Field Notes from a Fungi Forager is a gorgeously illustrated useful field guide with observations for the fungi of the Pacific NW written by Ashley Rodriguez. Released 15th Oct 2024 by Sasquatch Books, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The author has a respectful and accessible voice throughout the book. This isn't really a foraging guide (the author is quite specific in that regard); it's more a beautifully illustrated monograph on some of the fungi (and other species) to be found in the Pacific NW, and her own experiences hiking and foraging.

There are useful resources throughout; the book opens with an alphabetical species listing with page numbers for quick reference. There's a quick primer on fungal life cycles and biology, which is followed by the individual listings. Each entry includes botanical nomenclatures including family designation, appearance, habitat, season(s), and detailed notes.

The illustrations by Libby England are clear, colorful, and detailed. Although not photorealistic enough to work for actual definitive ID purposes, they absolutely are clear enough to recognize.

Four and a half stars. Very well done. Not a comprehensive guide, and it has a limited range focus (Pacific NW of North America), but overall a worthwhile addition to library collections and home reference.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This would be a very helpful and interesting book for anyone who is interested in learning to gather their own mushrooms.

Book Review: Field Notes from a Fungi Forager: An Illustrated Journey Through the World of Pacific Northwest Mushrooms by Ashley Rodriguez & Libby England (illustrator)

<b>IMPORTANT NOTE: The author makes it clear that this book is NOT intended to be a field guide and should not be used for identifying mushroom species, particularly those meant for consumption. </b>

Rating: 5 Stars

As an avid mushroom lover and forager-in-training, I couldn't wait to dive into Field Notes from a Fungi Forager by Ashley Rodriguez. From the moment I laid eyes on that stunning cover, I knew I was in for a visual treat. The illustrations throughout the book are nothing short of breathtaking, each one capturing the unique beauty of these fascinating fungi.

Rodriguez takes us on a captivating journey through the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, where mushrooms thrive in every nook and cranny—from misty evergreen forests to charming urban backyards. This book is a heartfelt homage to the magic of mushrooms. With 50 meticulously detailed profiles, Rodriguez introduces readers to both beloved varieties like morels and chanterelles and lesser-known gems such as the enchanting wood blewit and the eye-catching bleeding tooth fungus. Each entry is packed with fascinating information about appearance, habitat, seasons, and even cultural lore, making it a treasure trove for anyone curious about these remarkable organisms.

What I appreciate most is how Rodriguez emphasizes that this isn’t a field guide; it’s a personal exploration. Her passion for foraging is palpable, and she shares her own experiences in a way that makes you feel connected to the forest floor. The book serves as an entertaining starting point for anyone looking to embark on the gratifying adventure of mushroom foraging. It’s infused with practical tips on best practices and foraging etiquette, which is incredibly helpful for newcomers like myself.

Each mushroom profile also features mouthwatering culinary suggestions, sparking my imagination about how to incorporate these earthy delights into my home cooking. As someone who loves mushrooms in all forms—grilled, sautéed, or simply tossed into a hearty stew—this section particularly resonated with me.

In short, Field Notes from a Fungi Forager is a beautifully crafted book that is part memoir, and all passion. It’s perfect for coffee tables or as a thoughtful gift for fellow mushroom enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or just dipping your toes into the world of fungi, this book is an absolute must-have. Thank you, Ashley Rodriguez, for sharing your love of mushrooms with us!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This is an enchanting guide with beautiful illustrations that bring the world of mushrooms to life. It’s both informative and visually stunning, making it a great addition to any nature lover’s collection.

Field Notes from a Fungi Forager by Ashley Rodriguez is jam packed with interesting information, lovely and easily identifiable illustrations, and foraging tidbits by a passionate forager. Rodriguez makes it clear this is not a field guide but rather a sharing of knowledge and experience. This book is a starting point into the world of fungi for those interested in embarking on one of the most gratifying pastimes imaginable.

