Book Reviewed: Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake

Mycelium Running This book explores the beneficial effects of the symbiotic fungi in the soil. Mycorrhizal fungi are microscopic organisms that partner with root systems of plants and sequester carbon in much more meaningful ways than human “carbon offsets” will ever achieve. Most of these soil fungi support plant health in elegant ways. They boost green immune function in plants and community-wide networking that forms the basis of ecosystem resiliency. The mycelium’s digestive power and its uses in the decomposition of toxic wastes and pollutants, remove pathogens from agricultural watersheds, control insect populations, and enhance the health of our forests. This book is at the intersection of social science, natural science, and humanities. The author reveals a range of things that goes in the soil of the forests that are ecologically relevant. It does not go into much biology or evolutionary issues but offers a broad range discussion about the beneficial effects of fungi.