Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature

by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian

“An antidote to the loneliness of our species.”—ROBIN WALL KIMMERER

“A master class in how to love the world.”—MARGARET RENKL

A thrilling book about the abounding queerness of the natural world that challenges our expectations of what is normal, beautiful, and possible.

Growing up, Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian felt most at home in the swamps and culverts near her house in the Hudson Valley. A child who frequently felt out of place, too much of one thing or not enough of another, she found acceptance in these settings, among other amphibious beings. In snakes, snails, and, above all, fungi, she saw her own developing identities as a queer, neurodivergent person reflected back at her—and in them, too, she found a personal path to a life of science.

In Forest Euphoria, Kaishian shows us this making of a scientist and introduces readers to the queerness of all the life around us. Fungal species, we learn, commonly encompass more than two biological sexes—and some as many as twenty-three thousand. Some intersex slugs mutually fire calcium carbonate “love darts” at each other during courtship. Glass eels are sexually undetermined until their last year of life, a mystery that scientists once dubbed “the eel question.” Nature, Kaishian shows us, is filled with the unusual, the overlooked, and the marginalized—and they have lessons for us all.

Wide-ranging, richly observant, and full of surprises, Forest Euphoria will open your eyes and change how you look at the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Queer, LGBT, Memoir, Audiobook

255 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gifted me words for feelings that have remained vague and unnamed in my life. The practice of a “sit spot”, for example, and the experience of being “queer to a place.” The book also explored concepts that I crave reading about, like the joy of finding companionship with creatures that are sometimes a lil too much on the tiny side or the slimy side or the scary side of things to really get much loving attention from humans. These creatures are often disregarded, ignored, or treated with violence and disrespect, but Ononiwu Kaishian treats them with the reverence they deserve. I also appreciate how Kaishian emphasizes the necessity of applying Indigenous Traditional Knowledge to our daily lives. These are topics I will never get tired of reading about. Especially in these times when interrelationality is a most urgent medicine. In fact, this whole book was a comfort, a joy, and a revelation in the face of pain and grief. The author discusses the legacy that genocide and colonization leave behind. She faces the repercussions of trauma and of feeling othered. All the while, nature provides refuge and relationship that she demonstrates we can all reach out to for strength and wonder in difficult times. I am so grateful for this book and will be referring to it for years to come, I am sure. Anytime I am hungry for some fascinating facts about our wild neighbors, or anytime I am eager to remember I am not alone (and that none of us are, not in the slightest).

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the e-arc!

[Lizzie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely read. Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian is a mycologist with a way of connecting with the natural world reminiscent of Robin Wall Kimmerer. I am a MAJOR fan of fungus and of queerness, and this book had a lot of both. I loved the reflections on the multiple ways sex and gender exist in nature, with some flowers moving through different genders throughout their lifetimes. It is so important that queerness is one of the most natural ways of being and that the idea that there are only two binary sexes is a very limiting way of viewing the world which doesn't align with the biological reality of many species. I especially resonated with the concept of sit spots in this book - I have been a passionate user of iNaturalist and love noticing how the life in my neighborhood changes over the seasons, but hadn't considered choosing just one spot to return to again and again. I will definitely be incorporating that into my practice. Nature teaches us that change is the only constant and that nothing - loss or bounty - lasts forever. May we all be more open to seeing what comes next and to being more present in what is.

4.5 stars.

Thanks so much to Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian and Spiegel & Grau for this ARC through NetGalley. Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queernesss of Nature will be out May 27th, 2025. Preorder it now!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forest Euphoria by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, thanks to the summary I was led to believe this book was about homosexual and multi gendered species in nature but what we got instead is a biography of a queer scientist who grew up in New York State. her love for nature started at a young age even snakes were like neighbors she didn’t know but saw frequently enough she waived at them on her way to school. She swam with nature and that is where she got to know herself something that would be an evolving process throughout her life until today. she told us about transgender fungi mushrooms eels and so much more. Although this wasn’t the book I thought I would be reading and I am not a big fan of autobiographies or biographies this one was OK. I am no way shape or form believe she swam with the very deadly copperhead snakes as she stated in her book and found some of what she wrote to be a little woo woo but everything about the germs and the fungus and other things we’re very interesting. I’m not saying she isn’t a reliable narrator I just think anyone who feels comfortable enough to swim in a lake with copperhead snakes may need psychiatric assistance. I think if you like biographies in autobiographies mixed with the little scientific fact then you will definitely enjoy this book I thought it was OK and totally worth recommending.#NetGalley, #SpiegelAndGrowl, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,#PatriciaOnoniwuKaishian , #ForestEuphoria,

