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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
fast-paced
This was a pretty quick and enjoyable read! (After the intro at least, the intro nearly made me put the book down!!!) I didn’t know who this author was when I started the book, and I appreciate that for a collection of memoir adjacent essays I didn’t have to have background knowledge on her work. I love that birds are having a moment, and I appreciate the reminder to slow down and notice 🐥
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Absolutely loved this book! The joy and insight brought tears to my eyes at least twice. Beautiful observations about birds and birding, about "the power and beauty of noticing," about how to live more fully and meaningfully.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
“If we pay attention, it is there for the taking.”
I really enjoyed Turning to Birds by Lili Taylor. On every page, in every paragraph, I could hear her voice speaking each sentence. It’s an informative book, but also one filled with reflection and depth. I appreciated learning about different birds—their habitats, beauty, calls, and quirks—and then hearing Lili share her own thoughts while observing them. There are so many great quotes I felt especially drawn to. I’m glad she leaned into the philosophical side, because I think anyone—even those not interested in birding—can get something out of her memoir. It was such an easy and enjoyable read. And the best part? I actually got to go birding with Lili on her first guided birding tour in Prospect Park, Brooklyn!
Favorite Quote
“One thing I've learned by watching birds is that there's always a story. If you stay a few more moments than you'd prefer to, if you resist the urge to move on, get going, get busy, look at your phone—if you just keep watching the bird, that's when it happens. The it is simply life: experiencing, imagining, feeling, breathing, sharing. Then you move on, and the bird moves on, but you have a new moment to connect with your other moments. And at the end of the day, that's all we have: a life of moments, assembled as one.” (p. 18)
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars — Enjoyed it
Really solid read. Engaging and well done.
Really solid read. Engaging and well done.
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
For me a book that matched up well with my attitude about birds and birding. As a rather dedicated birder, I enjoy the personal stories of other birders especially if they are explaining how they came to be engaged as an adult. This was a relatively short read but there were moments of passion and wonder that were very well written. I was especially touched by the Woodcock chapter.
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
slow-paced
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced