For Small Creatures Such as We

Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World

By: Sasha Sagan

Narrated by: Sasha Sagan

Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Part memoir, part guidebook, and part social history, For Small Creatures Such as We is the first book from the daughter of Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan - a luminous exploration of Earth's marvels that require no faith in order to be believed.

"What is the meaning of life? Sagan finds its meaning everywhere - with her family, around the world, and especially among the stars of the cosmos. Read her work; you'll have a deeper appreciation for your every step, every bite, and every breath." (Bill Nye)

Sasha Sagan was raised by secular parents, the astronomer Carl Sagan and the writer and producer Ann Druyan. They taught her that the natural world and vast cosmos are full of profound beauty, that science reveals truths more wondrous than any myth or fable.

When Sagan herself became a mother, she began her own hunt for the natural phenomena behind our most treasured occasions - from births to deaths, holidays to weddings, anniversaries, and more - growing these roots into a new set of rituals for her young daughter that honor the joy and significance of each experience without relying on religious framework.

As Sagan shares these rituals, For Small Creatures Such as We becomes a moving tribute to a father, a newborn daughter, a marriage, and the natural world - a celebration of life itself, and the power of our families and beliefs to bring us together.

©2019 Sasha Sagan (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“How often have you asked yourself: What is the meaning of life? Sasha Sagan finds its meaning everywhere - with her family, around the world, and especially among the stars of the cosmos. Read her work; you’ll have a deeper appreciation for your every step, every bite, and every breath.” (Bill Nye, author of Everything All At Once)

“She’s Carl Sagan’s daughter, and it shows.... Her style seems to inherit something from that grand master of scientific prose poetry. While never for a moment departing from secular physicalism, she makes a lyrical case for ritual, marking out the rhythms of life from birth to death. A charming book, ringing with the joy of existence.” (Richard Dawkins, author of An Appetite for Wonder and The Greatest Show on Earth)

"Offers ethereal wisdom and worldly guidance... Sagan's debut, a lushly written amalgam of memoir and manual, traces her life as the daughter of Carl and writer/producer Ann Druyan and how she came to appreciate the wonder in the everyday... Profound, elegantly written ruminations on the exquisite splendors of life enjoyed through a secular lens.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Profoundly Beautiful

Sasha Sagan’s words are a gift to anyone who might be lost in a world filled with pressure to be religious. I am agnostic and her words calmed my spirit. It is ok to have tradition and still have reservations. Her words are thought provoking and echo her father’s philosophy. We are a here on Earth, and this is profound, yet we are also a very tiny speck in the cosmos. Her book is a beautiful account of her grateful soul. Life is a gift, from the universe. ✨

Beautiful book

This book is simply beautiful. Loved it. She has a lovely voice and well written words.

Interesting insights into rituals and meaning

Overall, it was a good book that provided some interesting insights on why we humans do rituals and observe things the way we do. It was also interesting to hear about how Sasha grew up being raised by two scientists with an open, yet skeptical, approach to life. I wish there had been a bit more on the side of practical advice about creating your own rituals.

Beautiful, honest, thoughtful...

Beautiful, honest, thoughtful... Sasha Sagan's For Small Creatures Such as We is a fascinating read for anybody who looks for spirituality in everyday life.

Transcendent

I've never cried from happiness and sadness so much and so hopefully. Thank you Sasha, for this incredible gift of a book.

My daughter with be one month old tomorrow - I found this book just in time.

Wishing you loving warmth in the vastness,
~Dan

Refreshing

An inspiring and refreshing take on being secular“non religious” or even atheist but still having a love and desire for intellect, beauty, art, connectedness, joy, fulfillment and meaning in life.

Lovely little book.

If I knew her, I know we’d be friends. Wonderful outlook on life and science. She’s a great reader as well. Really enjoyed this.

Beautiful book

I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability that the author Sasha has throughout the book. It is a compelling read with a simple premise that leads to some very complicated ideas because ritual and ceremony are so important as part of being human. I enjoyed her reading.

Wonderful book for non believes and believes alike

Wonderfully told book offering a history of celebrations and holidays and great insight for non believers. Recommend to young parents.

Best book ever

I’ve been looking for this book my whole life and never knew it. There’s something in here for everyone, but especially for those who are intrigued by science and are pursuing a meaningful life outside the context of organized religion. I cried almost every time I listened to it. I can’t wait to listen to it again.