Special pre-release event for crow-admirers (and anyone who loves the Earth)!
Ashland author Bruce McConnell explores “Crows Calling: An Inspiring Journey into our Better Natures,” his uplifting novel about our relationships with the natural world and each other in the face of climate change.
“A parable of wisdom and kindness told through the eyes of the living world.” —Paul Hawken
Earth’s animals are fed up with humanity’s mindless damage to our common home. Will a young girl and her family heed their call?
Ten-year-old Luz sets out on an overnight camping trip, accompanied by her spiritual mentor. Peering through a canopy of California redwoods, Luz witnesses a council of animals confronting the menace of climate change. Led by a lustrous—and talkative—crow named Koro, the animals weigh their options. Some, like Koro, want to collaborate with humans. Others doubt humanity’s good intentions. The conversation compels young Luz, innately in tune with the natural world, to fight passionately in its defense.
At once a work of fact-based activism and a moving coming-of-age, “Crows Calling” immerses the reader in a richly drawn family and community who, despite their differences, decide to dedicate their lives to the care of Grandmother Earth. They are not alone. Rather, they are accompanied by a colorful cast of savvy planimals—trees, coyotes, chickens, and even lichens—with long memories and ancient ways of healing.
Some damage cannot be undone. Natural disasters, public apathy, and greed threaten everything that Luz and her friends are working for. Can the cross-species alliance find unity and resolve the climate crisis?
Bruce McConnell is an agile shapeshifter, having flourished as a poet, roofer, artist-blacksmith, engineer, tenor, consultant, national security official, non-profit executive, and peacemaker. He sings in the Rogue Valley Peace Choir.
