ASWSUG: Cougs Get Lit-erary – Braiding Sweetgrass
About the event
November’s Read: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer draws on her scientific knowledge and her heritage as an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to offer a radically different approach to understanding nature. She explores how Indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge can complement each other in our relationship with the natural world. Through beautiful storytelling, Kimmerer weaves together her roles as scientist, mother, and Indigenous woman to show how the awakening of ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world.
This profound and lyrical work invites readers to consider what it means to be human in relationship with nature, offering lessons in gratitude, reciprocity, and the gift economy that could transform how we live. Braiding Sweetgrass challenges us to see the natural world not as a resource to be exploited, but as a teacher and relative deserving of our respect and care.
Ready to get lit-erary with your fellow Cougs? Join us for our November book discussion as we dive into this beautiful exploration of Indigenous wisdom, ecology, and our relationship with the natural world. This month’s theme is Food & Friends, so bring your favorite snack, meal, or beverage to enjoy while we discuss this thought-provoking book together. Let’s nourish both our bodies and minds as we explore Kimmerer’s powerful message about gratitude and reciprocity.
Five FREE digital copies via Kindle for eligible students who register first (*restrictions apply). Missed the deadline this month? No worries—you’re still welcome to join with your own copy!
Deadline for FREE eBook via Kindle: October 31, 2025
*Restrictions
The free book offer is only available to students who pay Global S&A fees and are enrolled at WSU Global Campus. If you don’t meet these criteria, you’re still invited to participate, but you’ll need to obtain your own copy.
Attendance Policy: Students who have registered and received 2 free books but fail to attend either of those meetings may lose eligibility to receive free books in the future. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Registration: If you don’t secure a free book, registration remains open until the event date.
Financial Aid Disclaimer: Students receiving any prizes, gifts, cash, gift cards, etc., because of their student standing may see a placeholder put on their financial aid offer to reflect the value of materials received or reimbursement amounts. If you have concerns, you may contact Global Campus Student Financial Services at global.financialaid@wsu.edu.