What Tree Are You? presents a framework that compares human development to the life cycles of different trees to explain timing, visibility, and adaptation across a life span. Akila Selvaraj introduces the mango tree to describe early achievers whose output can arrive before receiving support, contrasting this with others that operate on different timelines, including teak, which reaches maturity later, and bamboo, which shows delayed visibility before recognition. Cherry blossom presents a brief public appearance, while sandalwood describes the influence that remains after contact ends. Oak is presented as a steady presence through consistent action. The author links these tree types to established psychological systems and explains that people may change patterns across different roles and life phases while retaining a core orientation.

What Tree Are You? by Akila Selvaraj has an immediately comfortable, conversational tone, and the author does a fantastic job of making the content approachable and understandable. Each tree and its explanation are easy to follow, as shown in sandalwood, where the scent forms only after many years and remains after the wood is cut. This mirrors how a quiet presence can stay with people long after their time together ends, which I found extremely heartening. I connected most with bamboo, particularly as someone who is terribly disorganized. The author links this to an example that is a reminder of how unseen preparation matters. The individual stories feel relatable, including Maya, who works for years before publishing a first novel later in life, proving that timing can still feel right. Overall, this is a well-written and unique self-help book. Very highly recommended.

What Tree Are You? by Akila Selvaraj is a nonfiction work that blends personal narrative with a guided framework for self-understanding. The book begins with the author’s turning point, when professional success and public confidence gave way to personal upheaval and loss. From that experience, Selvaraj develops a central metaphor comparing human growth to different types of trees, each with its own rhythm, strengths, and seasons. Readers are invited to reflect on their inner pace through a structured quiz that introduces six primary tree types, including Mango, Teak, Bamboo, Cherry Blossom, Sandalwood, and Oak. Each type represents a distinct approach to growth, motivation, and change, while also allowing for hybrid identities that shift over time. The book moves from foundations to detailed portraits of each tree type, pairing metaphors with psychological concepts and everyday examples.

Akila Selvaraj’s writing is conversational and inviting. Short anecdotes, reflective prompts, and light humor keep the pace brisk. The tree metaphor is consistently carried across the chapters, unifying the material and making abstract ideas easier to follow. Readers who enjoy guided reflection will appreciate the balance between storytelling, practical exercises, and scientific references at the end of the book. The pacing allows each tree type to be explored in full without feeling rushed, making it easy to read in sections or return to specific chapters. This book will appeal to readers interested in personal growth frameworks, metaphor-based self-inquiry, and reflective journaling, especially those who value an approach that honors individual timing and encourages thoughtful self-observation rather than comparison.

What Tree Are You? helps readers learn about themselves while using nature as a guide to achieve this. Akila Selvaraj introduces six tree types that demonstrate how people grow, respond to pressure, manage stress, and move through life daily. The book explains why some people grow early, why others take longer, and why some stay unnoticed for years before changing all at once. It includes a quiz that helps readers discover their main tree type, mixes, and what they might grow into later on. Each section breaks down strengths, struggles, relationship patterns, and life rhythms connected to each tree. Along the way, the author shares parts of their own life story to show how growth can even begin after loss. The book gives readers tools and insights to understand themselves and keep growing at their own pace.

What Tree Are You? by Akila Selvaraj is a personal growth and self-discovery book that takes a gentle and structured approach. It is perfect for readers who enjoy reflection and journaling, or anyone who feels “left behind” or uncertain about their pace in life. I love how the author uses simple metaphors instead of overly complicated, layered theory. The writing style makes complex concepts easier to understand and meditate on. The chapters read smoothly, and the quiz gives the reader something practical to work on. I didn’t relate to every story, but I appreciate how honestly Selvaraj talked about setbacks and working through them. The tone stays positive without offering quick answers or making big empty promises. Above all, I found the focus on timelines especially beneficial, as it helps remove the urge to measure oneself against others constantly.