Treesong's Reading List

Left Bank Books

Left Bank Books is an independent bookstore offering a full line of books and services in the greater metropolitan area of St. Louis. They have community and cultural events at their two locations. When you use the Left Bank Books links on treesong.org, a portion of each sale supports Treesong in his volunteer work for ecological and social justice causes. If you want a book not listed on this page, click the Left Bank Books logo to search for it.

Recommended Reading

Hover your cursor over each book to see the personalized description/review (if any) I've written for that book. If you have a specific book in mind that's not on this list, use the Left Bank Books search engine to find what you need.

Politics, Economics, Ecology

The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition

 

This classic text by Starhawk explores the history of Goddess religions and their practice in the present day. The 20th Anniversary edition includes Starhawk's commentary and updates. This book is often used as a text in Wicca and Witchcraft 101 classes.

The Earth Path: Grounding Your Spirit in the Rhythms of Nature

 

This book by Starhawk helps you to deepen your spiritual path by reconnecting with the four elements, both as spiritual energies and literally through your connection with the air, fire, water, and soil.

The Fifth Sacred Thing

 

This classic work of fiction explores a future world in which society has collapsed and two cities — one utopian, the other dystopian — remain on the West Coast.

Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, and Politics

 

This is one of Starhawk's most personal explorations of political and spiritual empowerment. It includes rituals, stories, and reflections from her anti-nuclear, pro-peace, and feminist activism.

People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present

 

This comprehensive overview of U.S. history tells the tale of America from the perspective of "The People" — the Native Americans, the slaves, the indentured servants, the workers, the women, all of whom engage in an ongoing struggle for freedom in the "Land of the Free."

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
[Full Review]

 

The strength of this book, as I see it, is that it focuses on stories — personal stories of women who have been harmed by various forms of oppression, and personal stories of women who have successfully taken a stand against the challenges that face them.

Ecology: A Pocket Guide

 

This lovely little handbook offers easy-to-read explanations of basic ecological terms and concepts. It's an essential tool for anyone who loves the natural world but has little or no academic training in ecology. In fact, even people who do have that training can probably benefit from the concise and easy-to-read descriptions provided by the author.

Organizing for Social Change

 

I've only read excerpts of this, but I'm convinced of its importance for community organizers. If you're new to organizing, you may not be used to thinking about community involvement from a strategic perspective. This book walks the reader through strategies and tactics that have worked for other community organizers. They may work for you too!

The Ecology of Freedom: The Emergence and Dissolution of Hierarchy

 

Murray Bookchin was a lifelong advocate for revolutionary political (and ecological) change. His uncommon combination of sophisticated academic language and adamant political advocacy isn't for everyone. But if you're looking for an academic text on revolutionary theory, you've come to the right place.

The Politics of Social Ecology: Libertarian Municipalism

 

Murray Bookchin was a lifelong advocate for revolutionary political (and ecological) change. His uncommon combination of sophisticated academic language and adamant political advocacy isn't for everyone. But if you're looking for an academic text on revolutionary theory, you've come to the right place.

An Anarchist FAQ, Volume 1

 

This is by far the most comprehensive text on the history, philosophy, and practice of anarchism. The focus is on social anarchism, but it also explores various other historical tendencies within anarchism.

1984

 

This profound and chilling dystopian novel is a timeless classic that explores the nature of totalitarianism. When I read this as an adolescent, I was shocked, awakened, and genuinely confused by the lack of an uplifting resolution. It serves as a cautionary tale for all who are willing to let our freedoms be taken away bit by bit.

Animal Farm

 

This tale of revolution and betrayal serves as a cautionary tale. As we struggle against tyrants, we must ensure that we don't become tyrants ourselves.

The Wizard of Oz and Philosophy

 

Contributors to this book take a close look at "The Wizard of Oz" and ask tough questions about this wonderful tale. Can someone possess a virtue without knowing it? Was the realm of Oz really the dream, or was Kansas? Why does water melt the Wicked Witch of the West? Why does Toto seem to know what the other characters can't seem to figure out? The articles included tackle these questions and more, encouraging readers to have discussions of their own.

Spirituality & Religion

The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition

 

This classic text by Starhawk explores the history of Goddess religions and their practice in the present day. The 20th Anniversary edition includes Starhawk's commentary and updates. This book is often used as a text in Wicca and Witchcraft 101 classes.

The Earth Path: Grounding Your Spirit in the Rhythms of Nature

 

This book by Starhawk helps you to deepen your spiritual path by reconnecting with the four elements, both as spiritual energies and literally through your connection with the air, fire, water, and soil.

The Fifth Sacred Thing

 

This classic work of fiction explores a future world in which society has collapsed and two cities — one utopian, the other dystopian — remain on the West Coast.

Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, and Politics

 

This is one of Starhawk's most personal explorations of political and spiritual empowerment. It includes rituals, stories, and reflections from her anti-nuclear, pro-peace, and feminist activism.

Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions

American Gods

Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes

Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field

Light Emerging: The Journey of Personal Healing

Evolutionary Witchcraft

Fiction

Dies the Fire

Watchmen

American Gods

The Mists of Avalon

The Fifth Sacred Thing

 

This classic work of fiction explores a future world in which society has collapsed and two cities — one utopian, the other dystopian — remain on the West Coast.

Ecstasy Club

1984

 

This profound and chilling dystopian novel is a timeless classic that explores the nature of totalitarianism. When I read this as an adolescent, I was shocked, awakened, and genuinely confused by the lack of an uplifting resolution. It serves as a cautionary tale for all who are willing to let our freedoms be taken away bit by bit.

Animal Farm

 

This tale of revolution and betrayal serves as a cautionary tale. As we struggle against tyrants, we must ensure that we don't become tyrants ourselves.

Miscellaneous

Naked Chocolate: The Astonishing Truth About The World's Greatest Food

 

Did you know that chocolate is a health food? This lovely book explores the history, health properties, and recipes of Naked Chocolate. Chocolate has a bad reputation because it's usually mixed with high amounts of milk and sugar. When prepared properly, however, chocolate is a delight for your taste buds, your body, and your spirit!