How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals

Naturalist Sy Montgomery reflects on her relationships with thirteen different animals who shaped her understanding of life, love, and connection. Through encounters with creatures ranging from her family's Scottish Terrier to an octopus in an aquarium, she documents pivotal moments and lasting bonds. The memoir moves between continents and species as Montgomery shares her experiences studying and befriending animals in both wild and domestic settings. Each chapter focuses on one animal companion, exploring their unique personalities and the specific lessons they imparted. Montgomery recounts her research trips, life on her New England farm, and visits to scientific facilities where she developed deep connections with her subjects. The interactions span decades of her life and career as a nature writer. The book examines fundamental questions about consciousness, grief, and what it means to form authentic relationships across species barriers. Through her animal connections, Montgomery presents insights about finding purpose and maintaining wonder in the natural world.

Readers describe this memoir as a heartfelt exploration of human-animal connections. The book resonates with animal lovers and those interested in personal growth through relationships with other species. Readers appreciated: - Intimate portraits of each animal's personality and impact - The blend of scientific observation and emotional connection - Montgomery's honesty about depression and loss - The illustrations by Rebecca Green - Brief chapters that work well for both adults and younger readers Common criticisms: - Some found the writing style too sentimental - Readers wanted more depth about certain animals - A few noted repetitive themes across chapters Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (100+ ratings) One reader noted: "Each chapter feels like sitting with a friend sharing stories about beloved pets." Another wrote: "The octopus chapter alone makes the book worth reading."

H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald A naturalist's chronicle of training a goshawk while processing grief reveals the healing bonds between humans and animals.

Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery This exploration of octopus behavior and intelligence demonstrates the profound connections possible between species.

Fox and I: An Uncommon Friendship by Catherine Raven A former park ranger's account of her relationship with a wild fox redefines the boundaries between humans and wild animals.

Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien A biologist's 19-year journey raising a barn owl illuminates the depth of animal consciousness and interspecies relationships.

An Elephant in My Kitchen by Francoise Malby-Anthony with Katja Willemsen The story of a wildlife sanctuary owner's work with elephants shows the complexities of animal conservation and emotional intelligence.

🦑 Author Sy Montgomery has been chased by an angry silverback gorilla, bitten by a vampire bat, and worked in a pit of 18,000 snakes. 🐗 The book became a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the best books of 2018 by NPR. 🦜 Montgomery has worked with researchers to discover over a dozen new species, including the largest species of land snail ever recorded. 🐙 One of the animals featured in the book is Octavia, a Pacific giant octopus who taught Montgomery about love and loss at the New England Aquarium. 🦋 The author struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts as a child, and credits her relationship with animals—particularly her first pet, a Scottish terrier—for helping her survive those difficult years.