriber, I can’t wait to discuss this with you on May 22!
Below you’ll find my reading and reflection guide, with points to consider as or after you read the book. Reading And Purpose book club members, watch your email for more!
Reading Guide / Reflection Questions
Theme: Human + Nature
Book: The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
What were your first thoughts upon picking up The Serviceberry, before you began reading? Did the title, size of the book, or topic prompt any ideas or assumptions for you?
One line that is offered throughout the book, and highlighted on the back cover, is this: “All flourishing is mutual.” In your own words, what does this mean to you?
Wall Kimmerer’s background as an environmental biology professor, enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, mother, and scientist offer her a unique perspective from which to write. How relatable do you find her writing? Do you notice anything about your mindset, or how you feel, when reading The Serviceberry? Have you read any of her previous works, such as Braiding Sweetgrass or Gathering Moss?
I believe The Serviceberry is the first book I’ve read that directly links economic theory to nature in such a readable, accessible way. While I am not an expert in either topic, I found myself having so many ‘Ah, yes! That makes perfect sense!’ moments of connection throughout the book. What do you think of this application of economics in nature and vice versa? Does this link make sense to you? Do you find it too simplistic, too complex, or well-balanced?
“Recognizing ‘enoughness’ is a radical act in an economy that is always urging us to consume more,” writes Wall Kimmerer. Do you agree? What are some ways you find helpful in recognizing, and perhaps even celebrating, ‘enoughness’?
I loved reading her points on how public libraries so beautifully capture the essence of a gift economy and provide an example of common property. How do you utilize or support public libraries? What are ways we could do so even more, and encourage others to as well? Can you think of other public examples of the gift economy or common property in our current society?
One area of pondering that The Serviceberry really prompted for me is around ways to bring a sense of small, connected community into our global experience. Choosing to purchase from local small businesses over massive conglomerates whenever possible might be one example. What other examples can you think of that bring the feeling of a close community to our vastly-spread-out world?
I’ve loved seeing the growth of Little Free Libraries in recent years, and have also seen more and more Little Free Food Pantries in my area as well. Wall Kimmerer shares a beautiful story of a free farm stand, an Eagle Scout project, and the possibility of Little Free Farm Stands where gardeners can place their abundance for others to enjoy. What kinds of ‘little free exchanges’ do you have in your community? What kinds would you love to see pop up?
What are your thoughts on the artwork placed throughout The Serviceberry? What purpose do you think it serves? If you read this via e-reader or audiobook, what was that experience like for you?
I highlighted several lines throughout this little book. One that really makes me feel a certain sort of way can be found on p. 90-91: “I cherish the notion of the gift economy, that we might back away from the grinding system, which reduces everything to a commodity and leaves most of us bereft of what we really want: a sense of belonging and relationship and purpose and beauty, which can never be commoditized.” What is your reaction to this particular line? What other lines stood out for you?
Wall Kimmerer has a gift for nature writing, helping the reader see, hear, and even feel what she’s describing. Have you found other nature writers that share this gift? What other books does The Serviceberry bring to mind for you, either that you have read or would like to read?
What are your top takeaways from this book and/or our discussion? What will you do, or do differently, based on the reading/discussion?
Enjoy your reading, and I’m excited to discuss this one with you soon!
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Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC, and self-proclaimed book nerd, is a certified coach who helps achievers work with meaning, live with purpose, and reach bold + difference-making goals. Feel free to share your questions, comments, or topic/book suggestions below or via email to readingandpurpose (at) gmail (dot) com.
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