Forest Euphoria

Forest Euphoria presents lots of information about many different organismseels, slugs, fungi, and more. Which facts were most interesting to you? Which were most surprising?

The idea of "queer ecology" applies to life-forms with sexual behaviors and genders outside a binary, but Forest Euphoria also examines fields of science that are underfunded or understudied, habitats (like swamps or prairies) that are seen as undesirable, the ability of other organisms to appreciate beauty and experience desire, and more. How does this all fit under the umbrella of "queer ecology"?

Did this book make you reconsider something-an animal, a plant, a place, even a concept—you thought you understood? What was it? Did this reconsideration lead you to any new questions?

Patty writes about finding acceptance as a child in the woods, in places she couldn't be seen, with creatures who didn't judge her. As an adult, her studies of queer ecology help her understand her own identity. When have you found belonging in nature? What lessons did you learn?

Considering the bowerbird, Patty writes that any bower that could attract her would need to include purple—and that, after the collapse of a bad relationship, she focused on creating her own bower, where she felt safe. What are the things that you like to have around you to feel happy? To feel safe?

A sit spot is a place in nature that you make a habit of visiting and observing. Would you consider adopting a sit spot? Where would it be? What behaviors and skills would you need to practice there?

Forest Euphoria is a memoir of sorts, weaving the story of Patty's life and studies with explorations of the natural world. Did you find any parts of her story particularly moving or memorable? Did those moments illuminate the science writing-or did the science give you a different perspective on her life?

The idea of magic comes up repeatedly in the book—that things we take for granted, like the diversity of other organisms or the mechanism of evolution or the workings of our bodies, are wondrous and precious. What other things might seem magical if we paused and looked closer?

How is the idea of "home" treated in Forest Euphoria? What is the difference between the places we live and the places our ancestors lived and the places we visit? What do you think Patty means when she describes "becoming queer to place" (as a corollary of Robin Wall Kimmerer's "becoming indigenous to place")?

Patty describes the idea that the human world and the natural world are separate as "a wedge plunged into an imaginary crevice." In what ways are they the same? Why do you think humans try to see them as different?