[Tori DeFazio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a nonfiction novel while instead Forest Euphoria is a true memoir with some science, animal facts, and queerness thrown in. I preferred the elements of this book that spoke about the queerness of nature- especially the fact that scientific research is formulated in a way that promotes binary beliefs (ie: queer scientific observations are not included in studies due to political and societal pressures). I did not enjoy the memoir aspect of this book. 3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook Forest Euphoria.

[Ali Lloyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

What was marketed and described by the author as a book with scientific evidence and examples of queerness in various facets of nature (animals, fungi, microbial, plants) was instead a self-serving memoir (often of psychedelic romps)? The most interesting and informative section of the book was the mini-bio of Mary Banning, a 19th-century mycologist. I just kept hoping the author would dive into a little more of the ecology or microbiology of the subjects, rather than jumping to some abstract personal story. Most of the evidence kinda felt like claims with little basis, or maybe over assumptions, at least, there was not much support, research?? Read like a bad memoir with questionable fun facts. There are just so many examples of this "queerness in nature", I would expect the author, a biologist herself, to ask some bigger questions and propose some new concepts—rather than like listing fun facts and traumatic stories??

[Alisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an ARC of this book*

This book is exceptionally unique and blends memoir with interesting stories and nature and its queerness. It truly does illustrate how we are all interconnected beings. The last third of the book went a bit slowly for me, but the writing itself is great.

As someone who also feels a strong connection to where I grew up and my ancestral history, there were many aspects of this book that just hit right for me. This book may not be for everyone, especially if you are looking for a book only about mycology or a straightforward memoir.

I would love to see the queerness of nature explored even more.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

nature is very very queer, and so are people :) *


* to be clear, this is a memoir/autobiography. do not go into this thinking it will be directly about nature in regards to gender and sex, it touches on it but is not the focus.

[Emrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Absolutely adored the exploration of queer natures here, from eel reproduction to miniature fungi to the questions brought up by the author. Will be recommending this book to anyone interested in the intersection of nature and culture, as well as anyone interested in personal essays which involve scientific facts. So pleased to get to read this before publication! Was a quick read, too—the voice is highly compelling.

[Nico B · Rating 5 out of 5]

My understanding of myself and the world has been changed irrevocably. The weaving of multiple disciplines, the reverence for life, and expansion of "normal" are so needed in this moment. We are not as separate as we fear. This work is a beautiful balm.

[K.C. Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply life-affirming, gentle, sensitive, timeless.

[Katy Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, mind expanding read. Mixing both autobiography, the experience of queer life and the natural history of animals, plants, fungi and birds, I found this incredibly moving. I was worried that it might be too scientific for me, but it was engaging, easy to read without dumbing down and gorgeously engaging.

[Bookshire Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read! A blend of natural science, personal narrative and philosophy.

Pick this up if you want:
- an affirmation that nature is full of queerness
- a passionate defense of community, companionship, cohabitation and cooperation
- a critique of biased science based on competition and hierarchy (with humans on top)
- a soothing guide how to be present in nature and notice more of life around you
- a wealth of fascinating facts about fungi, snakes, corvids, insects and other often overlooked animals
- a relatable memoir of a queer mycologist

I hope it will be also available as an audiobook, it would be a lovely companion for walks.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

[toriannereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot of fun facts about fungi that I will be spouting off for the next several weeks. Unfortunately, the actual memoir parts were less enjoyable. The writing is beautiful but a lot of it felt artificially deep and in the end it really didn’t add much to the overall experience.

Still fun and now I’m inspired to find another book to explore more fungi lore.

[Jill Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. I wish I could have Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian read everything to me. I want this book to be a never-ending encyclopedia.

