Originally published in Italian, it is much appreciated that this book was swiftly translated into English. This is a fun read from a well established botanist whose passion for plants is palpable. A short book, full of vivid images and printed in thick, glossy pages, it expounds some of the unique qualities of plants in nine brief chapters. Interestingly, each chapter also incorporates possible technological applications of plant biology, although some are clearly practicable while others a bit more wishful. This account is written from a very personal perspective, where the author’s voice, perspective and humor are prominent. That is all welcome, but on the flip side, his research projects are also unabashedly emphasized, which can make the book feel self-promoting at times.
Additionally, readers should be aware that the book is strong on general ideas but flimsy on the science. This is a shame as some of the concepts are truly fascinating (ability of plants to remember past environmental challenges or to respond to changes in gravity), so a bit more substance would have been welcome. This is particularly important here as the author is also a “plant neurobiologist”, and as such has unconventional (and controversial) views on how plants interact with the environment, namely that they can store “memories” or use electrical signals to coordinate responses. Unfamiliar notions of this nature are always better served with ample evidence to avoid misleading the readers.
