The Power of Trees—Exclusive L.A. appearance!

Peter Wohlleben In conversation with Sandra Tsing Loh
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 | 7:00pm Mark Taper Auditorium-Central Library

Click here to watch or listen to a recording of the program.

In 2016, The Hidden Life of Trees began the conversation that trees can communicate with each other. Peter Wohlleben’s bestselling book changed the way we looked at ourselves and our environment. Now, after eight years, he follows up his groundbreaking work with The Power of Trees: How Ancient Forests  Can Save Us, if We Let Them. This time, Wohlleben delves even further into the life of trees describing how they pass knowledge to succeeding generations while also discussing their ability to survive climate change. The Power of Trees is a love letter to the forest and a passionate argument for protecting nature’s boundless diversity, not only for the trees, but also for us.  

Peter Wohlleben

Peter Wohlleben is the author of several books about the natural world, including The Hidden Life of Trees, The Inner Life of Animals, and The Heartbeat of Trees. His books for children include Can You Hear the Trees Talking?, Do You Know Where the Animals Live?, and Peter and the Tree Children. A longtime former forester, Wohlleben runs a forest academy in Germany that supports sustainable forest management and teaches adults and children about the many wonders of the forest. 

To learn more about Peter and his books, visit his website at peterwohllebenbooks.com.

Sandra Tsing Loh

Sandra Tsing Loh, writer/performer, has hosted the syndicated daily radio science minute (KPCC/NPR) “The Loh Down on Science,” co-founded with Caltech, since 2004.  Her off-Broadway solo shows include: Aliens in America and Bad Sex With Bud Kemp. Repertory theatre: Sugar Plum Fairy (Geffen, South Coast Rep, Seattle Rep, East West Players), I Worry (Woolly Mammoth, Kennedy Center, Actors Theatre of Louisville), the Madwoman in the Volvo (South Coast Rep, Pasadena Playhouse, Berkeley Rep), and The Bitch Is Back (Broad Stage),  Her comic memoirs include the NY Times New and Noteworthy Madwoman and the Roomba, NY Times 100 Notable Books Madwoman in the Volvo, Mother on Fire, A Year in Van Nuys, and Depth Takes a Holiday.  The LA Times named her “turn of the century” novel If You Lived Here, You’d Be Home By Now one of that year’s 100 Best Books of Fiction.  A contributing editor to the Atlantic, Loh’s commentaries have been heard on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” PRI’s “Marketplace,” and Ira Glass’ “This American Life.”  She has taught science communication at UC Irvine since 2014, and has hosted the monthly virtual writers series BOOKISH, for the Southern California News Group, since 2020.  She is a Caltech Distinguished Alumna (BS Physics 1983), and first alumna to give Caltech’s commencement speech.  Her new comedy MADWOMEN OF THE WEST will run May 26-June 25 at the Odyssey Theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why do programs fill so quickly?

    ALOUD provides a unique experience for the public to engage with scholars, authors, and artists in the intimate 235-seat Mark Taper Auditorium. Library Foundation Members have the benefit of reserving for programs in advance of the public. Consider joining as a Member to receive this benefit, and check the website on an on-going basis for program availability. Be sure to subscribe to our email alerts, and visit our Media Archive for podcasts and other items from our recent programs.

  • Where does ALOUD take place?

    Unless otherwise noted, ALOUD programs are held at the downtown Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium.

  • Where should I park?

    We recommend taking public transportation. Parking for the Central Library is at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. For more information, visit the Library’s website.

  • Should I purchase the author’s book in advance?

    We encourage you to purchase books from the Library Store. All proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Public Library. Books are made available for purchase when you reserve for a program online, and are also on sale at programs. In order to participate in the book signing, you must purchase at least one book from The Library Store. Members receive discounts on purchases.

  • Where can I find podcasts and videos of ALOUD programs?

    Podcasts and videos from our programs are available free online at our growing Media Archive. Visit the archive at lfla.org/media-archive to explore hundreds of podcasts and videos spanning 20+ years of ALOUD’s history bringing authors, artists, and t thinkers to the Los Angeles Public Library.