Which of the characters would you most like to have over for dinner?

Tig! She seemed most full of life, and open to the concept of living unsheltered.

Hands down, Mary Treat - my favorite character and the strongest in the book

I agree. Mary Treat. In fact, the whole book should have been about her.

I'd like a dinner party with Mary Treat, Thatcher (leaving Rose at home, but bringing his young sister-in-law), Tig and both her parents. That makes six, plus me, and since I'm widowed, maybe I could also invite Carruth, the newspaper editor who dared to speak truth to power.

Thatcher... He deserves a treat. Hardly got a name, his mother had so many children before him.
His young wife doesn't appreciate him. Level-headed, intelligent. Maybe Polly could come, too.

I am a big fan of "fictional biographies," so I was pleased to meet the real-life scientist Mary Treat in this fictional setting, and would enjoy spending more time with her, as others have already noted. It must have been so hard for her to feel like a real scientist given the way she was treated; she reminded me somewhat of Mary Anning from "Remarkable Creatures."

Mary Treat! She followed her own path and interests without worrying about how society would have her live her life. Many had strength of character, curiosity and intelligence.

Mary Treat a very interesting and smart woman. I am glad Mary and Thatcher were friends.

I would like to somehow time warp and have both Mary Treat and Willa. I love Mary’s strength and intellectual curiosity, and I love Willa’s ability to deal daily with each family catastrophe brought her way, the way many women survive “the slings and arrows.” I wonder how over dinner and a glass of wine they might find common ground as they discover how their lives criss-crossed.

Mary Treat would indeed be a delight, but it seems she has lots of votes already, so I'll cast my vote for Thatcher. He's witty, intelligent, well-read, curious, gracious, and complicated: that sounds like the definition of an excellent dinner guest.

Mary Treat was the most alive character . She drew you in with her interest in everything around her.

Absolutely Mary Treat. Even better I would like to go on a field trip with her.

I would have Mary and Willa. I think they would have a lot to say to each other. I would sit back and let the conversation flow. I might add Tig to spice things up a bit.

Willa - she needed a sounding board - someone to listen to her - she was shouldering everyone's problems and holding it all together.

Without a doubt Mary Treat! I would also invite my 6 y. o. grandson who sees so much wonder in nature. He would have so many questions and comments on her knowledge (and would be able to contribute to it). Mary was a particularly curious woman who would appreciate the wonder of this small boy. (And no he is not my only grandchild)

I would invite Antigone from present day because she is so alert and fresh and open minded and then I would like to meet Mary Treat from the 1870's because she was a woman ahead of her time and also open minded with her career and connections with Charles Darwin.

I am with nco who says Mary Treat and, like nco I would pack a picnic and head out into the wild with her. I wish this book had been all about her and the era of Darwin. Mary Treat is alive and living positively in spite of what is around here. Enough whining - we hear that everyday!

Mary Treat. A hike in our state forest first, followed by dinner!

Mary Treat, just to discuss all her findings with her would be a joy
Would also like to invite Willa, (if time could stand still) to listen to how she handles each challenge and finds energy to keep going. Her willingness to care for the baby for over a year without complaining that it was "her" time was interesting

I'd like to meet Tig, but not at home as I would be embarrassed by all our possessions. So, a picnic in the forest sounds a good idea and, if I can more than one, I'd like to have Mary, Willa and Thatcher as well.

Mary, Tig, Polly! And Willa, too... it would be an interesting party!

Definitely Mary Treat. I want to listen to her talk about her experiments and her experiences and correspondence with Charles Darwin and Dr. Asa Gray. I also would like to read the biography that Willa is obviously planning to write about her at the end of the book.

I found Mary Treat's character to be very refreshing, unceasingly observant and honest. I could listen to her for hours and would enjoy hearing more about her detailed studies and being a female scientist in a very masculine profession.

Dinner, probably Willa because I would feel most comfortable with her. (I am in the "Willa generation")

Hiking, I would choose Mary Treat. My table manners might not appeal to her. (I raised two boys.)

Working on a project together would be an interesting way to get to know Tig. I loved her but don't know if a
dinner would work for us. I assume I would be hosting? I'm not 100% sure she would approve of my excessive amount of kitchen gizmos and plastic containers.