Reviews for The Communing Tree
- Theresa Verboort
- Jun 30, 2025
- 6 min read
A harrowing tale of survival and perseverance
"This action-adventure story is perfect for young adults. Two of my Nieces read it and loved it. I found the story engrossing and I also loved how smart, brave and courageous the characters were. It's a harrowing tale of survival and perseverance my seat from start to finish."
-Allison
A story of female empowerment and independence
"Wow, what a great story! This is a story of female empowerment and independence, loss and strength, overcoming and persevering, facing and overcoming fears. You will be rooting for the two main characters throughout this book. It also provides a terrific glimpse into the rare and beautiful southwestern forests of Oregon, which still have some remote terrain. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to escape from civilization or live on your own, you'll experience that way of life through this story. I'd recommend this to anyone age 12 or older."
-Wordgirl from Goodreads
A unique perspective on survival in the wilderness
"This story is written from a unique perspective, you usually don't read about what it takes to survive in the wilderness. It was fun to read and I hope there is a sequel!"
-Anonymous reader from Amazon
An excellent middle school read
"My 7th graders enjoyed reading "The Communing Tree," most notably my "reluctant readers." I have students who became so absorbed by the story that it was difficult to get them to stop reading when class was over--and that's always the mark of an excellent read!"
-Jordia (Middle School English Teacher)
"It's creepy, but not too creepy"
-Anonymous middle school student
"It's suspenseful--I want to know what happened and what will happen next."
-Anonymous middle school student
"I like how dark it is; it's literally dark in the woods and dark figuratively, too."
-Anonymous middle school student
A thrilling read for all ages
"A suspenseful read. The Communing Tree takes place in 1979 when survivalism was really picking up steam. I was a teenager growing up in Niagara, Oregon back then. I remember how my Dad had my brothers help him bury a great big metal container full of food in our woodshed. Vietnam was almost always the topic around our dinner table and two of my brother's draft numbers were close to being called. I'm still relieved that they didn't have to go.
This YA wilderness survival story is told by Judith, a young girl whose survivalist family moves her and her family, including her grandmother (who I loved) clear up into the rugged Kalmiopsis wilderness of Oregon. They live off the land, essentially homesteading. I enjoyed the details about gardening, goats, cabin life and canning. It was fascinating, how they managed to make a life there. But they need money and decide to grow pot. Don't worry, the parents are not potheads. But their decision does lead to a terribly tragic event. Judith has to grow up overnight. She shows such courage and determination, finding food and shelter. She takes care of her little sister who got so scared, she stopped talking altogether.
As you may be able to tell, I found myself completely drawn into the story. Judith describes how they survive -- her voice is rhythmic, almost hypnotic. Her story is a blow-by-blow account that kept me wanting to know what would happen next.
The Communing Tree is a thrilling read for all ages and even though it's intense, it's family friendly and intelligently written. I gave it to two of my nieces and they devoured it. I hope you enjoy it too!"
-Amy from Goodreads
An impressive novel filled with naturalist knowledge
"Hello Theresa... We just landed in Reykjavik and I finished your book on the way over. I’m impressed ... it really captured my interest. Your naturalist and survivalist knowledge is something I never knew about you. Thanks for writing The Communing Tree. I’m anxiously awaiting your next work."
-Greg
Fascinating and unusual
"Beautifully written, engaging, surprising, never a dull moment. The Communing tree started off with a shock and a hook that never let go. Hard to put down, but so fascinating and unusual, I savored it for three whole days. Also great for military vets, survivalists and anyone who loves the great outdoors."
-Anonymous reader from Goodreads
A great first book from this author
"I picked up this book at the Book Fair at the Washington State History Museum which means I have a signed copy! Will be passing this on to friends and fAmily ask a great story - but will want to keep this ones on my shelf. Great first book from this author!"
-Anonymous reader from Goodreads
Super well researched!
"A coming-of-age story about a teen girl who, through sad circumstances, finds herself living in the wilderness, caring for her little sister, hidden from the rest of the world. Great YA read, adults who like wilderness survival stories will also enjoy this book."
-Laura from Goodreads
A page-turner, gripping, believable and unique!
"I have had the pleasure to read quite a few drafts of this page-turner. A published author myself, I am aware of the meticulous effort it takes to rewrite a book over and over until it's polished. From Theresa's first draft I knew immediately it was a wonderful novel--one that not only kids will love but adults will find fascinating, as well. I really don't know who could read the first chapter and not want to read all the rest. It's gripping. Theresa's knowledge of Oregon is vast and comes from first-hand experience; thus, the Kalmiopsis wilderness becomes an important character, too. Imagine two young girls on their own in the middle of such country! It is exciting and heart-warming all the way from the first page through the last." -Ann from Goodreads
It starts with a literal bang
"So, I was out to coffee after church with some members of the choir, when one of the members/coffee drinkers was introduced as an author. And boy, do I love reading new books by local authors! So I bought one on the spot and commenced to read.
This book starts out with a literal bang, and keeps going. Reading about a survivalist family in the 1970s-1980s after the Vietnam War was quite interesting from a historical viewpoint, though sometimes quite grim. There were a lot of "Little House on the Prairie" day to day chores, but this family had lived in town with a house and car, running water, electricity, and grocery stores before heading into the Oregon wilderness. They truly had to learn to live with nature and off the land.
There are references to PTSD, the Oregon Modoc tribe, and End Times prepping. I'm hoping for a sequel..."
-Lynee from Goodreads
Well researched, engaging, and intriguing
"Great story with so much interesting information about living in the wild. Super well researched and just an overall engaging and intriguing tale."
-Lulu from Amazon
Accurately captures life after the Vietnam War
"I enjoyed this book all the way through, with caveats. It was especially relevant to those who remember or experienced life after Vietnam, which I did. A negative for me was being written in first person. Also, the Prologue was so dramatic it made the vivid scene writing seem slow. I'd rate it PG-13, close to R, for elements typical of that era (marijuana, murder, and a singular f-bomb). But if you can handle that, I'd recommend it."
-JW from Goodreads
A page turner
"This was a page turner. The setting seemed well researched. There was enough detail, but not so much that it bogged down the main story line. This is a great young adult fiction book. But, I believe adults of any age would enjoy this."
-Pacific Book Review Excerpt
"Great adventure story about perseverance and courage."
-Anonymous reader from Amazon
"Enjoyed this book very much."
-Anonymous reader from Amazon
Takes place in a beautiful setting
"I love reading a book that describes the setting so well you can picture yourself there. This book does that beautifully. A really good story takes place in an interesting setting that could make a beautiful movie."
-JO from Amazon
Great book, hard to put down
"This story is written from a unique perspective, you usually don't read about what it takes to survive in the wilderness. It was fun to read and I hope there is a sequel!"
-Middle school reader from Amazon
Enjoyed this book very much
"Story line well thought out and kept me interested to read more. Guess it ended so there could be another book in the future."
-Susanne from Amazon
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