Where Trees Touch the Sky

“Where Trees Touch the Sky: a Redwood National Park Novel” by Karen Barnett

Book #10 for 2026

I chose this book because I’ve enjoyed Karen Barnett’s novels set in National Parks and I love split-time stories. This book is extra special to me because it’s set in Redwood National Park and Crescent City, CA. My favorite aunt, uncle and 2 cousins lived in Crescent City, CA and my childhood was spent visiting them at least 2 times per year. I love it there! I can easily see everything in this book because I grew up with it. It makes me feel the need to plan a trip to visit the area again in the next year. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Redwood National and State Park, please do so!

Two quotes before the first chapter:

“I didn’t need to understand the hypostatic unity of the Trinity; I just needed to turn my life over to whoever came up with redwood trees.” – Anne Lamont, “Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith”

“God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand… tempests and floods; but he cannot save them from fools – only Uncle Sam can do that.” – John Muir, “The American Forests”

A few of my favorite lines from the book:

“She forced a smile to her face. “I love hiking. I’m a little slower than some, but I always make it to the end of the trail. Always.” A half truth, but she’d hold herself to it in the future.” page 12

“God gave you unique gifts… When you figure out how to bless others with them, they will outshine any weaknesses you may have.” page 39

“Even from this distance, he could feel the enthusiasm and energy rising from her. She might be nervous, but June Turner was like a string of firecrackers waiting for a match.” page 111

“It’s a mighty giant, treated by wind and scarred by fire, but it still stands strong, reaching for the sun and casting its protective shadow over the world beneath.” page 184

“With the long hours he’d been working to keep Goodwin Timber afloat, Marion had hardly seen Frank. He was like a drowning man, and she didn’t have a life ring to throw him.” page 264

“We’re all one bad step from being on our face in the dirt. But how many of us have the courage to get back up and try again?” page 274

“As the great writer John Steinbeck once said, No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them come silence and awe.” page 316

“Redwoods aren’t strong simply because they’ve got fancy genetics. It’s because they work together, holding tight to the roots of their neighbors.” page 330

📚 I hope you’re reading something you enjoy right now!