Book Review: The Beekeeper’s Lament
On one of Santa Barbara’s warm, almost-Spring days, spending some time in my favorite book store, I noticed a book that fit right in with our newsletter this month.
It was The Beekeeper’s Lament, by award winning journalist Hannah Nordhaus. Even if you have never thought about the plight of the American honeybee, this book will get your attention. Nordhaus tells the story of John Miller, a well-known migratory beekeeper, and the many complicated epidemics threatening the honeybee population. Nordhaus discusses the important role that honeybees play in American agribusiness, the maintenance of our food chain, and the very future of the nation.
Through Nordhaus’ clear storytelling, we see John Miller, who moves his hives around the country, bringing millions of bees to farmers lacking natural pollinators. As the deadly epidemic known as Colony Collapse Disorder devastates bee populations around the world, Miller forges ahead. The Beekeeper’s Lament tells his story and that of his bees, in a complex and unforgettable way. As you sit near your garden, sipping your Pinky’s Paloma and snacking your honeyed feta, take a moment to listen for…bees?
Photo Credit: Image via HarperCollins Publishers
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