All We Can Save: Book Review

A wealth of solutions from a diverse group of women on the frontlines of climate change

My career crush on Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson was in full swing when I heard about the release of this book. I pre-ordered a hard copy (proud #nerd ) and, as you can see, it is a well-loved book.

Full of stories from a diverse group of women, this anthology has something for every activist. It passes the mic to voices in government, Indigenous People, youth, and many other activists. The stories are written in various styles, promoting the important balance of emotion and reason in how we interact with the world and each other.

My personal favourites:

Wakanda Doesn't Have Suburbs, Kendra Pierre-Louis

Heaven or High Water, Sarah Miller

A Tale of Three Cities, Jainey K. Bavishi

Under the Weather, Ash Sanders

Solutions at Sea, Emily Stengel

There is also a collection of poems throughout the book. I admit, it has taken me my whole life to warm up to poetry. I'm a very literal person (apparently) and as a young child, I internalized some patriarchal values that I am still freeing myself from. The poems in this book gave me pause. They welcomed me into the genre of poetry and spoke to me on a different level. They tickled a new fancy. I am grateful.

My favourite poems in this book are:

Anthropocene Pastoral, Catherine Pierce

Being Human, Naima Penniman

Even if climate change isn't your thing, this book provides examples of how we can better listen and learn from each other and approach society's problems from a variety of angles; and that all are needed! Perhaps most importantly, it doesn't dwell on problems--most of us are already painfully informed about the various ways in which the world is ending. Rather, this book shows the many paths towards a better future.

All We Can Save is inspiring, empowering, and invigorating because it presents hope as a verb. You find hope in the work being done by others and the work you can contribute to similar meaningful, collective actions.

Have you read this book? What are your favourite stories/poems?

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