Book Review: The Legacy of Luna

By Julia Butterfly
Reviewed by Bill London
from the April 2003 Newsletter

Remember the story of Julia Butterfly Hill, the young woman who lived atop a giant California redwood for two full years in order to save that tree? She climbed down from her tree, in December of 1999, only after the timberland corporation owners signed an agreement to never cut that tree—an ancient forest matriarch named Luna.

That same Julia Butterfly wrote a book about her experience. The book is entitled “The Legacy of Luna,” and you owe it to your best self (the part of you that believes that a single person can make a difference, that dreams can come true, and that purity of spirit is important) to read this book.

Not another repetitive Earth First! babble, her story is so well-written that the passion and the circumstances melt in engaging prose. Her two years in that tree were filled with danger and anguish. She was pelted with huge windstorms that drove hail, snow, and rain into every crevice. She was hounded by helicopter fly-bys so close that the prop-winds shattered branches and scattered her tree-platform possessions. She was harassed by corporate goons who kept her awake for weeks with loud noises and chainsaws.

The book really is about how she sustained her faith. How she drew strength from Luna, in a communication of spirit that would make any Druid proud. How she held on, focused on her goal, despite immense obstacles. It is an amazing tale, told with honesty, humor, and above all, love.

“The Legacy of Luna” is available at the Moscow Public Library and local bookstores. Be sure to get the 2001 second printing that contains the new afterward update section.

Bill London edits this newsletter, has visited the magnificent redwoods, and is renewed by books offering hope.

© Copyright on articles, recipes and images are jointly held by the Moscow Food Co-op and the respective contributors, except were otherwise noted.

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