Book Review

Crows Calling  

 An imaginative, thoughtful look at our planet, overbuilt by our species and on the verge of being lost. The story becomes a fable when a supernatural crow, Koro, narrates it from a bird's-eye view of the planet. This clairvoyant bird sees in depth the damage done by Venture capitalists, increased technology use, and the growth of Silicon Valley, which harms the Earth through resource exploitation.

Ten-year-old Luz sets out on an overnight camping trip in California accompanied by her spiritual mentor. Peering through a canopy of California redwoods, Luz witnesses a council of animals confronting the menace of climate change. Led by a lustrous—and talkative—American Crow named Koro, the animals weigh their options. Some, like Koro, want to collaborate with humans. Others doubt humanity’s good intentions. The conversation compels young Luz, innately in tune with the natural world, to fight passionately to defend it.

This earth-centered novel blends environmental advocacy with mythic imagination. Crows Calling is Bruce McConnell's debut novel. It immerses the reader in a richly drawn family and community that, despite their differences, decide to dedicate their lives to caring for Grandmother Earth. They are not alone. Instead, a colorful cast of savvy planimals—bears, coyotes, trees, and even chickens—accompanies them, with long memories and ancient healing ways. However, some damage cannot be undone. Natural disasters, public apathy, and greed threaten everything that Luz, friends, and family members are working for. Ultimately, they find that when the group forms concrete initiatives and supports them, they can make a difference.

A strength of the story is its vivid imagery of the interconnectivity between humans and animals, giving the natural world a compassionate, urgent voice. McConnell acknowledges the realities of climate change, environmental degradation, and human greed, but ultimately argues that empathy, collaboration, and individual action can still make a meaningful difference. The book invites readers of all ages to reconsider their relationship with the natural world and reminds us that caring for the planet begins with caring for one another. As a reader, I came away with a greater appreciation of nature and a better sense of how we can learn valuable lessons by paying closer attention to the world around us, becoming more action-focused, and adapting our lifestyles to ensure a sustainable future as stewards.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bruce McConnell is an agile, accomplished shapeshifter who has flourished as a poet, roofer, artist-blacksmith, mechanical engineer, tenor, business consultant, national security official, non-profit executive, and peacemaker. A collection of poems, Living from Here, appeared in 2018, followed by a novel, Crows Calling, in 2025. A second novel, set in Southern Oregon, is expected in 2027.

He is a leading advocate for global peace and security among governments, business, and civil society for three decades.