The Tree

English biologist and writer Tudge's examination of trees (originally published as THE SECRET LIFE OF TREES in 2005) offers an exhaustive list of arboreal marvels followed by a discussion of the ecology of trees and their role in a world transformed by climate change. The combination of exotic place names, taxonomic labels, and biological terminology presents narrator Enn Reitel daunting pronunciation challenges. He performs expertly. He does not distract the listener. He sounds engaged and interested as he expounds on hundreds of tree species. Although both the science and the relevant international agreements regarding climate change have changed since the book was first published, it remains an excellent audiobook to convince any listener of the irreplaceable value of woody plants. F.C. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine