#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The Joy Luck Club comes a gorgeous and witty
exploration of birding and nature. This inspiring work cultivates hope and connection
revealing the rhythms of our world and uncovering its beauty hidden in plain sight. • 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.
