Thank you to the author Sy Montgomery, publishers Simom and Schuster, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of OF TIME AND TURTLES. I found an accessible audiobook copy on Libby. All views are mine.

[...If] a turtle's organs are not smeared all over the road, we might be able to save her. We never give up on a turtle. (0:07:11)

This book is brilliant; one of the best animal biology books for popular audiences that I've ever read. I learned so much about turtles, things I've never even considered, and I *have* a pet turtle!

I think what makes this book so special is how Montgomery aligns the turtles experiences and motivations with our own. In this book are a dozen or more inroads into the author's subject of the day. I read some criticisms of this book that the secondary topics are distracting. But I think if this book had been about nothing other than maimed and endangered turtles, not as many readers could find a way to connect to such a sad state of affairs, the subject of turtles in the US.

All said, this is a beautiful book, beautifully researched. (Montgomery spent a year volunteering for a turtle rescue, in part so she could write this book from a place of experience.) Give this a try, if you like books about animals, conservation, and resilience.

We're kind of like turtles. The more we experience, the better we are. (5:19:07)

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. Sometimes I think that writers include too many details, too much information about their topic, and don't include enough supplemental information or all that fun stuff, like complex examples, graphics, or case studies, all that stuff that glues it all together. Montgomery seems to choose just the right amount of data, and deliver it in just the right sequence, using secondary subjects to keep the reader's attention, to keep them invested in the subject. Quote loc. 326

2. This book gave me hope. Turtles do too. Quote loc. 895

3. I'm so glad this book starts off on this note: [...If] a turtle's organs are not smeared all over the road, you might well be able to save her. We never give up on a turtle. (0:07:11)

4. "The turtles give me a reason to get out of bed every morning." This level of animal love is definitely my vibe.

5. The audiobook narrator, also the author, Sy Montgomery, added so much to this story. Her voice is expressive, her reading, interesting.

6. Chris is a fascinating character. Yes, he's real. He's also quite a character!

7. Memories of course are how we are the way we order our fundamental understanding of time and change. The way we anchor our sense of self in the flow of life. But what if nothing seems to change, from day to day, week to week, month to month. What we have then is a collapse of the reassuring feeling that our lives follow some kind of progression. (4:11:03) The way Montgomery weaves in thoughts about the pandemic really works well when discussing animals who seem to live outside of the flow of time.

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. Turtles have survived everything nature has thrown at them, from both Earth and outer space (e.g. the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs...). But will they survive modern humans? (1:14:35) This is one of those books that makes me realize how destructive humanity is, as a collective. Books like these teach me a lot but also make me feel sad and frustrated.

2. This book accomplishes more than just educating about turtles. One of those things is providing an eerie view from the perimeter of nature of the global onset of Covid. This book is, in fact, the first book I read that even mentioned the pandemic, when I read it in early 2023.

3. I get secondhand embarrassed about how bad this author's understanding is of trans issues, and how clumsy she is when addressing them. But I appreciate her purpose, which is to start a conversation about something she doesn't know enough about, and encouraging others to learn more like she did.

Rating: 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 /5 rescued turtles
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Nov 14 '24
Format: Digital, NetGalley; audiobook, Libby
Read this book if you like:
🐢 turtles
🪧 animal activism
🚙 impact of human activity
🏞 preservation efforts

You may not give them much thought, but turtles really are remarkable creatures. They’ve been on earth for 250 million years, meaning they walked alongside the earliest dinosaurs. Sea turtles can migrate thousands of miles to return to the beaches where they hatched to lay eggs. And the first animals to orbit the moon were a pair of Russian tortoises. But these ancient reptiles have never been in more danger than they are now. Cars, habitat destruction, and the exotic pet trade are threatening numerous species in a way that a quarter-billion years of evolution and mass extinctions never did. That’s where the Turtle Rescue League comes in. Staffed by a pair of dedicated women, Alexxia and Natasha mend cracked shells, carry snapping turtles across busy roads, and rehabilitate injured turtles in the basement of their home in central Massachusetts. Montgomery and her friend Matt, an exceptionally talented wildlife artist who supplied the illustrations—seriously, wait until you see the pictures, you’ll think they’re photos—participate in turtle rescue and recovery over the seasons.

So those are the turtles of the title. But what about the time? Shortly after they started visiting, the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and social isolation distorted our sense of time. The pandemic also coincided with Montgomery entering her mid-sixties and feeling like she was entering a new phase of her life. The secret to accepting and even thriving amid lockdowns and aging, she realizes, is thinking like a turtle. Some species can live over two centuries—one captive tortoise even laid eggs at the age of 145. These long lifespans mean living slower—medicine that would take minutes or hours to affect a mammal can take weeks for a turtle, and physical therapy can take years. This makes turtle recovery is a slow process. But they do recover. Progress happens, but it happens slowly. You just have to be a turtle about it.

