I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I expected it to be boring (or at least slow moving) because it's about trees. I was totally wrong about that – in fact, I found this book gripping and finished its 512 pages (or 22 hours, as it were, since I listened to the audio version) in about a week. So in that sense, it exceeded my expectations. I really liked the way it opened – the initial chapters read like short stories and they were beautifully written. I also liked that the book then wove together the story lines of those initial nine characters (I'm a sucker for collections of short stories with connecting threads). Where/why I deducted a few stars:
1. I feel like it went out with a whimper instead of a bang at the end.
2. While Powers seems to be on the ass-opposite end of the philosophical spectrum from Ayn Rand, this book reminded me of her works because it was less a novel and more allegory (or even potentially propaganda). I agree with Powers's views, but I always feel like I'm being manipulated when I read a novel that has a clear moral agenda.
3. I'm not sure ALL the characters were needed. Part of me wonders if this book would've been as/more powerful if it had concentrated on fewer characters.

All of that to say: I'd probably still recommend it, flaws and all, especially to my friends who aren't dialed into the natural world and aren't aware of the interconnectedness of all forms of life.