The main topic of this book was definitely the queerness of nature. Kaishian emphasized and celebrated the ambiguity and fluidity of nature, providing a number of examples within species (slipper snails, eels, fungi, etc). It challenged the concept of binaries and human exceptionalism, and argued that queerness is not just a human idea. Queerness is actually a crucial and fundamental part of nature.

It was so refreshing to hear Kaishian's experience with finding companions within forest creatures, regardless of their appearance (slimy, squishy, scary, hairy). As a forester, I have found new love for all of these creatures, but this book provided me with a totally different lens.

This book had a little bit of a lot of information. We spoke about forest creatures, the queerness and fluidity of nature, and even the legacy and trauma that colonization and genocide leave on our us, our behavior and societies, and even our ecosystems. However, throughout all that, nature continues to provide safety and refuge. The author also included the idea of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge into our daily lives, which was refreshing to hear, and I am eager to start this.

Lastly, the idea of a "sit spot" is WONDERFUL, especially when you bring in the experience of being "queer to a place".

[LD · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book kills apathy. this book made my brain explode with understanding, curiosity, joy, anger and motivation. i love a book that blends a nonfiction topic with memoir/personal essay elements, it really speaks to my anthropologist's desire to dive into positionality when discussing the sciences & this book does that beautifully. it discusses a surprising variety of topics from snail sex to william shatner in a meandering format that really worked for me. i want all my friends and loved ones to read this book and have a peek into my mind. i feel rejuvenated tbh.

[Randi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This... wasn't really what I was expecting this book to be. Like, I knew it had memoir elements going in, but I didn't think it was actually a MEMOIR + diary (and I mean literal diary entries) with some nature facts sprinkled in. I thought this was going to be an examination of nature through the lens of queerness, not the examination of the author's queerness and talk pieces about 4-5 species that she relates to as a queer person?

Some of the species she touches on are... really thinly grasped when it comes to the theme. Example: Crows. She describes them as queer adjacent because they're... maligned socially? Like some people consider them bad luck etc. Same with cicadas, which she attributes queerness to because they live in brooding cycles and that they live in "community time" rather than clock time or capitalism time. I... am fairly certain more groups of people than just queer people also practice the idea of "community time", but whatever. It's a reach.

So the real points of this book are:
- Affirming the author's queerness
- Doing shrooms is life affirming and never has consequences
- Cis het white men ruin objective science
- Prisoner sympathy
- Armenian Genocide generational trauma
- Might as well read a Robin Wall Kimmerer book because she's name dropped so much. Seriously

Anyway, I think this could've been good if it actually like 1) had a coherent narrative structure and 2) had far less purple prose. The misleading promotional blurb really did not help it in this case.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both a natural history meditation and a personal memoir. However despite this seeming division, it is fitting that this book queers that binary and in doing so exemplifies the brilliant and deep thinking that is present within these pages. The book argues that queer ecology recognizes that divisions or boxes are often human constructs, and that Nature exists in a jubilant, interconnected web of relationships that allows for the expansion of definitions. Moreover Dr. Kaishian shows that the very constructs that exist to bin nature are often closely tied to hierarchies - be they Linnaean, capitalistic, or racial - and the lines among those categories are themselves blurred). This book is at times deeply personal and I admit I wasn't really ready for that, but the revelations about trauma (personal, inter-generational or ecological) are handled with care. In fact, much of the book shows how being in Nature is a form of healing, and that being part of Nature opens up avenues for multi-directional healing. I greatly enjoyed this and am happy to place it among some of the best nature focused writing of the 2020s

[Angyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part, I enjoyed this. Forest Euphoria is part memoir, part nature & science based informational read. I was excited to pick this one up due to the subtitle: The Abounding Queerness of Nature, though it was a bit different from what I was expecting. I appreciated some moments within the book, and overall resonate with the message the author is seeking to put out there. That we are all one with nature, there is no “human vs. nature” because the word encompasses us all. The author shares a lot of heartfelt moments within the writing and details the ways in which they seek nature in order to find a place of belonging, especially as a queer person of color living in the U.S.
Since this was a little different from what I expected it to be, it was a pretty average read in accordance with my personal tastes. However, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this as I’m sure it's one in which the messaging will speak to a lot of readers. I’d recommend this to people who struggle with feeling like they belong, especially those that are part of a minority group, and who have a deep connection and interest in all pieces of nature.