Of Time and Turtles is a must for anyone who likes books about natural history, conservation, and the human-animal bond. If you’re not a fan of turtles already, it will certainly make you one.

Ah, another Sy Montgomery book. These animal monograph-style books from Montgomery are always a hit for me. In the best way possible, it feels like when the school librarian rolled out the tv and popped in a nature documentary. So deeply researched, while also fascinating.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the eGalley to review!

This is no doubt one of my favorite books I've read this year. I love turtles so much and this book does so well in explaining why they should be so loved. It also philosophizes about time and how we can learn from these beautiful animals to make our own lives better. There is so much we can learn from souls that live so long and have been around way longer than humans ever existed.

Sy Montgomery had the wonderful opportunity to work with the Turtle Rescue League (TRL), a rescue and rehabilitation center that never stops working to make sure these precious creatures continue to live on this remarkable planet with us, but has to keep their conservation locations top secret and heavily guarded because poachers are truly comic book villains. This is because turtles are considered the most exploited and valuable animal in this world, captured and sold as pets and to make ornaments, "luck potions", aphrodisiacs, and delicacies--all of which are completely unnecessary to human life. However, many, many turtles are keystone species, which means they are crucial for their indigenous ecosystems to function or else it'll all be wiped out. One of my favorite parts of the book answers "why turtles?": "They were here first! They are what life is, what life does--and they are worth saving."

I feel like I was bookmarking pages left and right for notes. Montgomery does an excellent job of clearing up misunderstandings of the more feared species like the snappers, and endears us to all of the rescues that were recovering in the time frame of the writing. Turtles are extraordinarily resilient, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve care and consideration when we're around them. As Montgomery points out, TRL "confronts the thoughtless cruelty of the world every day" as they respond to crises regarding the animals, that just a single car on a typical road can "in a second end a life that should last half a century, a full century, or more." More than once I found myself tearing up whenever there was a successful rehabilitation and when there was a death they could not prevent. No matter which it was, I felt gratitude that these wonderfully kind humans exist to shepherd them.

Most importantly, this book tells us what to properly do when encountering a turtle that may be in danger, as even those of us who think we're doing something good can cause harm if we're doing it wrong. I really appreciate not just the insight, but the list of organizations in the back of the book that can give the reader more information about turtles and who could really use our help. So much work is already being done, but it's going to take many more of us realizing and contributing to make sure we don't lose some of the most important lives on this earth. Recommending this book to as many people as we can is a good first step.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy of this book. I really enjoyed this. It was different than I expected, but I loved learning so much about turtles and their longevity and resiliency. Now I want to read the author's other titles.

A fascinating book of.. turtles! It's a wonderfully approachable story focused around the Turtle Rescue League and struggles turtles have. I would recommend this story to anyone who has read Sy Montgomery before or is looking for a book centered around the animal kingdom.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this title.

Sy Montgomery will probably always be best known as the author of The Soul of an Octopus but the fact is that all of her books are beautiful testaments to nature and the animal kingdom. Of Time and Turtles, Montgomery’s newest work, is another powerful book in her body of work.

While The Soul of an Octopus really brought an awareness of the intelligence and personalities of octopuses to the readership, this current book may have more of an impact, for a couple of reasons. First, Montgomery’s experiences with the turtles and their rescuers occurs during the outbreak of COVID-19 and the author uses this carefully to make some observations (“it was clear that counting deaths was the new way to mark time in a pandemic”).

But mostly I think this has a greater impact because, well … turtles. Who, reading this book, hasn’t seen a turtle? Who hasn’t picked one up, maybe moved one across a road or a parking lot? Who hasn’t walked along a lake shore and pointed at a turtle poking its head out of the water or sunning itself on a log?

It’s hard to imagine that turtles, with their solid mobile home shells, and as plentiful in number as they seem to be (to me, anyway) could be in much danger, but Montgomery spends some quality time with a group of individuals in New England who answer the call to rescue the reptiles in a wide variety of circumstances (from being caught on a fishing hook to being crushed under the weight of traffic on a road).

There’s a fine line between anthropomorphizing an animal and noting its unique behavior and personality. There are moments that we get close to this line (which is easy to do when an animal is identified by a human name), but Montgomery keeps this professional while still managing to keep the reader emotionally connected.

Aside from the great writing and keen observations, I really appreciated how much I learned about turtles – perhaps the most interesting (and shouldn’t be surprising) is that being slow isn’t confined to just a turtle’s movement. Their entire metabolism is slow. So much so that a turtle in the slow process of healing itself is often mistaken for dead.

