East Tennessee readers have a fresh literary treasure to explore. Retired Knoxville News Sentinel writer and former arborist W. Jim Cortese has edited John Muir Climbs a Tree and Other Tree Tales, an anthology of 32 short stories and essays that celebrate trees as friends and keepers of community memory.
Local Roots and National Recognition
Cortese, a longtime urban forester, poses three simple questions in the book’s preface, inviting readers to answer “yes” and consider the deeper connections we share with trees. The anthology includes three of his own pieces, two essays by fellow Knoxville writer Sam Venable, and a historic 1871 article by W.D. Haley on Johnny Appleseed, offering a rare glimpse into early American horticulture.
A Personal Touch for Readers
The reviewer notes how the changing leaves in East Tennessee inspire daily conversations with neighbors about the trees in their front yards. By next week, the trees will be ablaze with autumn color, providing perfect photo opportunities for locals who cherish seasonal beauty.
Award‑Winning Contribution
In recognition of his editorial work, Cortese received the 2026 Distinguished Achievement Award for Human Issues in Horticulture from the American Society for Horticultural Science. The honor underscores the anthology’s impact on both horticultural professionals and the broader community.
How to Experience the Book
Readers are encouraged to purchase the anthology, share their own tree stories with Cortese via his website, and enjoy the region’s foliage while listening to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons – Autumn. Local libraries, independent bookstores, and the Knox County Online Library all carry the title.
For further book recommendations or to discuss reading interests, contact Linda Sullivan, known online as @thebookwhisperertn.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
