Explore humanity’s connection to nature with this curated list of books about nature. From nature poetry, philosophical prose, and science-based works, to Regency Era romances and murder mysteries that explore the natural world, this list of books about nature has a book recommendation for nature lovers of all kinds.

Holy the Firm
by Annie Dillard
IN A NUTSHELL. Beautiful philosophical reflections on life and nature
SHORT & SIMPLE. The author reflects on life and the nature surrounding her on an island in Puget Sound.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read beautiful, philosophical prose about nature.
A brief but beautifully dense read, Holy The Firm is the kind of book about nature that you can read again and again. The prose in this book is so beautiful it borders on poetry. In Holy The Firm, Dillard explores deep questions about life while interacting with the natural world on an island in Puget Sound. Readers looking for a beautifully written piece of fiction with a deep connection to nature and a philosophical bent will love this book about nature.
nonfiction
The Peace of Wild Things
by Wendell Berry
IN A NUTSHELL. Poetry about nature
SHORT & SIMPLE. A beautiful collection of poetry about nature from a renowned author and environmentalist.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read poetry about nature.
The Peace of Wild Things is collection of poems from well-known environmentalist and author Wendell Berry. You may recognize Berry’s name from his famous essay, “Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer.” A beautiful collection of nature-based poetry, this is the perfect choice for those looking for a poetry book about nature.
poetry
The Naturalist: A Traditional Regency Romance
by Christina Dudley
IN A NUTSHELL. Historical fiction romance about a female naturalist
SHORT & SIMPLE. A female naturalist in Regency Era England disguises herself as a man to land a job, but then begins to fall for her work companion.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read historical fiction about nature.
The Naturalist is the first in a six-book series of Regency Era romance novels. Protagonist Alice is a budding scientist and naturalist in a society that views her work as improper for her gender. She disguises herself as a man to get a job working with a naturalist, but is met with a quandary when she begins to develop romantic feelings for man she works for. This is a well-written fun read for those looking for a fictional romance about nature or historical fiction about nature.
fiction + romance + historical fiction
Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit
by Lyanda Lynn Haupt
IN A NUTSHELL. Explore the spiritual interconnectedness of humanity and nature through science
SHORT & SIMPLE. Learn about what science says about nature and humanity’s connection and how a deeper connection with nature can enhance your spirituality.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read a scientific book about nature that also addresses humanity’s spiritual connection to nature.
Rooted is a beautiful book about the interconnectedness of human life and nature. Through the lens of science and spirituality, the author invites readers to acknowledge and deepen their connection with the natural world. A great read for those interested in a science-based book about nature that is also full of heart.
nonfiction + science
Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
IN A NUTSHELL. Murder mystery about neglected and abandoned girl who finds solace in nature
SHORT & SIMPLE. In the small North Carolina town where she lives, Kya is known as the “Marsh Girl.” Abandoned by her family as a child, Kya has sustained herself with her connection to nature, but now she’s been accused of murder.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you’re looking for an enthralling fictional book about nature.
Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing is a fascinating murder mystery and exploration of alienation and judgement in a small town, but where the novel really shines is in its beautiful descriptions of the natural world and it’s ability to draw readers into the connection the protagonist feels to nature. A great choice for readers looking for a fictional story about nature and its ability to sustain the human spirit.
fiction + mystery + romance