[Rachel Fishman · Rating 4 out of 5]

can’t stop talking about this one

[Annapurna Holtzapple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately my favorite book … ever? Robin Wall Kimmerer x Barbara Kingsolver x Mary Oliver writing styles merged, delicious, but definitely a memoir and not a non-fiction sci/ecology book

[Gabriel Peterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not what the title says it is. It’s mostly a memoir, not nature/science. It did have a few interesting facts, but not enough to constitute the title and summary that made me buy the damn book. Also, I lost some respect for the author when they informed us they made a promise to get a neglected scientist’s (Mary Elizabeth Banning’s) unseen work published for her, hasn’t, and instead I am holding a half autobiography of Kaishian?

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forest Euphoria offers a thoughtful and underutilized approach to understanding the natural world through the lens of queer theory. Rather than centering queerness solely as a form of identity, the book draws on queer theory's broader critical lens (its questioning of binaries, categorizations, and norms) to reconsider how we think about species, sex, behavior, and biology. Slugs, eels, fungi, and other organisms become entry points into a conversation about the instability of categories we often treat as fixed and how the natural world more often defies than conforms to these rigid boundaries.

Early in the book, I was reminded of "Dr. Tatiana’s Sex Advice to All Creation", a show I first encountered in an undergraduate 'Biology of Sex' class that used humor and spectacle to highlight the diversity of sexual behavior in animals. However, I was glad to see that Forest Euphoria goes beyond simply presenting examples of “non-traditional” sexual morphology and behavior in the natural world. It offers deeper reflections on what these examples reveal about our broader understanding of nature and about ourselves. The author expands on these conversations and use queerness not only as a way to challenge normative ideas of sex and gender but as a critical tool for examining how scientific knowledge is produced; inviting readers to consider which kind of research receives funding, whose questions shape the field, what counts as legitimate data, and how systems of power, identity, and social norms influence the scientific process from within.

While Forest Euphoria succeeds in opening up critical conversations about how queerness can, and should, reshape our understanding of science and the natural world, it is ultimately a memoir that weaves the author’s personal experiences and identity as a queer person into the larger analytical framework. This personal lens is powerful in places, particularly when it brings emotional depth and vulnerability to topics that are often treated as detached or objective. But as the book progresses, the memoir component increasingly becomes the dominant mode, with the scientific and ecological material pushed into the background.

As this shift happens, the book introduces broader social issues such as colonization, capitalism, and genocide. These are undeniably important topics, and clearly significant to the author’s personal experience and interests. However, I found that as the book moved in this direction, it drifted somewhat from its central premise. Rather than integrating these themes into a cohesive dialogue connected to queerness and queer theory, the book tends to present them as separate reflections, with the links between them often left implicit or underdeveloped. This lack of connection results in a narrative that feels fragmented, with compelling ideas existing alongside one another but not fully engaging or illuminating each other. Still, these conversations are overshadowed by the memoir aspects, which I personally found difficult to connect with.

Stylistically, I found the book could have benefited from more structural elements (more chapters or subheadings) to break up the text and clearly delineate its different themes. As an educator, this would have made it easier for me to incorporate some of the non-memoir aspects into a classroom setting. Without these clear demarcations, however, it becomes difficult to separate the personal narrative from the broader discussions (which I think is likely what the author wanted), but complicates their use in an educational context. These structural elements may be present in the print version, but they were not apparent in the audiobook I listened to. Additionally, I think the audiobook would have benefited from a different narrator.

That said, a few sections of this book really stood out to me. For example, the discussion of indigeneity and how living, breathing, and dying within specific ecologies leaves “an imprint on behaviors, beliefs, and ways of thinking of that human collective” was particularly compelling as were the considerations regarding how language itself is shaped by the environments and cultures from which it emerges, highlighting the deep connections between place, identity, and our understanding of the world. I also appreciated the critique of ‘ecosystem services’ and the common equation of productivity with value, which raises important questions in environmental and social sciences.

