A lot of Hill's prose is of the amorphously spiritual variety. And that's okay because that's who she is and (to me, anyway) she never comes across as insisting you share in that vision. I find the more important aspect of her writing the insistence on the need for empathy; to see each other as living individuals rather than cardboard cut-outs. Only then can meaningful dialog occur. And without meaningful dialog, everything will continue to deteriorate.
I'm giving the book 3 stars because, as a book it is written only moderately well, in spite of the compelling story. But I would encourage you to read it, nonetheless. It is relatively short, so your time investment will be small.

Incredible story and easy read.

It was inspirational to see how someone who didn't even expect to become an activist found so much love for the Redwoods and used that love to create change. Butterfly Hill illustrates that we all have the ability to make a positive impact in the world, especially since there is no such thing as inaction: we all have an impact, how do we make that positive? We just need to tap into our own passions and love.

Two years in a tree-sit in an old growth redwood tree. A very touching and inspirational story. It made me sad, angry, hopeful and finally, joyful. It made me cry; it made me cheer. Julia Butterfly Hill is my hero. We can all draw strength from her commitment to fight against the destructive forces of human greed and callousness.

"In the beginning, there was Love, and Love created and thus became Creator. I give all honor and glory and my humblest gratitude to the Creator for giving me the gift of Life in Love held so delicately in each and every breath, and for guiding me to an experience where I could learn the power, magic, and understanding of just how incredible this gift truly is. For the rest of my life, I will do everything within my power to honor. cherish, and protect this gift of life that connects us all."

incredibleee story and funny how all environmentalism comes back to buddhism in the end even if religion is never mentioned directly,,, so much actual science is found in eastern philosophy and SO MUCH misinformation and deception in western philosophy, food for thought

I would never spend two years in a tree. I knew that before reading this book and I'm even more convinced now. However, I have the deepest respect for people who put their heart, soul and life into what they believe - at the same time, I'm well aware of the thin line between standing up for what you believe in and becoming a fanatic. On the most part, Julie Butterfly Hill stays on the right side of this line and I'm amazed at how she survived 738 days in an ancient redwood in California to try and save the tree from being cut down and used for lumber.
I enjoyed this trip into a mind in some ways very different from mine - and in other ways, so close. She did feel a bit to extremist at points - but mostly managed to wind it back in so she stayed able to give rational arguments for her cause. And she seems to have succeeded in her cause - in spite of an attack on Luna in 2001, Luna still stands here 6 years later.

It is so hard to wrap my mind around the fact that this is a true story and trying to envision what it was actually like day in and day out is just wild. The amount of resiliency and bravery and resolution.... I'm just floored. Honestly this was beginning to end mind-boggling. I was hungry to learn more about the timber wars and the fight to save the redwoods after reading The Overstory by Richard Powers (highly recommend - favorite read of the year) and that path led me to learn about Julia. This isn't a story that will be leaving my head or my heart any time soon.
TW‼️Please be advised this book does use the word r*pe to describe the action of clearcutting multiple times.

Story of a sellout in the struggle to save the precious giants...
"me me me me" - No, you are not a star, and there were and are a lot of others involved in that struggle on many levels, much more than the pretty attention seeking Butterfly.

From the point of view of preserving the natural world this is a great book. The author is an intrepid and deeply convicted woman. She's also the daughter of an itinerant preacher and wife. Her values stem from a liberal form of Christian justice, broad concern for humanity and a profound sense of stewardship for our planet

This short but thoughtful book sets up convincing arguments in support of sustainable forestry and agriculture.

3.25 stars. You have to admire Julia’s commitment to her cause. It’s a great story, but a little boring of a read.

I bought this used and it has a Gore/Lieberman 2000 sticker on it's spine. Earnest memoir, very big on prayer and full of thoughts/internal processes more than day to day details of living in a tree.

This story of Luna was huge when I was a teenager, so it was interesting to read this book from the point of view of the activist, Hill, who lived in the tree for 2 years in order to save her.

The book is a quick read, though strangely the book abruptly ends. I will discuss her case in my coming social activism class and I think she will be either a quandary or an inspiration to my students.