Love Letter to the Earth by Thich Nhat Hanh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I bought Love Letter to the Earth so I could finally read something by Thich Nhat Hanh. I’d seen him referenced or alluded to in other books that I’ve read, and I was looking forward to seeing what he’s all about. I think I should I have chosen a different book. While I saw the spirit of peace and compassion that he’s known for, this book’s sentiments were so elementary that it was dull and lacked weight. Most of the book was about how we should breathe, walk, and drink tea. Someone might read my sentiment, and say, “He didn’t get it.” Oh, I got it— and I was disappointed. I understand what this revered monk was telling his reader: that our attitudes about the Earth have to change before we will change how we treat it. I also agree with him that the essence of life resides in experience, even minutiae, which we should appreciate. And I also agree that communities of people working for positive change will achieve more than one person doing it alone. However, as a person interested in sustainability, the climate crisis, environmental justice, and conservation, I found Love Letter to the Earth unimpressive.