Shamus Flaherty

Treehugger Shamus Flaherty

Arborist Matthew Largess began his forestry career by killing giant redwoods as part of an experimental helicopter operation in the Oregon wilderness. When he wasn't busy killing trees he could be found partying on Ken Kesey's bus, sawing through a crowded bar with his chainsaw in a drug and alcohol-induced rage, or hopelessly attempting to quench his sex addiction with some questionable act with a random woman. Treehugger is the story of how he turned his life around to become one of the leading national spokesmen for the preservation of trees and old-growth forests in America. It is the story of Oakland Forest in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, which was slated to be clear-cut to make way for condominiums until Largess intervenes. While all evidence suggests that the forest is a lost cause, Largess hangs on to a shred of hope provided by reclusive futurist Crystal Powers. Powers tells him that he is the "voice of the forest", that angels will rise from the forest floor to thank him when he is done saving the forest, and that this is only the first forest he will save in a line of many worldwide. Author Shamus Flaherty narrates the ride at Largess' side as an employee of his tree-trimming business. Flaherty flashes back into the wildness of Largess' past and looks on skeptically in the present as Largess battles his inner demons and risks his livelihood in an effort to save the forest. Treehugger is a story of recovery, of comedy, of committment in the face of temptation, of magic in a world that doesn't believe, and of how little things can make a difference when it comes to saving our environment.