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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
3.5 rounding down. It’s a light, short, feel good read. The author’s love of the animals she studies and cares for is palpable, but I think the prose lacked some of the visceral details to really put me in her shoes or see the animals in the same way she sees them. I also do feel the animals are used more as props within the structure of the memoir, when I was expecting them to be a little more centered.
informative
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
The author did a fantastic job explaining the relationships between here and the creatures she meets.
From dogs and pigs, to tarantulas and octopuses, I really gained an understanding of the creatures she met and knew. The lessons were not directly told in most cases, which I enjoyed more. Montgomery used her voice and stories to tell you what she learned through the stories. The book made me cry and smile. I hope to read more of her books.
From dogs and pigs, to tarantulas and octopuses, I really gained an understanding of the creatures she met and knew. The lessons were not directly told in most cases, which I enjoyed more. Montgomery used her voice and stories to tell you what she learned through the stories. The book made me cry and smile. I hope to read more of her books.
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Montgomery writes well, but I'm not sure who the intended audience is here. I liked it, but found it a bit too precious at times. On the other hand, subject matter about having a toxic mother, and considering suicide during a bout with depression, would keep me from giving it to my kids to read.
I had thought the book would be about thirteen species of animal, for some reason, rather than thirteen individuals that Montgomery knew personally, so the lessons would be broader.
Still, the overarching lesson I got was that loving, terrifying though it is to love that which can be taken by death, is the way to be. And I think that lesson is always worth amplifying, because that terror is hard to overcome.
I had thought the book would be about thirteen species of animal, for some reason, rather than thirteen individuals that Montgomery knew personally, so the lessons would be broader.
Still, the overarching lesson I got was that loving, terrifying though it is to love that which can be taken by death, is the way to be. And I think that lesson is always worth amplifying, because that terror is hard to overcome.
Disappointing after Soul of an Octopus. Stories were too short for an emotional connection.
I don’t like books about animals. I love animals, but they die. So therefore, I don’t read books about animals. This is a rule in our house... no books about dogs or horses! I found this book in my Little Free Library outside my house. Books seem to appear there when I need them in my life. The title drew me in. I wanted to be a good creature. The summery had me. Lessons learned from animals. Haven’t my dogs taught me about life, love, loyalty and joy? So I read this book. The first chapter was about a childhood dog. And we know what happens to childhood dogs! They die! I was determined not to feel anything for this dog. And I didn’t. I didn’t feel anything for the authors second dog. But by her third dog, I was bawling! The ghosts of her other two dogs were haunting me. A wonderful tribute to the privileged of being with and learning from our pets.
A short memoir told through reflections on animals of great importance to her- from dogs to pigs to emus to tarantulas. Big adventures, important lessons, deep love and respect for all animal kind. Glad she shared it with us.
I'd like to listen to Sy tell animal stories for the rest of my life. I loved every heart wrenching second of this
Very cute read. Makes me think about the relationship I have with my animals and what I can do from here on out