A New York Times bestseller! National Book Award finalist Sy Montgomery reflects on the
personalities and quirks of 13 animals-her friends-who have profoundly affected her in this
stunning poetic and life-affirming memoir featuring illustrations by Rebecca Green.
Understanding someone who belongs to another species can be transformative. No one knows this
better than author naturalist and adventurer Sy Montgomery. To research her books Sy has
traveled the world and encountered some of the planet's rarest and most beautiful animals. From
tarantulas to tigers Sy's life continually intersects with and is informed by the creatures
she meets. This restorative memoir reflects on the personalities and quirks of thirteen
animals-Sy's friends-and the truths revealed by their grace. It also explores vast themes: the
otherness and sameness of people and animals the various ways we learn to love and become
empathetic how we find our passion how we create our families coping with loss and despair
gratitude forgiveness and most of all how to be a good creature in the world.
