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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Deeply profound and moving. Sy's appreciation for animals of all species is evident and so beautiful. We are a part of all we meet and that includes animals.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
This was a very nice memoir told through stories about animals from an animal lover. I am an animal lover and can only dream of the experiences the author has done. I really enjoyed this short read and it was enlightening to reflect the situations she was in. It made me think how I would feel and how I would act.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
How To Be A Good Creature by Sy Montgomery
Is memorable.
Which of course is very good for a memoir. Montgomery takes us through each chapter with the perspective of 13 different animals she has come to know over her life. It is clear Montgomery has an affinity and bond with most animals. And her writing brings an individual connection and personality to each of her “animal teachers”.
I found Montgomery’s writing most similar to Bird by Bird’s Anne Lamott, a calm wise type voice which is able to give weight to seemingly mundane momentents and interaction. It’s similar to a religious practice reading this book, taking pieces to better one’s own life. Learning from the animals’ disciple as it were.
That being said, there are times it can become a tiny bit anthropomorphic, but I wonder if that’s due to human prejudgidence. It’s easy for one to see the impact of a relationship/ soul with a dog or pig, but with a spider or a group of wild birds? Maybe only if one is looking, and if one is open to it. Montgomery certainly is, which makes all the more joy to read.
This book is for anyone who enjoys memoirs or animal stories. Take care with reading, as anyone who loves animals knows they are often taken too soon. This book deals with death, abuse (all types) and suicide.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent
A nice collection of short memories about the animals that taught Sy to be a good creature. Shows that we have a lot to learn from all the creatures on this planet. Still love Soul of an Octopus.
A great read for any animal lover. The writing and illustrations together form a book that is both beautiful and easy to read. I only wish it were longer :)