Sy Montgomery

An octopus is an amazing creature. You probably already knew that, but you will be even more amazed after reading “The Soul of an Octopus” (2015) by Sy Montgomery.

An octopus has eight legs and nine brains, one in each leg in addition to a central brain. It can taste with each of these legs. Not only do octopuses have different personalities, but even the those legs seem to have different personalities. Some are reserved, while others are more bold and eager to explore.

An octopus is much stronger than a human being. It is able to open tight jars, solve puzzles and escape from all but the most secure enclosures.

A female octopus lays eggs by the thousands. Only about two out of 100,000 eggs will survive and result in an adult octopus.

An octopus has three hearts. It can change color and blend in with almost any background.

An octopus can understand pointing and even watch television.

Yet for all its intelligence and strength and curiosity, an octopus's lifespan is shockingly short, usually just three or four years.

Montgomery, the author of a number of books about wild creatures, got to know several octopuses in a personal way through many visits to an aquarium in Boston. She also learned to scuba dive in order to see octopuses in their natural habitat.
She writes beautifully and tenderly. As for her title, she defines a soul as "the fingerprint of God." By that definition she concludes that an octopus has a soul, and in her book she attempts to relate her own soul to that of several wondrous and mysterious octopuses.… (mere)

I discovered this book on a list of best short books. Sometimes you just need a good, quick read as a palate cleanser. Other times it serves as far more than that, and How to Be a Good Creature is one of those books.

Every animal lover should read this. It’s beautiful, heartfelt, and styled unlike any other memoir I’ve read. I now want to go buy my kids every one of Sy Montgomery’s children’s books, and I’m feeling kind of inspired to write some of my own anecdotes from life on a farm.… (mere)

Montgomery teaches us about turtles' classic longevity, their beauty, resilience and patience. And how they have become a most threatened species because of their high value around the world as food, hand bags, jewelry, and medicine. People and vehicles pose the largest threat to turtles; other animals attack them as well.

Sy Montgomery and her illustrator Matt Peterson volunteer lots of time and energy with a variety of turtle rescue groups to learn and help as much as possible. Turtles are rescued after being run over by cars and trucks, shot at, mauled by animals and from pet owners who have not bothered to learn how to care for them.

Some of those rescued die but many, many others regain their health despite their devastating wounds. It often takes time, turtle time which is very different than the frenetic pace of human time.

Montgomery describes the hard work, devotion, and love the many turtle rescuers have for their patients.

I look forward to reading more of Montomery's sweet, poetic books.… (mere)