Five novels for the Earth-loving reader

Sometimes, reality calls for a pause. There are only so many headlines and everyday demands that us 21st century-ers can take before needing to unplug and touch some grass. As bookworms, we often choose to escape into a beautifully crafted fictional world every once in a while. 

For the imaginative, eco-conscious reader, there’s a wealth of fiction out there that celebrates the beauty of our planet. Whether you're seeking inspiration, solace, or a reminder of Earth’s wonders, these five books will transport and inspire you.

A unique telling of change, humanity, and our Earthly connection.

North Woods ruined rocks for me. Before reading it, I mindlessly collected pretty rocks from the beach. I never thought about everything that had to happen for my new rock and I to come together at that moment. Now, whenever I find a nice beach rock, I’m left wondering about the rock’s story. Who was the last person to find this rock? What did they use it for? It could’ve been a kid halfway across the world who threw it into a river 500 years ago. Or maybe someone picked it up at a park, put it in their pocket, and dropped it at the beach 15 minutes ago. Perhaps I’m the first person to ever touch this rock in its millions of years of existence. Whatever the case, I’ll never look at rocks the same again.

Daniel Mason illustrates this idea much more eloquently in North Woods, a historical fiction novel depicting our inseparable connection to the natural world. The story centers around a single plot of land and its various inhabitants over hundreds of years. North Woods is told in twelve parts to represent the seasons, reminding us that time waits for no one. People, animals, and plant species come and go, but not before leaving their respective marks. As humans, we often think of ourselves as separate from nature; there are trees, wildlife, and weather, and then there’s us. North Woods reinforces that we are nature (in an engaging, fun way, of course).

One big, beautiful tree metaphor.

Greenwood is all about trees: Douglas fir trees, maple trees, family trees, you name it. It’s also a multigenerational story of a not-so-traditional family. You enter the narrative in a dystopian future of sorts, working backward in time and then forward, like the rings of a tree. Told through four generations of Greenwoods, Michael Christie demonstrates the complexities of family relationships, the resiliency of our world against imminent threats, and how individual action shapes the collective both familially and environmentally. 

If you’re looking for a true eco-parable, Greenwood is for you. It’s rich in tree metaphors and climate change allegory. And like the Canadian wilderness it takes place in, it’s a dense but captivating read. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be hugging a tree and your family members by the end.

A quirky tale for tree huggers

Sometimes, you just need a delightful read that’s not too heavy or deep. Italo Calvino’s The Baron in the Trees is perfect if you're looking for a whimsical escape. 

Set in eighteenth-century Italy, our main character, Cosimo, is a self-imposed exile from a noble family. What started as a preteen tantrum turned into a lasting lifestyle—he climbed into the trees at his father’s estate when he was twelve and never came down. This tale of one man’s remarkable relationship with the forest is chock-full of quirk and charm and serves as a reminder to live life authentically. While The Baron in the Trees is lighthearted, this story has plenty of deeper meaning. 

Wintry fairy tale meets poignant human emotions 

A pristine and unforgiving landscape, a fox companion, and a resilient girl who learns to live with the elements instead of against them; The Snow Child will delight your inner fairy-tale-loving child while pulling on your adult heartstrings. 

Eowyn Ivey brings a Russian folktale to life while exploring themes of grief and survival in The Snow Child. Set in the scarcely inhabited Alaskan wilderness during the 1920s, the brutally brilliant snowscape is real-life magic with heartbreakingly human elements. An aging couple moves to rural Alaska for a fresh start after years of infertility, but the demands of life on a farm quickly shatter any rose-colored notion of a simple, picturesque life. They meet a girl under mysterious circumstances, and the ensuing story paints a vivid picture of the breathtaking Alaskan winters and human emotion.

The mother of world-building 

The Lord of the Rings isn’t rooted in reality like the other novels on our list. But I can’t, in good conscience, write an article about Earth-centric novels and not include Middle Earth. The intricate details, mapping, and endless lore make LOTR the world-building blueprint. Tolkien created a masterful world intentionally inspired by our Earth. While fictional, it’s sure to spark an appreciation for your own corner of the world. 

Plus, who doesn’t love a movie marathon post-read? Of our five novels, The Lord of the Rings has the bonus of its 17-time Academy Award-winning film adaptions. There’s a reason this story’s film set continues to attract visitors over 20 years after the first movie’s release; in addition to the stunning New Zealand vistas, much of the film’s scenery was practically achieved without computer-generated imagery.

Diving into fictional worlds can ease the weight of ours. Whether you’re drawn to tales of resilience, whimsy, or environmental caution, each of these stories offers a meaningful reminder of our shared connection to the Earth. As adults, it’s important to exercise your imagination, so grab a book, find a cozy spot under a tree or by a big window, and let these stories inspire your inner Earth-lover.