On Her NIghtstand: Megan Ryan

By Wendy Stein

Megan Ryan has earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Saint Francis and orchestrates the summer pollinator education programs for children, adults, and seniors for Southwest Honey Co. During the school year, she is the Special Education Teacher at Indiana Gateway Digital Academy. She has been recognized for her efforts in the community and volunteering abroad.

On Her Nightstand

What are you currently reading?

“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer (she was supposed to come to Fort Wayne this summer through an ACRES sponsored event, but it was, sadly, cancelled). Kimmerer is a member of the Potawatomi Nation, as well as a scientist and decorated professor.

I am blown away with the beauty with which she has written this book. It is touching, scientific, gentle, strong, and soul giving. This is a book that follows the outline/timeline of sweetgrass: Planting Sweetgrass, Tending Sweetgrass, Picking Sweetgrass, Braiding Sweetgrass, Burning Sweetgrass. Kimmerer weaves a gorgeous account of raising her children, while sowing deep respect for mother earth and Indigenous people’s traditions, as well as imbedding scientific information regarding the plants she writes about.

This has been a slow and intentional read for me. It often provides me with a deep reflection, a smile about a plant she discusses that I’ve grown, or a few tears for simple things in nature which we take for granted. Every time I put it down, I leave with my emotions invigorated and a strong desire to put my hands in dirt and check on my plants. There have been many pages that I have read and re-read due to their immensity or sheer beauty.

Let’s play a lightning round! What’s a classic you started but never finished?

“Catcher in the Rye” (finished it, but did not enjoy it)

What was your favorite book as a child?

“Whisper from the Woods” and “Where the Wild Things Are”

What’s a book you like to give as a gift?

“The Tale of Despereaux” or “The Mysteries of Harris Burdick”

Who is your favorite author?

Roald Dahl

What’s your favorite genre?

Young Adult

What fictional land would you like to visit?

Outlander a