Discover the Marvels of Nature: A Celebration of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Wonders

S. K. Schmidt: This is a terrifically unique piece of writing. It really cannot be placed in a certain genre, but seems a combination of the secrets of the natural world and a memoir. I had never heard of the Cassowary bird or the ribbon eel ( among many of the living things she writes about ) and found myself turning to my spouse many times to share a passage. Beautifully constructed and written!

United States on Nov 28, 2023

Isaac: Purchased for my English class. Honestly, a very enjoyable book. Each essay is unique and well written.

United States on Nov 02, 2023

mcliz: I am so glad I stumbled on this book! Riveting and thoughtful—I found myself noticing so much more on my walks through the park afterwards. Loved her meditation on fireflies.

United States on Oct 08, 2023

Jane Healy: This book of essays is a poetic weaving of natural history and personal memoir. The author masterfully relates creatures and plants in the natural world to her personal life as a brown girl dealing with racism through many moves, as well as her current life as a mother. For example, the in the chapter on fireflies, we learn about fireflies' sparking pattern and Nezhukumatathill's childhood memory of driving at dusk in the Smoky Mountains with her family to the place where her father knew they would see multitudes of fireflies. In a later essay, we read about the author's fascination with the Corpse Flower, and how she uses it as a test on first dates. Motherhood and a sense of home are major themes. This book instills wonder and empathy for the whole wide world and our place in it, never preaching, but making clear that humans are one of many species that need to learn to live together. I read this for my book club, and it led to one of our group's best, most personal and lively discussions.

United States on Jun 28, 2023

Melinda D: I liked everything in this delightful book. It’s poetic and filled with revelations about unusual plants and animals. It’s more fun to read one chapter at a time to really take it in and think about it. You’ll love reading World of Wonders!

Germany on Jan 26, 2023

Jimena Vidales: Hermoso libro

Mexico on Dec 31, 2022

cags: I really liked this book, not exactly what I expected, but full of interest and joy

United Kingdom on Oct 04, 2022

Janet: The descriptions and beautiful details on this book is incredible. Love it 😍

Canada on Jul 16, 2022

Dan0345: An amazing journey with surprising insights. Even if you are a committed planet hugger you will be enlightened by this book. You may have to persist, but it is worth the effort.

Australia on Jan 18, 2022

Cathy G. Cole: Seventeen of Aimee Nezhukumatathil's twenty-two students had never seen-- or even heard of-- fireflies. Instead of exploring the world around them, they spend their free time indoors in front of the screens of televisions, computers, and phones. This series of essays tells of Aimee's love of the natural world, how it has sustained her and inspired her throughout the years.

The author has lived in a variety of places in the United States: on the grounds of a mental institution in Kansas, in the mountains of Arizona, and in the colder climes of Ohio and western New York. Daughter of a Filipino mother and an Indian father, Aimee and her sister often lived in areas where there were extremely few people of color, and people could be hurtful. Many are the times that something in the natural world, be it a tree, an insect, or any other living thing sustained Aimee and helped her cope.

Having explored the natural world and become acquainted with its balm and solace, I enjoyed this series of essays, in particular one entitled "Questions While Searching for Birds with My Two Half-White Sons, Aged Six and Nine, National Audubon Bird Count Day, Oxford, MS." While simple in form,...

United States on Apr 19, 2021