Trace
Trace
Book Brief
544
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Contemporary
•
Social Justice•
Science & Nature2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Trace by Lauret Savoy explores race and racism through geology, examining scars on the earth to form insights on colonialism and human societies. Through essays, Savoy, a Mount Holyoke College professor, traverses America to observe remnants of subjugated peoples, some sharing her multiracial heritage, linking human history and natural history to illustrate how the past shapes our present. Sensitive topics include racism, colonialism, and slavery.
Contemplative
Emotional
Mysterious
Melancholic
Informative
Reviews & Readership
1,375 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lauret Savoy's Trace has garnered acclaim for its lyrical prose, blending memoir with geologic and cultural history. Readers praise its depth, intricate storytelling, and reflective nature. Some critique it for its dense, academic language, which can be challenging. Overall, it's a thought-provoking exploration of identity, place, and history, resonating deeply with its audience.
Who Should Read Trace?
Readers who appreciate themes of environmental history and personal narrative will enjoy Trace by Lauret Savoy. Comparable to works like Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass and Terry Tempest Williams' Refuge, this book is ideal for those intrigued by the intersection of geography, memory, and identity.
1,375 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Trace: Memory, History, Race, and the American Landscape is an award-winning book that won the American Book Award in 2016, recognizing its impactful exploration of identity and history intertwined with geography.
Lauret Savoy, the author of Trace, is not only a writer but also a respected environmental studies and geology professor, bringing a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her work.
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The book was influenced by Savoy's diverse cultural heritage, which includes African American, Euro-American, and Native American ancestries, offering a rich, multifaceted approach to understanding the American landscape.
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544
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Contemporary
•
Social Justice•
Science & Nature2015
Adult
18+ years
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