Scan barcode
A review by jenbsbooks
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
5.0
I'd heard a bit of buzz about this book, it had a pretty long wait (in all formats) at the library ... I was trying to get all formats at once ;) I listened to the audio originally (narrated by the author), then I re-read it myself (Kindle) but needed to look at the physical book for the illustrations (the Kindle is too small and not in color). The illustrations and journaling on the pages were wonderful! I wished there had been some photographs of the actual journals as well as just featuring some of the pages. I've read a couple other "nature" books ... one on birds; [book:The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America|41188319], which in a small way was similar to this book, although a much more sarcastic approach (but also had sketches and author's notes ... I recognized the names from some of the birds in both books) and butterflies; [book:The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science|33413895] - which was more of a biography, but also included many sketches and art and the progression and discovery.
The author's art talent is astounding - I was very impressed! From some simple pencil sketches to many in very detailed coloration. Her handwritten notes on the pages were informative, and also very humorous at times. Some sadness too. Very interesting from a basic chronological/journaling perspective, so see how a hobby starts and grows (even she calls it an obsession), to see Covid come and how that impacted things (without being a spotlight of the book).
I found it interesting that some of the main birds around here (Utah) ... magpies, robins, starlings weren't "backyard birds" at this California location. She saw ONE robin, and I had mentioned to Hubs that I was a little surprised it didn't get a drawing. It DID, it's there on the very last page!
So it seemed that the author wrote quite a bit on the pages themselves, then for the book, she re-wrote up the stories (so some parts are repeats of what is handwritten on the pages, and expounded upon). There was some repetition (i.e., two birds with a missing leg, the second encounter didn't seem to reference the first one), so many of the same birds being the focus. The rats, etc.
It was really interesting to read and enjoy the author's birding experience. The Foreword and Preface were a little dry, and as I started at the beginning, at first I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the book ... but once the actual daily entries started, I was sucked in. The author has a way with words (obviously!) that made her experiences a fun read.
The physical book is a little pricey ($20+), but I wouldn't mind having it on my shelves. I'll keep an eye out, see if by chance it shows up at a LFL or thrift store.
The author's art talent is astounding - I was very impressed! From some simple pencil sketches to many in very detailed coloration. Her handwritten notes on the pages were informative, and also very humorous at times. Some sadness too. Very interesting from a basic chronological/journaling perspective, so see how a hobby starts and grows (even she calls it an obsession), to see Covid come and how that impacted things (without being a spotlight of the book).
I found it interesting that some of the main birds around here (Utah) ... magpies, robins, starlings weren't "backyard birds" at this California location. She saw ONE robin, and I had mentioned to Hubs that I was a little surprised it didn't get a drawing. It DID, it's there on the very last page!
So it seemed that the author wrote quite a bit on the pages themselves, then for the book, she re-wrote up the stories (so some parts are repeats of what is handwritten on the pages, and expounded upon). There was some repetition (i.e., two birds with a missing leg, the second encounter didn't seem to reference the first one), so many of the same birds being the focus. The rats, etc.
It was really interesting to read and enjoy the author's birding experience. The Foreword and Preface were a little dry, and as I started at the beginning, at first I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the book ... but once the actual daily entries started, I was sucked in. The author has a way with words (obviously!) that made her experiences a fun read.
The physical book is a little pricey ($20+), but I wouldn't mind having it on my shelves. I'll keep an eye out, see if by chance it shows up at a LFL or thrift store.