How To Be A Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals

Whenever Sy Montgomery writes a book, I buy it and read it right away, even those expeditions books she writes for older children. She is a magnet to all living things. Not only can she communicate with animals but also she brings out the tenderness and love that the reader can feel. She is a gift to us all. How to be a Good Creature talks about a variety of animals, even a tarantula which she met in French Guiana which she called Clarabelle. Now who, for heaven sakes, would enjoy that experience? However, reading that chapter, I would have relished the experience. The author communicates with animals, a real shaman. I think the reason that we so love her books is simple. She can convey their beauty and in so doing she is herself, a very loving and open person. When I read three of her books in a row over three years ago, I felt she was a friend. A friend I might not meet and personally know, but one who took a place in my heart as a real friend would. There are photographs in addition to charming illustrations. The book is beautifully designed with a beautiful wreath of animals on its cover and a easy to read press type. I am buying multiple copies to give as gifts. The book is very reasonably priced. I can not think of a negative. I just closed the last page and have a very warm feeling within myself. Enjoy.

Is it fair to call Sy Montgomery one of America's favorite science writers? It probably is, especially since "How to Be a Good Creature" turned up on the New York Times best-seller list this week. It seems that some of the rest of the country have caught on about Montgomery's many talents.Many first caught on to Montgomery's talents when she wrote "The Good, Good Pig." Not only is the story of a pet pig hard to resist, but the subtext of the story was a look at small-town America at its best. It's policemen driving Christopher back to the farm, and the town restaurant sending leftovers home to the pig. That led many to read some of her other books, past and future, and what shines through all of them is Sy's natural enthusiasm for all things animal. The joy she feels in encounters with strange, wonderful critters jumps off the page."How to Be a Good Creature," is an unusual way of presenting an autobiography - and the format works more perfectly that could be imagined. Montgomery writes about encountered with some of the special animals she has encountered over the years, from childhood today. She also spills some emotions out along the way that are very unexpected. (No spoilers here.) You don't need to have read the other books to enjoy this one, although it doesn't hurt to have a little familiarity with some of the "characters."This is not a big book, checking in at 200 pages or so including everything. But it's all interesting and full of wonder. After reading "How to Be a Good Creature," maybe you'll give a second thought to that insect in the house or the animal you see in the wilderness. Nothing, I'd bet, would please Montgomery more.

This memoir of Sy Montgomery's animal friends is fine bedside reading—a new chapter on a different animal each night. Prone to depression, and carrying tons of baggage from difficult parents, Montgomery forms intense bonds with animals,. These range from her childhood Scottish terrier to wild emus and tarantulas to a captive octopus and to her farm animals and series of Border collies.The book screams "good gift." It features charming design and drawings. And there's a section of photographs at the end. Montgomery is a professional nature writer, and her clarity, ease, and light touch shine in every line. Without overdoing it, she shows the roots of her passion in her retreat from her parents, while at the same time loving them and trying to appreciate them.The focus is on animals, however, and rightly so. Montgomery makes you feel great about being a nut about your dog or cat. But something profound hovers over her effort to connect with wild animals. While sentimental to a fault with her pets and domestic animals, she meets wild animals in a deeply aware and respectful space that kindles moments of precious connection.

I completely fell in love with this book! Not only did she introduce me to all manner of animals that she communicated with, from tarantulas to pigs to octopus, Sy spoke to my heart about her loss of her Border Collie and I found that someone else knew how devastated I was and Sy wasn't afraid to talk about it. This is a one of a kind book. I read someone's complaint that there were parts that were "dark". This book is like life: bright, dark, funny, sad, challenging, mystical, touching, fulfilling and surprising. It is not meant to be a child's book, but certainly, adults can identify with the feelings of joy, loss, courage, humor, compassion, empathy and love that she shows with the creatures she's known. The cornerstone of this book is it's honesty. As one reviewer said, this book should be required reading, just so we all know we're okay to be who we are, whether it's human, creature or the best: a humane creature.

3 stars for the quality of the hardcover. The pages are badly cut. The content is a solid 5.

Llegó sin contratiempo, la lectura es buena, sin embargo el corte de las páginas está disparejo, no se si así es el diseño pero las mismas hojas me parecen muy delgadas. La encuadernación deja mucho que desear.

I absolutely loved this book. Couldn't put it down. I agree with one of the reviews that it should be recommended reading material for everyone. I cried, I laughed but I mostly was so touched. It's heartwarming to know there are people like me out there that know animals deserve respect and kindness. They are living creatures with feelings and do so much more for us than we do for them.

This is a wonderful, touching and informative book. Many surprises! To be read!

This book is a keeper. Will leave it to my grandson. Beautiful.