I was not aware that turtles are “the most imperiled major group of animals on earth” but if anyone can raise awareness to this mighty creature, it will be Sy Montgomery and it will start here.

Looking for a good book? Sy Montgomery takes time to teach us of the majesty and endangered nature of an animal that likely has more uniqueness and personality than most would be willing to spend the time to discover in Of Time and Turtles.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

I was absolutely fascinated by this book. When you think of a rescue or a place for sheltering animals, very rarely will you think of turtles, but that is only part of what the Turtle Rescue League does. Not only do they rescue and foster the health and lives of turtles, but they also fight to combat climate change and the ways in which humans endanger the lives and future of animals. Montgomery is masterful in the information that they relay to their readers about these little creatures and the devastation that they face in the world. Truly inspiring, if ever anyone is looking to learn about nature and the natural life in it, this is a book to pick up.

This book was actually heartbreaking, but gave you reason to hope because of the miracles done by those who work to save the innocent turtles just trying to cross a road. This book was personal to me as I keep a shovel in my trunk just to help the few turtles I see in the road to get to the other side. I have seen the result of those that have not made it. It was fun to have Sy Montgomery actually in a book rather than as just the author. This was a good book as it deals with a creature not often written about, but who is all around us. I thank NetGalley and Mariner Books for the advanced read.

So fascinating! This book was about turtles, turtle rescuers, and philosophy. I learned a bunch about turtles and the rescue process- and developed a strong desire to find a turtle so I can gaze deep into their eyes.

A beautiful and inspiring read that reminds us to think beyond ourselves. It's so sweet to read about good people doing kind and altruistic things for other creatures.

For now, I don't love when Covid comes up as current events in a read/watch. I understand that it's a big thing, but maybe it's too fresh still. Maybe we're all still burnt out from it. It could have been done without the Covid storyline, but perhaps that will be more appreciated for future readers some years from now.

I am a huge fan of Sy Montgomery. Whenever I get the itch for nonfiction I tend to check her out. I read "The Hummingbird's Gift" last year and was moved by the care and devotion that was given to earths tiny creatures.

This book was also beautiful! Montgomery knows her stuff! I think it can be really easy to take turtles for granted because we see them all the time. In creek beds, ponds, rivers, etc. That we feel like we know all we need to about these fascinating creatures. Montgomery shows us that there is more to these animals than we realize. Its so important to make sure that we keep them safe and cared for. And Montgomery does an amazing and heartwarming job of showing us why.

I received a digital arc from the publisher via Netgalley though all thoughts are my own.

This is one of my favorite books by Sy though I have yet to find a book by Sy that I haven't enjoyed and I'm so glad to have gotten a chance to read this particular story. I have such a fondness for Turtles and this book was full of not only interesting histories about a variety of turtles but also how these creatures are full of so much intelligence, resilience and should be protected.

Turtles are amazing, so very misunderstood and such an important part of helping an ecosystem thrive. Over the years, some species of Turtles have been hunted to extinction for their shells, meat, being run over by vehicles, or other reasons when in fact these creatures should be allowed to thrive and their habitats protected.

I highly recommend checking out this book where I learned a lot more about turtles and loved the success stories. My heart ached when some of the turtles did not survive but am also heartened to know there are a variety of rescues out there dedicated to protecting these precious creatures.

Trigger warnings: death of animals, pandemic, Covid, injured animals

I. Love. This. Book.

Well, I love Sy Montgomery, and while not quite as good as The Soul of an Octopus, this book is still an overwhelming winner. Previously, I would have categorized myself as generally pro-turtle, but Montgomery has turned me into a turtle fan. Yes, this book is filled with interesting factoids about turtles--my primary reason for picking this book up--in quantities sufficient for anyone looking to bone up for esoteric pub trivia nights or compile conversation starters for parties. But it's also an emotional portrait of turtles themselves, both individual turtles and the turtle population as a whole, and the people who spend their lives in and around these animals. You meet turtle conservationists who go to great lengths to protect them, scientists dedicated to discovering their hidden secrets, and a host of other people whose lives have been changed by turtles. All the while, Montgomery skillfully lays out the ways in which our human world is inextricably intertwined with the turtle existence and the power we have to change their lives for the better (and for the worse).

A loving ode to one of nature's quirkiest animals, Montgomery's newest book delights, edifies, and pulls at your heartstrings. Do yourself a favor and give it a read. You're not likely to be disappointed. You might, however, wind up with a new pet.

