The Backyard Bird Chronicles

De: Amy Tan, David Allen Sibley - foreword

Narrado por: Amy Tan, Evan Sibley

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 • With a foreword by David Allen Sibley

“Unexpected and spectacular”—Ann Patchett, best-selling author of These Precious Days

"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.

This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF of images and resources from the book

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Amy Tan and David Allen Sibley (P)2024 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Delightful . . . Tan’s lovely graphite and colored pencil drawings reveal yet another side of the multitalented author . . . Her depictions of their habits and foibles are laced with considerable wit . . . Her bird chronicles are fun, too—and informative.”—Heller McAlpin, Los Angeles Times

“Much of great writing comes from great interest, and in The Backyard Bird Chronicles, Amy Tan shows us how the world fascinates her, especially the birds. The result is both unexpected and spectacular.”—Ann Patchett, author of These Precious Days

“What an enchanting and illuminating book! How lucky for us that Amy Tan has turned her genius, her deep empathy and insight, her keen eye for what is telling, to birds. Every page of these chronicles radiates warm curiosity, wonder, and delight.”—Jennifer Ackerman, The Genius of Birds

Gentle, bird-centric plot

If you like birds (or want to learn more about them) this book is for you

Author’s love and fascination with the bird world and her fellow creatures

I enjoyed and like the side stories about the author’s joys, frustrations and emanating from her ever increasing closeness to the natural world.

I would have like more mention about the role backyard plantings played in the attraction of the birds she saw, but instead, she seemed entirely focused upon her carting in food for feeders, never acknowledging that the insect world attracted by the oaks and other plantings around her home and the role those insects played in the presence and health of “her” entourage of bird visitors.

Amy's passion

Amy's excellent descriptive storytelling; one sentence giving detailed, well researched, scientific information and the next sentence calling out a breed for "just being slobs" -- hilarious!

Charmed to the very core!

If you are someone who loves birds or knows a birder this book is for you, guaranteed joy.. otherwise it’s still worth it for a peek into the world of another human enchanted and in love with the feathered ones. Her description of a hummingbird close encounter is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever read.

Embued with life, love, care and mealie worms.

Amy Tan’s characterization of bird types is a world she ardently observes that is encapsulated amidst bird feeders.

Delightful journal of an author turned bird lover

Amy Tan has inspired me with her chronicles of backyard bird tending and watching. I find myself more attentive of the little animals in my own yards, and for that, Amy, I thank you.

detail

I enjoyed the detail and Amy’s love of birds.I’m amazed at how she knows the birds’ names.

A Most Enthusiastic Backyard Birder and a very fun listen

Being a bacyard birder myself, I can relate to and fully appreciate Amy's excitement as she so fully enjoys her avian friends. You simply never know what you'll see next. Told with a pleasant voice, she describes in a witty and fun way her many experiences while enjoying the natural world without going any further than her own backyard. I didn't want it to end.

Nature journaling is great.

I found in a truly journaling group in Austin, Texas, and in Tucson, Arizona, where I hope to participate.

Amy Tans narration is wonderful

Does not matter if you like birds 🦅 or not you will love this book and may find a new hobby. I now know why this book has been number one in best sellers. I will reread this book as soon as my wife finishes it and we can compare notes . Very rare I can find a book that moves me like this one did. I must get the hard copy also so I can see Amy’s drawings .