by Margaret Renkl
Published
October 24, 2023
Pages
288 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Spiegel & Grau
Kindle
$16.99
Hardcover
$18.99
Audiobook
$0.00
Audio CD
Not found
REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK * NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “A beautiful love letter to nature and the world around us.”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club September ’24 Pick) THE PERFECT GIFT FOR NATURE LOVERS, BIRDERS, AND GARDENERS, WITH ORIGINAL COLOR ART THROUGHOUT * USA TODAY BESTSELLER * NATIONAL BESTSELLER * INDIE NEXT PICK From the beloved New York Times opinion writer: a luminous book that traces the passing of seasons, both personal and natural. In The Comfort of Crows , Margaret Renkl presents a literary devotional: fifty-two chapters that follow the creatures and plants in her backyard over the course of a year. As we move through the seasons—from a crow spied on New Year’s Day, its resourcefulness and sense of community setting a theme for the year, to the lingering bluebirds of December, revisiting the nest box they used in spring—what develops is a portrait of joy and grief: joy in the ongoing pleasures of the natural world, and grief over winters that end too soon and songbirds that grow fewer and fewer.
Along the way, we also glimpse the changing rhythms of a human life. Grown children, unexpectedly home during the pandemic, prepare to depart once more. Birdsong and night-blooming flowers evoke generations past.
The city and the country where Renkl raised her family transform a little more with each passing day. And the natural world, now in visible flux, requires every ounce of hope and commitment from the author—and from us. For, as Renkl writes, “radiant things are bursting forth in the darkest places, in the smallest nooks and deepest cracks of the hidden world.” With fifty-two original color artworks by the author’s brother, Billy Renkl, The Comfort of Crows is a lovely and deeply moving book from a cherished observer of the natural world.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of "The Comfort of Crows," where the simple pleasures of backyard life become a canvas for profound reflection and discovery. As each season unfurls its unique charm, the author captures the subtle beauty of nature and explores the intricate dance between humans and the natural world. This thoughtful narrative not only invites readers to reconnect with their surroundings but also encourages them to find solace and wisdom in the everyday wonders that surround us.
Embrace the beauty in ordinary moments and find profound insights in nature's cyclical patterns. Nature offers an endless tapestry where observation leads to introspection and deeper understanding of life's complexities. Simple backyard encounters provide solace serving as reminders of the interconnectedness between humanity and the earth.
In "The Comfort of Crows the author takes readers on an intimate journey through a year in her backyard each season bringing new revelations and insights. With an eye for detail and a poetic touch her observations weave together the threads of nature time and human experience creating a tapestry of thought-provoking reflections. As she watches the crows weave their stories in the sky the author contemplates life's fleeting moments and the lasting impacts of small joys.
Her backyard becomes both a refuge and a mirror reflecting the cycles of life and the rhythms that connect all living things. Through the vivid portrayals of wildlife and plant life this book offers a profound meditation on the importance of slowing down and truly seeing the beauty that surrounds us. It invites readers to embrace mindfulness and appreciate the often overlooked but significant interconnections within the natural world.
The Comfort of Crows" is more than a mere observation of the seasons; it is a celebration of resilience adaptability and the gentle yet profound lessons that nature imparts. The author\'s ability to capture the essence of these moments elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary.
What sets this book apart is the author's unique ability to blend personal reflection with universal truths creating a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive Each page is suffused with a deep sense of place and belonging that resonates with readers regardless of their background The Comfort of Crows" stands out with its poetic language transforming everyday backyard scenes into vivid and memorable escapades The descriptive prowess lingers in the mind and invites readers to see their environments with renewed wonder and curiosity This book's strength lies in its gentle urging for readers to slow down and savor the present It provides an accessible yet profound approach to understanding the interconnectedness between ourselves and the natural cycles we coexist within making it a cherished addition to any collection.
1954118465
978-1954118461
5.5 x 1.1 x 8.4 inches
1.1 pounds
Based on 521 ratings
I love the gentleness of this book. It is inspiring and educational at the same time. I like it so well that I purchased another copy for a nature loving friend.
I love this book! The writing reminds me of Annie Dillard and the illustrations are interesting and beautiful. Reading this almost makes me want to move to Tennessee.
This short book, containing one essay for each week of the year beginning with winter, few if any longer than three pages, can be read in a sitting, but should anyone breeze through it they will likely find themselves going back over it at least one more time. A few of the essays take time to sink in, and the book as a whole should be allotted that time. I had read numerous reviews, all favorable, but none convinced me that the book wouldn't be too Venus-y for my Martian palate - until one appeared in, of all places, my local newspaper and suggested there would be much more to it than the typical "Today I saw a redbird, and it was beautiful." Upon acquiring the book I first noticed the gorgeous illustrations, all done by the author's brother, but other than that the text, if only at first, reminded me of a similar "diary of the natural year" written by a late friend - pleasant enough, even sharp-eyed in places, but not particularly compelling or thought-provoking. Which is why this book is worth reading twice - as, it turned out, was my friend's. And the two readings should occur one right after the other, which I suspected I needed to do. Gradually the real messages of the 52 essays emerged, and they were not always pretty. Many lack happy endings, others are bittersweet at best. Among other things the author confronts not only her own aging but the concomitant loss of seasonal variation and reliability, the homogenization of wild species, the erasure of history and historical ways of living, and the infuriating complacency with which most Americans appear to accept - ignore - the damage we do to the environment even by mere inaction. This has consequences of global importance, but at the neighborhood level too. Human behavior, ranging from the poisoning of lawns to overdevelopment, and even including the author's occasional carelessness (however well-intentioned) can have tragic results. Death, from relatives and friends to baby birds, is a constant presence among the beauty and (often) humor of her observations - and yet it's an essential component of nature, red in tooth and claw.
If you enjoy nature, Margaret Renkl's books are a delight. Read through the whole book or enjoy page by page day by day. I always learn something new and am inspired to observe nature more closely!
Love the read . The book is beautifully done it’s the reason to buy a book rather then an ebook. My yard is going to look very different after reading this book. If people could be as kind and gentle as the author it would be a very different world we live in.
I've read Margaret Renkl before, and love her writing. This book is a series of very thoughtful and inspiring essays. I think it is best enjoyed one essay at a reading, and savoring the beautifully written words!
This is my favorite book I’ve read in the past year. It felt like a daily meditation. An avid gardener, I loved her perspective on the natural interactions of living things. Her descriptions have caused me to move more slowly, be more observant, and really absorb the beauty of my gardens. This is a perfect gift for friends.
I belong to a book club in order to enjoy books I would never think of to read myself. This is one of those kinds of books for me. I'm so happy I was introduced to this book! I'm definitely not a gardener-type or an appreciator of bugs, birds other fauna and flora, but this book has made me a believer in finding the beauty in all things of Mother Earth in your own back yard. It is beautifully written and the illustrations are just stunning. I was one of the criers during our book club discussion as we talked about our reactions to this book. It just hits my heart. Beautiful!