Join us for the official launch of Shaking the Trees, a powerful new novel by Jeremy Tager that brings together the emotional turmoil of family relationships with the urgency of climate action and the buried traumas of war.

This is your chance to meet the author, hear the story behind the story, and be part of a thoughtful conversation about love, legacy, activism, and hope. There’ll be a casual Q&A with Jeremy, books available to purchase and sign, and time to mingle with fellow readers.

About the Book
Shaking the Trees intertwines the personal struggles of a family with the larger global crisis of climate change and a war too often forgotten - the Siege of Sarajevo. The novel explores themes of loss, love, denial, and the haunting and often hidden legacies of past trauma.

We meet Jake, an activist so driven to confront climate change that he turns to destroying property and infrastructure - hiding his actions from his partner, Julie. As the consequences catch up with him, their relationship begins to unravel, especially with a child on the way.

Meanwhile, Jake’s father Ian, a retired academic, is grappling with his wife Mary’s impending death and his own long-buried past as a refugee from Sarajevo. When Mary dies, Ian finally opens a bundle of letters from his estranged sister, Sophia, and sets off on a journey through memory and place that takes him back to Europe.

Jeremy asks the big questions through his characters:
– In the face of both personal and global crises, how are humans capable of living in denial or turning away from uncomfortable truths?
– Can democracy-short-term by design and embedded in capitalism-effectively address the climate crisis, which demands long-term solutions?
– Is radical activism or sabotage ever justified, and can it actually be effective in driving meaningful change?

About the Author
Jeremy Tager is a former NQCC coordinator and long-time environmental activist, campaigning locally and internationally on issues including climate change, species extinction, land clearing, ocean protection, and sustainable agriculture. He has worked with Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, the Greens, and others, and is widely published in journals like Nature Biotechnology.

Living on the edge of the Atherton Tablelands rainforest, Jeremy is revegetating his property and connecting with the local non-human community.

Come along for:
– A relaxed and engaging conversation with author Jeremy Tager
– The opportunity to get your copy signed
– Light snacks (on us!) and drinks for sale
– A great night out with thoughtful people and big ideas

This is a free community event, but RSVPs are appreciated.

Can’t make it?
You can still order a signed copy of Shaking the Trees for $30, which we’ll hold for you at NQCC. Simply email [email protected] with your order and transfer via direct deposit:
BSB: 633000 | A/C No.: 150816858