Ultimately, this book is a welcome addition to the growing body of literature that illuminates important conversations and complex intersections of culture, science, nature, and knowledge production, challenging how we understand norms and structures. However, with the memoir elements becoming the dominant focus, the work feels more like a personal narrative framed by, rather than fully woven into, its original thematic aims.

TW: Child sexual abuse
The author’s mentions of their experience of childhood sexual abuse were presented without much warning or contextual framing. While these disclosures are no doubt significant to the author’s story, they emerge abruptly and may be distressing to readers who were not expecting to encounter such material in a book largely positioned as an exploration of the natural world. Additionally, I am concerned that the way this experience is presented could unintentionally reinforce harmful misconceptions, such as the idea that trauma shapes or alters sexual identity, an argument often used by conservative groups to at best delegitimize and at worst weaponize queer identities.

3.25 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Spiegel & Grau by Spotify Audiobooks, for sending this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Grace Fremuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technically , it should be 4.5 but only because the anthropology-major, mycophile in me already thinks about and agrees with a lot of the points she makes in this book. For someone who is newer to the ideas , it has 5 star potential. The best parts of the book for me is the specific whimsical examples of nature that exemplify how life is nonbinary and expansive, imaginative and interdependent. Happy to talk to anyone about slipper snails ;)

[Katrina McCollough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book knew my name. An early lover of snails, worms, and beetles who eventually found mycology and science, it’s like I was reading an alternate version of my life. This book gave me words for concepts I’m still working through, and I really appreciate the author putting themselves out there while also highlighting all the less loved organisms that surround us.

[Rachel (Kalanadi) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Mary Kasputis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 - I wanted a little more queer nature vs memoir and the writing felt stilted at times but appreciate her framing of familiar concepts in new ways and also am recognizing my anti-fungi bias

[Pa_tr0_clus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Spiegal&Grau

Forest Euphoria is the most lyrically written non-fiction I have ever read. The writing is beautiful, blending scientific language and concepts seamlessly with descriptive passages. It has the perfect balance of the author’s personal anecdotes and experiences with multicultural and intersectional knowledge. I adore the focus on community this book has. Not only is it informative and entertaining, it feels accessible and welcoming due to Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian’s overflowing enthusiasm for nature and sharing understanding about it all.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And I hope that in sharing these stories, you too will feel the closeness of the earth, the lack of space between our cells, and the memory of each other".

I loved everything about this book. Euphoria is the right term; you can feel Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian's enthusiasm for nature at every page. She starts with her childhood, observing snakes and insects, her time studying biology, including under the mentorship of Robin Wall Kimmerer, a summer spent in China studying Chinese medicine... There's a lot about queerness and her own identity and reflections about her own gender (she seems to be using she/her/hers; I apologise if this is incorrect), about fitting in and wanting to be invisible. There are some really dark passages about trauma and SA. But overall what shines is how much she loves nature - not "just" the fluffy stuff, you feel her love and empathy for every living creature, even the more humble or the less photogenic. That book was well-written and poetic but not cheesy,.and I highlighted so many passages...

I'll be keeping an eye on what she publishes next and I'll certainly be reading it.

Free ARC sent by Netgalley.

[Kaylea · Rating 5 out of 5]

1,000,000 ⭐️ (and I will physically fight the current “rating” system to make that official).

This book completely wrecked me in the best way. Think Queer Ecology meets a deep, aching dive into the forests of New York (my old romping grounds) and it hit every nerve ending I have. It’s guttural, emotional, and for someone who never cries while reading, I was full on sobbing. Multiple times.

It reminded me that nature is not just beautiful, it’s fleeting. It’s something we must connect/reconnect with, protect, and preserve. This story wasn’t just a love letter to the wild, it was a rallying cry. And it wasn’t just about ecology, it was about queer identity, about community, about finding your people and finding yourself tangled up in the roots of something bigger.

I came out of this book feeling cracked open, reminded of what matters. Nature matters. Queer joy and rage and community matter. And yeah, I’m not speechless, clearly, but I am changed. 😭

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely fascinating read; highly recommend!!