Title: How To Be A Good Creature by Sy Montgomery
Publisher: HMH Books
Verdict: 5/5
In a nutshell (Amazon):
National Book Award finalist Sy Montgomery reflects on the personalities and quirks of 13 animals—her friends—who have profoundly affected her in this stunning, poetic, and life-affirming memoir featuring illustrations by Rebecca Green.
Understanding someone who belongs to another species can be transformative. No one knows this better than author, naturalist, and adventurer Sy Montgomery. To research her books, Sy has traveled the world and encountered some of the planet’s rarest and most beautiful animals. From tarantulas to tigers, Sy’s life continually intersects with and is informed by the creatures she meets.
This restorative memoir reflects on the personalities and quirks of thirteen animals—Sy’s friends—and the truths revealed by their grace. It also explores vast themes: the otherness and sameness of people and animals; the various ways we learn to love and become empathetic; how we find our passion; how we create our families; coping with loss and despair; gratitude; forgiveness; and most of all, how to be a good creature in the world.
My thoughts:
Firstly, HAAAAAAPPY 2019!!! How are you celebrating your first day of 2019? Me? Pretty much the same. Stay home. Look after the kids.
Oh! Also, did you stay up for the countdown? I did. It’s a must-do for me and my husband every year 😅
Sorry, I digressed. Now back to the book. OK. You have to start your new year with this memoir! It’s moving, inspiring and honest. Reading this book is like watching a documentary on TV, only this one, you’ll feel the author’s love, passion and emotions.
It’s about lessons these wonderful creatures taught her. They were her teachers and mentors, and most of all, the most loyal of friends. In this memoir, I met the most amazing creatures, from the tenacious border collies to furry giant tarantulas, and ones I’ve never heard of before like the mountain cuscus, pademelons, dorcopsis, and Matschie’s tree kangaroos! I Googled them and oh my, were they beautiful! I can hardly imagine how Montgomery felt when being in their company!
Montgomery was saved by these animals time and time again. When her life was going on a downward spiral, a loving piglet, whom she named Christopher Hogwood, lifted her up and taught her ‘how to love with what life gives you. Even when life gives you slop’ and how to befriend other humans (she’s not one who knows how to be with other humans), bringing her joy she thought she’d never experience.
When she lost Chris, her pig, and Tess her dog, the Matschie’s tree kangaroos freed her from her severe depression, reminding her about life and its beauty; and Tess, who appeared in her dream, showed her that life is about believing in second chances. Octavia the octopus made her realize friendship can be extended to all living creatures – land and sea, vertebrates and invertebrates, and Clarabelle, the tarantula, taught her all creatures, big and small, play an important part in our world.
Told in 10 heartfelt chapters, the stories of these animals showed me how much more animals can offer us besides companionship. They showed me how we can be better humans, the importance of opening our hearts and loving all that inhabit this earth. They reminded me that beauty is everywhere, if only we use our hearts to see.
And the illustrations…oh…so…gorgeous!! I’m so glad I got this when I saw it at Target!!
Beautiful. A must-read for all. Animal lover or not.
———–
Do you have a must-read to kick off your New YEAR? Any 2019 reading goals? For me, not really. Just go with the flow. Oh, one thing I want to do slightly differently though, is try clear my TBR and bring it down to a manageable stack 😁😅
Till then, HAPPY READING!
Hooked On Bookz 
Jee, my darling, happy 2019 💕 💞 to you and your family and Adam
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh we also have Haley😊she’s two 😁Happy New Year to you and yours too! Xoxo and thank you for being part of my blogging experience! I truly appreciate your always dropping by, reading, liking and commenting on my blog!😘❤️❤️
LikeLike
Aww Jee you are a sweetheart, I didn’t know your daughter’s name, hence I wrote family
You have darlings to look after, you are an amazing mom😘😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t worry about it 😊and thank you so much for your wishes, Shalini! It means alot! It can be a struggle some days, but I’m trying 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, I always enjoy the feeling of wanting to start afresh that each new year brings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and same to you too! And Thank you so much for always sharing my posts on Twitter! I really appreciate it! You give my blog posts hope! 😊❤️Have a brilliant 2019, Rosie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, I enjoy sharing posts about books which don’t make my own TBR pile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️❤️
LikeLike
Wonderful review! Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Darinda! And thanks for stopping by! Happy New Year to you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year! This sounds just the right book for me (I think I also said this when you wrote about this in Shelf Control too). Lovely review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mallika! Yes this book is amazing! I’ve never read one quite like this before!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m adding this one right now, Jee! This sounds like just the kind of book I love! Animals? Inspiration? Emotion? Lovely review, my friend! I’m not setting too many goals either. Just hoping to slow down a little with ARCs. Happy New Year! So grateful to know you! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jennifer! I am too! And same here, I’m going to slow down on ARCs. Just read whatever that’s left. But Must. Clear. My. TBR. That’s top priority. If not I won’t hear the end of the Hub’s nags 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing review! I love animals too… cats (big and small) are my favourites.
Happy new year! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, NS! I think you might enjoy this book too! ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I already had this book in mind for my kids now even more! Great review Jee! and yes.. I did stay up for the countdown! Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and happy new year to you too! I hope your kids will enjoy the book as much as I did! 😘❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww! Jee Boo! Happy 2019! To you and your family 💜 💜 . Wonderful review on this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks dear! Xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
This one looks amazing!! Adding it to the TBR! Happy New Year! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! And to you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good review, and a belated wish for a wonderful year ahead. (Reading this post on 1/16/19 I am sooooo behind. That’s what getting sick can do for you.) I also am taking aim on my TBR shelves, plus taking on at least three challenges.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rae! I’m a little slow in my reviews these days too…with added responsibilities at home… I hope you’re feeling better already! Do take care! Sending all the warm hugs your way ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person