Sightings: Extraordinary Encounters with Ordinary Birds (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Mary Woodin (Illustrator) "IN THE BEGINNING was the Indigo Bunting..." (more)
Key Phrases: Miss Beach, Indigo Bunting, Lord God Bird (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Reading this book is like walking down a winding path; one never knows what's around the bend a succulent blueberry, a rattlesnake? Be prepared for continual surprises: wisdom, beauty, sometimes a burst of mirth. You will enjoy the depth of its reflections on life, youth, death, and nature.' Huston Smith, author of The World's Religions

Product Description

Sam Keen, the New York Times best-selling author of Fire in the Belly, has spent a lifetime reflecting on nature. In Sightings, a collection of essays, bird watching forms the basis for observations spiritual and soulful, witty and wise. He describes his childhood ramblings in the silence of the Tennessee wilderness as feeling distinctly more spiritual than the hard pews of his grandmother's church. Later in life, the presumed extinction and subsequent rediscovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker prompts a meditation on the nature of the sacred. Blessed with moments of beauty and the insight to recognize them as such, Keen translates the marvels of nature into the language of heart and soul.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811859762
• ISBN-13: 978-0811859769
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #159,554 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book, December 28, 2007

By	Roberta Beyer "Birding Nature Store Owner" (Albuquerque, NM USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

According to Sam Keen, the author of this fine little book, birders are, "unusually susceptible to the emotion of awe." Perhaps that is why I like it so much. It is a little book about a large subject. The book is a search for wisdom. Mr. Keen has collected many moments from his life when birds opened for him vistas into metaphysical realities. Occasional sightings of birds opened what he calls the sacred to his view. Indigo Buntings, Cardinals, Turkey Vultures, Wild Turkeys, Mourning Doves, Owls and Wood Thrushes are just a few of the birds which have carried him-- and will carry his readers --to moments of joy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Little Book, November 4, 2008

By	Carol L. Czekaj (Brighton, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is just as much philosophical as it is about birds. I enjoyed it so much I bought another copy to give to one of my good friends who is enjoying birdwatching for the first time. We also discuss life, religion, nature, politics, etc., and this book offers its thoughts on many subjects through the author's encounters with birds. Birdwatching is a catalyst for ruminating, daydreaming, and wonder.
Additionally, (and not just an afterthought) the illustrations in the book are absolutely beautiful and delightful.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring book for those who love nature, reflection, birding & sam keen, May 11, 2008

By	Serious shopper (Huntington Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

Just a very special little book to have by a favorite chair or to tuck in a bag when waiting somewhere. As a world birder, mountainer, philosopher and someone constantly IN nature, this was an added treat to my collection of "reflection" books--no pedagogy here, just appreciation!!