Of Time and Turtles

Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell

By: Sy Montgomery

Narrated by: Sy Montgomery

National Book Award finalist for The Soul of an Octopus and New York Times bestseller Sy Montgomery turns her journalistic curiosity to the wonder and wisdom of our long-lived cohabitants—turtles—and through their stories of hope and rescue, reveals to us astonishing new perspectives on time and healing.

When acclaimed naturalist Sy Montgomery and wildlife artist Matt Patterson arrive at Turtle Rescue League, they are greeted by hundreds of turtles recovering from injury and illness. Endangered by cars and highways, pollution and poachers, these turtles—with wounds so severe that even veterinarians would have dismissed them as fatal—are given a second chance at life. The League’s founders, Natasha and Alexxia, live by one motto: Never give up on a turtle.

But why turtles? What is it about them that inspires such devotion? Ancient and unhurried, long-lived and majestic, their lineage stretches back to the time of the dinosaurs. Some live to two hundred years, or longer. Others spend months buried under cold winter water. Montgomery turns to these little understood yet endlessly surprising creatures to probe the eternal question: How can we make peace with our time?

In pursuit of the answer, Sy and Matt immerse themselves in the delicate work of protecting turtle nests, incubating eggs, rescuing sea turtles, and releasing hatchlings to their homes in the wild. We follow the snapping turtle Fire Chief on his astonishing journey as he battles against injuries incurred by a truck.

Hopeful and optimistic, Of Time and Turtles is an antidote to the instability of our frenzied world. Elegantly blending science, memoir, philosophy, and drawing on cultures from across the globe, this compassionate portrait of injured turtles and their determined rescuers invites us all to slow down and slip into turtle time.

• Perfect gift for nature lovers.
• Discover more books by Sy Montgomery such as How to Be a Good Creature and The Soul of an Octopus.
• Don't miss The Book of Turtles for children

Supplemental Enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

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

©2023 Sy Montgomery (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

love turtles but...

this book would be so much better but it brings the author's political views into so much of the story. didn't even get halfway. I just wanted a story about helping the animals I love. Unfortunate, had lots of potential

❤️

Loved this book - second book by this author and just really admire her work! Everyone should read it.

Terrific Tales of Turtle Conservation

The author brings to her book the raw emotion needed to open one’s heart to animals in deepest need and pain; you can hear her passion, her joy and her frustration as she navigates the rises and falls Of Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation. As an Environmental Conservationist vested in Environmental Law, I found this to be a fascinating and wonderful testament to animal welfare. I’d give 6 stars.

I will keep this in my collection and listen again.

Fascinating and deeply moving. The author is a brilliant narrator. I will never look at turtles the same way again.

Good writing but too many unrelated social issues

Unfortunately this was written during the COVID pandemic, and the author felt it necessary to react to the politics and events of the time. It distracted me from the story; I wanted to read about turtles to escape all the social issues of the day. Otherwise, it was well written and it accomplished its mission of teaching me about turtles and the struggles they encounter in the modern world.

Hope and Heartbreak

A wonderful scientific and philosophical account of turtle rescue mostly centered in northeast United States. You will find yourself cheering on the author and saddened when she and her colleagues can't rescue every turtle killed by vehicle, poached or wrongfully cared for by there owners.

Heartwarming

I'm a turtle paleontologist and so probably very biased, but this book just warmed my soul. you can't help but fall in love with these turtles, and root for the folks taking care of them. This book feels like a warm hug, and Sy Montgomery's narration really ties everything together. there's definitely parts of this book that are tough and made me cry, and I'm so glad that there's good folks out there who are undertaking the difficult work that's required to care for these turtles.

A new awareness of turtles

This is a captivating account of Sy Montgomery 's immersion into the world of turtles, their lives, their tenacious hold on life. Beautifully written, and read by the author, it describes her involvement with a committed group of people dedicated to turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Why turtles, you might ask? You'll have to read, better yet, listen, to this book to gain a new awareness and appreciation for this little understood reptile. Through Sy's skilled writing you will become familiar, not just with this remarkable animal, but with the many individuals she meets along the way. Do yourself a favor....get this book!

Sy Montgomery: Leading Inter-Species Intellectual

Move Over Harari, Hedges, West and Dennett - Sy Montgomery is the Leading Inter-Species Intellectual today. Where these others overlook our place with other living creatures that inhabit our world, Sy opens up that world so beautifully. LIstening to Sy read her own book only deepens the experience. She not only speaks to my own Native American roots but to all those who believe that we must - in the final analysis - realize that we share this "small blue dot" with a beautiful array of living beings who will enrich our lives immeasurably if we are only open to seeing, hearing and feeling them. - Wayne King

An informative & inspiring book! Highly recommend!

I could be partial but I know the people at TRL personally & they are just as great as they are depicted in this book. I am a huge fan of Sy & really loved her book about the Octopus so I was extremely excited for this one. It’s evident how much appreciation Sy has for nature & she’s able to share that in a substantial way - both my mom & I really loved this book. It’s great for all ages & I listened to the whole thing in a few days. You will not be disappointed ❤️.

I honestly can’t wait to see what Sy writes about next! Perhaps penguins? There is an organization I interned with (SANCCOB) that does really great work to rehab seabirds.

Thank you for this great book!