Rare Reads
Book of the Month
The Serviceberry: An Economy of Gifts and Abundance
Robin Wall Kimmerer
“I have no claim to these berries, and yet here they are in my bucket, a gift.”
When Robin Wall Kimmerer drops serviceberries into her pail, she is overcome with gratitude for the entire web of existence that brought these sweet berries to her. For Kimmerer, the natural world offers a new way of looking at ourselves; instead of relying on an extractive, individualistic market economy, can we begin to shift to community-focused gift economies? If market economies are here to stay, how can we reframe our mindset to invite abundance, gratitude, and reciprocity into our daily lives?
Discussion questions:
- When we reframe our thinking about the natural world to see natural resources as “gifts” instead of commodities, Kimmerer says, our relationship with nature changes. Why is this the case? What are some ways to ensure that change is lasting?
- Kimmerer argues that strong community ties and a deep connection to the land can prevent the overexploitation of shared resources seen in the “Tragedy of the Commons” scenario. Do you think humans are inherently driven towards cooperation or competition?
- At Rare, fishing and farming communities create shared resources through mechanisms like Marine Access + Reserves (MA+R) and Savings Clubs. How do these exemplify the tenets of a gift economy? Is it possible to take from the Earth and still be considered a “gift” economy?
- Kimmerer shows us how gift economies can work alongside the market economy, and she uses various examples throughout the book (public libraries, sharing with your neighbor, etc.). What are some examples of a gift economy in your own life? How do you feel when you participate in a gift economy instead of a market economy?
Rare stories related to the book:
🐟 Video – Upholding Palau’s “Bul” system for sustainable fisheries
🌱 New mayors network in Colombia to promote sustainable agriculture, food security
🐦⬛ The return of the birds
Be the first to know what we’re reading. Subscribe to Rare Reads today!
Sign me up for occasional emails to learn more about Rare’s work and how I can support its mission. I know I can unsubscribe at any time.
Previously Featured Books
Use the scrollbar below the books to see the full shelf. Click on a book below to check it out.
Recommend a book
Have a book in mind that we should feature? Let us know!