Some of the highlights include the high percentage of plants requiring mycorrhizal fungi, uses of fungi such as fertilizers and fermenting agents, and spore dispersal. I like that Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of the foray and how to read shrumps. She describes 50 fungi characteristics, habitats, appearance and seasons. She also discusses black and white truffles. My favourite area in the world for top notch white truffles is Istria, Croatia, which unfortunately is not often mentioned in fungi books. As a forager, mycophile and baker, I am besotted with the clever use of oyster mushroom powder.

If you are overwhelmed and/or intrigued by the crazy and marvelous world of fungi, do read this for inspiration.

My sincere thank you to Sasquatch Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books for the ARC.

Is this relevant to me, a Midwest native who rarely leaves the state? Not really. Is this really well detailed information for the fungi foraging novice, with beautiful illustrations throughout? Hell yes. It's very well researched, with an additional list of resources if you want to dive further into the subject.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6840195513

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/bf9e542e-6deb-4622-9ec4-264bbe302756

I read this one on my Kindle, so maybe that is why I wasn't blown away by this one (it wasn't in color). I just didn't find this as informational as I wanted and more conversational (which may be for some, but not really what I was expecting).

I am mildly obsessed with mushrooms. They are delicious. I love eating them in meals that I make. I take functional mushroom supplements for overall health and cognitive function. I am drawn to the natural beauty, mystery, and coziness of mushrooms. My grandfather used to forage mushrooms and bring home a full basket to roast. I just love mushrooms.

So naturally, I was drawn to Field Notes from a Fungi Forager by Ashely Rodriguez. Her book is noted as a love-letter to mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest. Rodriguez is a forager-chef and forest therapy guide in the PNW who details 50 of her favorite mushrooms found in the area. She provides best practices for foraging mushrooms, as well as tasting notes and a few recipes for tinctures or teas.

I really enjoyed reading Field Notes from a Fungi Forager. I loved the beautiful illustrations, and I liked reading about each mushroom that was detailed by Rodriguez. I saw this book as exactly what the description stated, a love-letter to mushrooms. This is a great coffee-table book or gift for a mushroom lover! 5 ⭐️

I received this e-book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you @sasquatchbooks books for allowing me access to this beautiful e-book via @netgalley

This was very enjoyable, largely due to Libby England's gorgeous illustrations. I would hang up some of those pieces on my wall. Absolutely beautiful.

I found the actual writing to be well done but nothing wildly impressive. However, you can really tell the author has a passion for fungi and I totally respect that.

This is a beautiful, informative, fun book. Rodriguez tells helpful and fascinating information on her favorite 50 wild mushrooms, with a beautiful illustration (sometimes taking up two pages) of each. There is some information on where they grow and such, but this is not a foraging guide. Instead, it’s a love letter to each one, including some that are poisonous or not worth eating but are remarkable for other reasons.

These are mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest so I don’t have access to all of them, but at least a dozen of them are ones we’ve foraged in Minnesota and there are more that I know are in the area that we just haven’t found. And some may not live where I do but are still fun to learn about. Well recommended.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

I need to get the physical copy of this book.
I am a fungi/mushroom lovers, mostly for it's aesthetic and way for being in this world.

Their world wasn't much present in my science classes, sadly so I always wanted to know more about those strange creatures (and knowing how to get near them w/out getting poisoned) and this volume was perfect thank to the narrator voice.

Last but not least, I loved the art style, it get me in the perfect witchy mood.

The illustrations in this book were beautiful but I do not believe I was the intended audience for this book. I did enjoy learning about the different kinds of mushrooms, however I didn’t feel like there was enough about how to forage/cook/ use them. Book must be more for the keen forager.

Beautiful illustrations and very detailed descriptions.Very useful book for those who want to discover something more about mushrooms.

I absolutely loved this little book! The pictures were very whimsical while also being informative enough to use. I was actually able to identify two species using this! I also really love the little “how to” with the different species

This is a good reference book filled with beautiful illustrations of cool mushrooms. Additionally, since it's written by a chef, there's good recipe/cooking tips on how to use some of these mushrooms, It is aimed hard at the Pacific Northwest, so it's not nationally applicable, but it was still a nice guide.