Ghost trees is a book that was written by Bob Pratte and explores the tumultuous relationship between the lumber industry and the lives of the people who lived in and around the mills in his small town. The main focus of the book is on the hundreds of years of local history that has been impacted by the changing landscape of the lumber industry and the attitudes of the people who work in and around it.
Chapter one examines the history of the town of Madera and its relationship with the lumber industry. Through anecdotes and stories, readers learn about how the logging industry has impacted the people who live in the area and how changing attitudes from both sides have led to conflict and tension between the two. It also discusses how the town of Madera has evolved over the years, as well as the current issues surrounding the logging industry in the region.
Chapter two dives into the ghost trees of Madera. This section explains how the old-growth trees that are present in the area are the last dying remnants of a bygone era and how the logging industry has led to their destruction. It also discusses how the ghost trees can be interpreted through art and how they represent both an environmental concern and a reminder of the past.
Chapter three discusses the local people who actually work in the lumber industry and their daily struggles. Through a series of interviews and conversations with people who work in the logging industry, the reader is able to gain an understanding of the emotional toll that the work takes on them and how it impacts their lives.
Chapter four examines the politics of the lumber industry and how it affects the community of Madera. It delves into how the changing attitudes of the lumber industry have impacted the people and businesses in the town, as well as the political landscape in the area. It also discusses how the local politicians have responded to calls for reform and why they have chosen to stay out of the debate.
Chapter five looks at the environmental consequences of the lumber industry and how they have impacted the things that people in the local community have grown to rely on. It also contains an analysis of how logging has impacted the local economy and how it has caused a loss of jobs and increasing poverty.
The final chapter of the book ties everything that has been discussed together and looks at how the ghost trees of Madera have been a symbol of both past and present struggles faced by the locals. It examines how the ghost trees have become an integral part of the culture in the town and how people use them to cope with the changes that are impacting their lives. It also provides readers with a glimpse at how they can use the ghost trees to look at their past and think about their future.
