The Grass Library

A philosophical and poetic journey recounting the author's relationship with his four sheep and other animals in his home in the Blue Mountains. Both memoir and eloquent testament to animal rights.

‘One of the most beautifully written books about animals I have ever read. I know of nothing else like it published in this or any other country. Deep, sensitive, charming, instructive and above all, humble. I cannot imagine anyone reading it without coming away in some profound sense altered.’ – Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, author of When Elephants Weep

‘…a gorgeous book. Anyone who loves animals will be enchanted…but it's a book that will challenge your thinking as well…highly recommended.’ – ANZ LitLovers LitBlog

The Grass Library traces the author's tree-change, from inner-Sydney Professor of Australian Literature to his current existence in the upper Blue Mountains: born-again vegan; carer of rescue animals. Paralleling this geographical transition is an ideological one: an attempt to untether himself from conventional ways of thinking about and relating to non-human animals. The Grass Library captures the deft meanderings, sideways movements and unexpected leaps of [Brooks'] mind. - Plumwood Mountain