How to Be a Good Creature

A Memoir in Thirteen Animals

By: Sy Montgomery

Narrated by: Sy Montgomery

Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

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 13 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.

©2018 Sy Montgomery (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Enchanting Start To 2019....

Every year I pick a book, usually to start on New Years Eve, to begin my reading journey for the year to come.
This book, I came across some weeks back and put in my audible wishlist, as not only did it sound delightful, but the cover art pulled me in. However at the time, I was already deep into several other books, several tv shows, and not looking forward to the upcoming holidays. So into my wishlist it went, for another day.
This past year has been one of changes, growth, and new developments, still I always believe that I can become a better creature, and that the lives around me too can be changed for the better by my never ending growth.
This book, is and was a very enchanting way to start my new year.
Not only did it make me, laugh, cry, think, feel, but remember the many furry friends I’ve had, have, and feel great joy for those I hope to have in the future.
This book also made me think about all the many species and creatures, in a whole new light.
That someone out there is always writing about and recording the lives and habits of the many different beings that exists in the world. And the amazing way all creatures are different, and alike, and the love and care that can be shown between species.
I started this book early this morning New Years Day, because I had today off of work.
I am so happy I did! Even though I had to pause this book several times throughout the day, I finished it in less than 8 hours.
With its managable 3 hours and 42 minute length, and a whole day in which I could; the day seemed even more thrilling with a cozy bed, and then a cozy couch to spend the day relaxing and listening to one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.

While the book was pure delightful, the narration, read by the author herself, made the book sing!
I highly recommend this audible version of the book.
I most definitely plan to buy an actual copy however, to not only see the stunning design that gets mentioned a few times, but to hopefully get it signed by the author.
I have yet to read any other of the authors works, and now have added several other audible versions of them (also read by her) to my wishlist.
And now thus begins my reading journey for 2019, in a beautiful and enchanting way.
I hope you enjoy it too!

All Creatures Great and Small

I listened to this on audible, and it was narrated by the author; in this case, the author's narration worked well. I enjoyed the stories, especially the parts where I got to revisit Christopher Hogwood (from One Good Good Pig) and the ladies (chickens). I was fascinated with the octopus; who would have thought that they loved to play with legos?

I also can relate to her feelings about losing Christopher, Tess, Sally and others, but the theme of the book is not about loss. Rather, it is more about what other creatures can teach us, if we just stop to listen, look and learn.

Not the authentic naturalist "take" I'd hoped for.

Very emotional memoir of sorts. Author's admiration comes across as odd obsession. Could only get through chapter 3. Love naturalist genre, so I was disappointed.

Loved it

Great book, her narration was the best I’ve ever heard. If you love animals it’s a must read.

Sy is a simply awesome creature

Great book but honestly hearing it spoken in her own voice is just exceptional. Hearing her voice describe her feelings brought smiles to my face and tears to my eyes. Whole family loves Sy!

Beautiful. Honest. Emotional. Relatable.

Loved listening to these touching stories; the experiences and emotions, the learnings and love. I know I have the same heart for animals as Sy, but often can’t explain how much my pets have impacted my life (beyond the time I shared with them on earth) and how much joy they have brought me. And continue to bring me, as I remember them fondly. Someday I hope to write about their stories too.

Animals and pets MAKE life

(As posted in GoodReads)
The book was short, but the author showed a vast love and respect for animals and their effects on her every day. I'm not sure about the title: "How to Be a Good Creature" is, I suppose, an overall goal of everyone, and people's relationships with animals definitely affects that, but it was more "How Animals Are Wonderful". And I really appreciated the wide variety of pets that she had an animals with which she had interactions..

Very emotionally moving...

Sy writes and narrates with very emotionally moving words!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her memories (both happy and sorrowful) of her experiences with wonderful creatures.

Ugh

Most of this was just rambling with some cute moments. Didn't really live up to any life lessons, just a woman who connected better with animals than humans. Fine.

Then came chapter 8. Where it turned to the ghosts of her dead pets following around and/ or looking down at her from heaven (she seems to believe both of the same animals, so I'm confused on the point). Then it's all just religious and spiritual nonsense.

Clearly, a lot of people like this. But I got absolutely nothing good from this book and the latter part just made me annoyed at the author wasting my time.

Fascinating, Thought-Provoking, and Full of Love

This ended too soon! I hope she makes a sequel. Sy Montgomery shares with readers her special bonds with the animals in her life. She has a lovely way of matching human needs and thoughts with the important lessons that nature presents to each and every one of us. Her way of navigating her memoir using 13 animal teachers is brilliant, engaging and endearing. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves animals and learning. Sy is a fantastic storyteller - the writing and her performance are great! #Childhood #Dads #DysfunctionalFamilies #FriendshipStories #LoveandRelationships #Moms #SelfDiscovery #Travel #Heartfelt #Funny #Inspiring #Animal #FemaleProtagonist #Naturalist #Journalist #Wife #Daughter #Professional #FamousWriter #Philospher# #Poignant #ThoughtProvoking #Nature #Conservation #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes