If you read The Overstory, there is a good chance you will never look at the trees in your backyard the same way again.  Powers describes in great detail nine individuals-different ages, genders and backgrounds.  Yet each of these characters learns how important trees are to our lives and our planet.  Once they have this epiphany-at different times and for different reasons-their lives are never the same.  Although my summary makes this novel sound tedious and didactic, it is anything but.  Each character is wonderfully drawn and each comes to life with unique personalities.
This is probably the best book I’ve read this year.  I even loved the title!!  If you like long, slow, complex reads and are green-minded, read The Overstory.