As the seasons shift, we invite you to slow down, connect, and dive into a great book. We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Leaf by Leaf, a book club inspired by the rhythms of nature, the power of storytelling, and the joy of gathering together.

How It Works

Our book club will meet four times a year, aligning with the changing of the seasons. Our first meeting will be on Arbor Day – Friday, April 25th at 6pm! It’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the stories we’ve read and the connections we’ve made.

Each gathering will be an in-person event, where we’ll enjoy appetizers, drinks, and lively discussion about our selected book. But this isn’t just about analyzing pages, we want to build community and get to know one another over shared stories, both in books and in life.

Join Us Virtually!

Can’t make it in person? No problem! We’re offering an optional Zoom so you can still join the discussion, share your insights, and connect with the group no matter where you are. Whether you’re out of town, cozy at home, or just prefer a virtual seat at the table, we’d love to have you Zoom into our seasonal gatherings and be part of the conversation.

Stay Connected Online

While we’ll meet in-person and on Zoom seasonally, the conversation won’t stop there! We’ll have an online community through our Facebook group, where we can:

• Share insights while we read
• Ask questions and spark discussions
• Review the book once we’ve finished
• Get to know each other beyond our in-person meetups

This way, whether you’re reading curled up by a winter fire or lounging in the summer sun, you can stay engaged with the group, deepening both your reading experience and your friendships.

What to Expect

• A diverse selection of books – Each season, we’ll read books that celebrate the natural world, from stories about trees and forests to thought-provoking books on the environment, sustainability, and our connection to nature. Whether fiction or nonfiction, each book will inspire us to think more deeply about the world around us.
• A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere – Whether you’re a casual reader or a bookworm, this club is about enjoying the journey together.
• Delicious food & drinks – Because no great conversation starts on an empty stomach!
• No Strings Attached – Life is busy, and we get it – sometimes you don’t finish the book, and that’s totally okay! Leaf by Leaf  is all about enjoying great reads and great company, with zero pressure.
  • Didn’t finish the book? Come anyway! You’ll still enjoy the discussion, and who knows, you might leave inspired to finish it later.
  • Listened to the audiobook? That absolutely counts! However you take in the story is up to you.
  • Can’t make every meet-up? No problem – we’re happy to have you whenever works for your schedule! 
  • Just want to hang out and hear what others think? Come on by!

This book club is about community, connection, and curiosity – no reading guilt allowed. So grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join the conversation at whatever level works for you!

RSVP!

First Meetup Date: Friday, April 25th at 6pm (Arbor Day!) 

Location: Spring Grove Nursery, 106 E. Spring Rd. Mazon, IL 

Book: The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben

Let us know if you can make it! RSVP here

Stay Connected

Join our Facebook group to stay in the loop, and let’s turn the page on this exciting new adventure!

Follow Us on Goodreads! Want to read along with Leaf by Leaf and keep track of our book selections? Join us on Goodreads, where you can:

• See what we’re reading next
• Share your thoughts & reviews
• Discover related books about nature, trees, and the environment
• Connect with fellow book lovers

Let’s read and grow together!

Our First Book Selection Summary

“In The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben shares his deep love of woods and forests and explains the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in the woodland and the amazing scientific processes behind the wonders of which we are blissfully unaware. Much like human families, tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, and support them as they grow, sharing nutrients with those who are sick or struggling and creating an ecosystem that mitigates the impact of extremes of heat and cold for the whole group. As a result of such interactions, trees in a family or community are protected and can live to be very old. In contrast, solitary trees, like street kids, have a tough time of it and in most cases die much earlier than those in a group.

Drawing on groundbreaking new discoveries, Wohlleben presents the science behind the secret and previously unknown life of trees and their communication abilities; he describes how these discoveries have informed his own practices in the forest around him. As he says, a happy forest is a healthy forest, and he believes that eco-friendly practices not only are economically sustainable but also benefit the health of our planet and the mental and physical health of all who live on Earth.”