As we head into this week, let’s look at the book chosen as this week’s Monday pick! Today, we will check out The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan and hopefully help you consider a new book to read! This read started as just a way to keep Tan’s mind busy, a small hobby, so to speak. It quickly became a journal-type read many can relate to and enjoy.
Sometimes, what starts as something simple to pass the time and relax becomes a hobby we genuinely enjoy. It may be as simple as bird watching, like in this case. If you find joy in something, that is an accomplishment in today’s society. Speaking of society, the state of today is why Tan started creating this book. It grew into a healthy hobby that she is sharing with the world, in what I believe is the hope of spreading some joy to others.
Why Did Tan Write This Book?
Tan found herself in a state of depression, directly relating to the state of the world and society today. Looking out the window and losing herself in nature became an outlet and an enjoyable vacation from today’s current state of affairs. More specifically, the amount of racism Tan was seeing in the world and experiencing herself from others was horrible. She needed a way out of this, something to replace that negative-filled space that experiencing racism had taken up.
Before she knew it, her musings and notes on what she saw had become quite the read! Altogether, this journal carried so much personality and character, from birds to neighbors’ children to even her husband! While Tan expressed that the world was turning “uglier and uglier,” she busied herself with experiencing nature from a unique point of view. Now, all of us can enjoy her journal and take a break from the world’s current reality.
What You Can Expect To Find Inside
While reading The Backyard Bird Chronicles, you will be surprised at the different content and emotions you will experience. There are moments of relaxation but also moments of wittiness and humor. From words to shared sketched moments, each page brings something new. In summary, below are some of the things you can expect from this book:
- intricate sketches of birds and their personalities, humourous and also thoughtful
- snippets of the inner happenings of Tan’s personal home life and relationships
- different schedules, eating, sleeping, to and fro visits
- personalities from owls, crows, hummingbirds, and more
- over 300 pages of detail-orientated experience with nature
What Editions Is This Book Available In?
Tan’s detailed journal is available in multiple editions. The Flexibound Edition is the physical book itself. However, there are two other editions available! You can also buy this gem in an audiobook and a digital edition for Kindles. Having these different versions of this book makes it more accessible for people, no matter their preferences.
Many people are on the go and have busy lives, so an audiobook may seem appealing to them. I listen to some audiobooks myself, but this is a book I would want to have in my hands. I enjoy flipping through the pages and seeing the detailed sketches. I also have an e-reader, but I love the feeling of physically holding a journalistic book!
Obsession Or Dedication?
Tan openly admits in an interview that she thinks she “tends to be an obsessive person.” She started this journal in 2016, and once 2022 came around, Tan had nine different journals. Imagine the time spent observing and enjoying these birds and learning everything possible about them. Tan took the time to learn and note everything from what they do and do not like to eat to when they rise and rest.
At one point, Tan had between 10,000 and 20,00 mealworms and would store them in her fridge. Going this length seems more like dedication to me, not obsession. Taking the time to learn each bird, spending the amount of money monthly, and dedicating these last several years of her life to this journal resonates with dedication to me.
In Conclusion
This book will give its readers a break from the world and its antics. I highly recommend trying this book and maybe getting one as a gift for someone this holiday season. There are tender moments where you will feel like you are in Tan’s backyard. In other moments, you may find yourself chuckling at sketches and witty self-reflections you may relate to. Either way, this is a gem you won’t want to miss out on!
