The Electricity of Every Living Thing

A Woman's Walk in the Wild to Find Her Way Home

By: Katherine May

Narrated by: Katherine May

The New York Times best-selling author of Wintering writes a life-affirming exploration of wild landscapes, what it means to be different and, above all, how we can all learn to make peace with our own unquiet minds....

In anticipation of her 38th birthday, Katherine May set out to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path. She wanted time alone, in nature, to understand why she had stopped coping with everyday life; why motherhood had been so overwhelming and isolating; and why the world felt full of expectations she couldn't meet. She was also reeling from a chance encounter with a voice on the radio that sparked her realisation that she might be autistic.

And so begins a trek along the ruggedly beautiful but difficult path by the sea that takes readers through the alternatingly frustrating, funny, and enlightening experience of re-awakening to the world around us....

The Electricity of Every Living Thing sees Katherine come to terms with that diagnosis leading her to re-evaluate her life so far — with a much kinder, more forgiving eye. We bear witness to a new understanding that finally allows her to be different rather than simply awkward, arrogant or unfeeling. The physical and psychological journeys of this joyous and inspiring book become inextricably entwined, and as Katherine finds her way across the untameable coast, we learn alongside her how to find our way back to our own true selves.

©2021 Katherine May (P)2021 Melville House

Excellent as always from Katherine May

The writing is beautiful, and the author’s personal narration make the experience magical and serene, at once.

My favorite book of the year

Beautifully written and read. This is a wonderful story of a woman coming back to herself and making sense of her experience of the world. May skillfully illustrates what it is like to be a woman on the autism spectrum. I would recommend this to anyone who seeks to understand themselves a little better.

love

I am glad that this book exists. I also loved her book, Wintering, and am looking forward to when her next book comes out, soon

Lovely

I absolutely loved The Electricity of Every Living Thing. Katherine May’s writing and narration are sparkling. I learned so much about life and living. Thank you, Katherine!

Brilliant

I don’t have words. All so relatable and very soothing to listen to in my down time when my family is asleep

Life is a struggle for everyone so be kind

Brillant and heart felt. Love the true life honesty and vulnerability she shares. Recommend all her work

Beautiful story.

A wonderful story from Katherine. So relatable and full of emotion and perseverance. I can still feel the sand between my toes and the sea air on my face.

Thank You

Thank you to Katherine May for sharing her story and helping me understand my daughter.

Great read to feel seen if you're not neurotypical

As a 42 year old mom, Katherine's experiences are so similar to how I felt as a new mom; it was as if she was writing from my own experience. It wasn't until finding her on a podcast with Glennon Doyle on WCDHT that I discovered Katherine's beautiful writing. Highly recommend this read if you identify with ASD.

I am found

This is beautifully written and lyrically arranged but that’s not my reason for loving it. My reason is that it has filled up the holes in my self understanding. I am this, I am here, I am seen. Thank you.