An important and worthwhile read – not only did the author and his ancestors grow up among the Redwoods, he diligently investigated and was an activist to stop the deforestation by large corporations and private equity. Private equity goes in and pillages to turn a short-term profit – spokespeople from the companies kept saying it was Old Growth Forest and once chopped down would grow back --of course, hopefully none of us are that naïve – these are trees that have been around 1000’s of years plus. The author was arrested many times for his protest actions – from climbing the Golden Gate Bridge to put on a banner to climbing trees to prevent them from being chopped down. At points, this book reads like a thriller as it becomes a David and Goliath tale. Politicians don’t show up well here including Diane Feinstein. Many of them supported an organization called “Savetheredwoods” which actually was a front for corporate interests and had founders who were eugenics proponents. Even Peter Coyote (famously known as a part of the Diggers and narrator for Ken Burns documentaries) must have been duped (I hope that is the case) as he is the narrator for a film shown at their fundraiser. This book is meticulously researched and the author was able to uncover many obscure documents that had been hidden from the public. There are many heroes in this book including the author, and the founders of the Sierra Club who fought to preserve the redwoods and establish National Parks. This book gives me hope and I was tearing up at the end reading the letter from his mother. I highly recommend this book.

I could not finish enough of this book to be able to leave a comprehensive review, but I hope it finds its audience and I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.