Engaging blog-style dialogue from a practicing forager. The text is full of insightful and well-documented information about the world of edible and medicinal plants that grow wild in the streets, parks, forests, and fields of the Pacific Northwest. To me, the footnotes and resource lists were a vital part of the presentation because otherwise I'd been tempted, at times, to say: "That just can't be. It is beyond belief." Yet, she calls upon numerous experts in the fields of science, medicine, outdoor survival, and herbal healing to support and prove her assertions. Indeed, this book was packed with revelations and it was quite a quick read at only 192 pages. Don't expect any illustrations or photos though. Most pages have drawings of dandelions floating through the air, but those are decorative rather than vivid elements of the text.By the way, the "dandelion" in the title is a bit misleading. The book goes far beyond mere dandelion hunting. A more accurate title might be "Foraging for Survival in the Portland Oregon Environment." However, the title the publisher used is admittedly more universal, eye-catching, and colorful. Disclosure: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.This book was interesting in what plants are out there, even in cities, that you can forage for if you can identify them. I was disappointed there was not more information about actually identifying any of the plants though. And while it was interesting to learn how the author uses wild plants as medicine, there was no real evidence that any of it works, despite her distributing the "medicines" to friends.
What do You think about Dandelion Hunter: Foraging The Urban Wilderness (2013)?
heard this author on Destination DIY. I liked her and her way of taking people through Portland.
—kemi
Interesting, particularly appreciated the extended further reading section.
—stph
such a great read! I'm more inspired to get out and plant!
—ezmugs
