Synopses & Reviews
A gorgeous, witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty around
us that hides in plain sight, written and illustrated by the
best-selling author of The Joy Luck Club
"The drawings and essays in this book do a lot more than just
describe the birds. They carry a sense of discovery through observation
and drawing, suggest the layers of patterns in the natural world, and
emphasize a deep personal connection between the watcher and the
watched. The birds that inhabit Amy Tan's backyard seem a lot like the
characters in her novels." --David Allen Sibley, from the foreword
Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us,
The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through
daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches.
With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into
birding and the natural wonders of the world.
In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world:
Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and
the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned
toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the
birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace
turned into something far greater--an opportunity to savor quiet moments
during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and
imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.
Review
“Moving . . . Through diary entries, original sketches and questions to spark readers’ own introspection, this is a heartfelt look at the impact of the natural world—for those who take the time to look outside.”—People Magazine
“Charming . . . Tan delivers a journal of birdwatching that’s filled with sketches, casual observations, and the delight of having a hummingbird feed out of your hand. Writers observe and Tan does that beautifully, encouraging you to pause, look around and observe as well. Not just for birders.”
—Parade Magazine
"Unexpected and spectacular" --Ann Patchett, best-selling author of These Precious Days
About the Author
Amy Tan is the author of several novels, including The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter's Daughter. She is a co-producer and co-screenwriter of the film version of The Joy Luck Club and is on the board of American Bird Conservancy. She lives in Sausalito, California