Of Time and Turtles by Sy Montgomery is a well written and insightful non fiction read that will be an excellent fall read for any readers interested in the environment and the effect of humans on the world around us. This book while being informative is written in an incredibly approachable format I think will be great for academics and casual readers alike.

I really liked this book! It took me a while to read, but I think that's largely because I wanted to really absorb the stories about the turtles and turtle people within it. I found myself so attached to some of the turtles that I went to the internet to find out if they're still doing okay now (hello, Fire Chief, my beloved). I do think that sometimes it got bogged down by the language Montgomery tends to use, which is often overly focused on sounding smart over portraying the information to an audience that is largely amateur turtle enthusiasts.
I also think that my enjoyment of the book would be much greater if I was able to see the final copies of the illustrations within it. I liked the sketches, don't get me wrong, but the depth that would be added with color and shading and the like would make them feel so much more important to the stories being told.
Minor critiques aside, I think this is such an interesting exploration of turtle psychology and life history and how humanity has impacted them. The stories of people coming together to save turtles when they were crossing the road were heartwarming and did a great job of adding levity to what could have been a super sad collection of stories about turtles hurt by human actions. If you are looking for a good introduction nonfiction that while sometimes a little bogged down with academic language is still utterly fascinating and a testament to the power of amateur scientists and the everyday person, this is a book for you.

Of Time and Turtles is a very well written, warm, often touching memoir of turtle conservation by Sy Montgomery. Released 19th Sept 2023 by HarperCollins on their Mariner imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a truly engaging, often harrowing, and lovingly told memoir. It's a stark reminder that turtles, who literally roamed the earth with the dinosaurs, are threatened, and many are on the brink of extinction, simply because of habitat loss and encounters with humans and vehicles.

The people who are desperately trying to ameliorate, protect, heal, and often repatriate wild animals are fighting a constant uphill desperate battle to save animals from predation and loss (mostly because in any encounter with humans, the animal tends to lose). Some of the veterinary techniques and treatment developments are amazing and creative. It's impressive to read about the engagement and passion of the people who are doing their best for the turtles.

The text throughout is enhanced by beautifully rendered line drawings from wildlife artist Matt Patterson. Many of them were so realistic, even for simple line drawings, that the movement was evident.

There were many sad (realistic) parts in the book, but they were balanced somewhat by the triumphs and successes. The book is annotated throughout and the bibliography and resources lists at the back of the book will provide readers with many more hours of investigation.

Four and a half stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition and home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

It's obvious that Sy Montgomery has a passion and love for our earth and the creatures that inhabit it. She purposely puts herself in a position to get to know animals and specific breeds deeply and then shares her experiences with us!

Turtles have never really made an impression on me one way or another, but after reading this book and learning so much more about specific types, personalities, and the little details it's hard not to feel closer to them. I think this is the authors goal for us as readers. To really feel a sense and connection to our greater earth and the animals that inhabit it. She did a great job of it here.

There were a few things that bothered me. There were some "turtle" graphic parts regarding helping injured turtles that really were not what I wanted to read. All meant to explain to us the true problems of injured turtles and how to help them...but squeamish feeling--which I normally don't have a problem with. For example, when you have a crushed turtle shell from being driven over, they have found bra clasps work great to glue on and clasp together. Super interesting, but the added details here were heartbreaking sad and a bit gross.

Anotherthen the other big annoyance to me was how political this book felt. I just wasn't expecting that nor was it the reason I would pick up an animal book. Her studies on turtles took time during Covid and the amount of covid talk with deaths, lockdowns, sickness, travel restrictions, etc...it just was a trigger after another for me. Not what I wanted to read in an animal positive book. Also lots of climate change acknowledgments.

Overall, it was interesting, but a bit long feeling with the base really being all about helping injured turtles.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the e-ARC of this book.

Fans of Sy Montgomery will enjoy her latest explorations into the natural world, with turtles. Sy always entertains, informs, and reflects in such an approachable way. I always come away feeling like I know and care so much more about her subject animal, whether they be hummingbirds, octopi, pigs, or tarantulas.

Her writing is delightful and enthusiastic (even when she ruminates on growing older and waxes a bit darkly political as in this instance) and she spreads so much joy. If you haven't given Montgomery a try and turtles are your jam, give this one a look.

Thanks to Mariner Books and NetGalley for a digital preview copy in return for an honest review..

#OfTimeandTurtles #NetGalley #MarinerBooks #SyMontgomery

Sy Montgomery is a science writer who volunteered with a turtle rescue nonprofit for two years in order to acquire the expertise to write this book. But along the way, she also fell in love with these beautiful reptiles who outlive humans—or at least would if humans would stop interfering with their habitat and running over them with cars. The stories she tells are of turtles slowly recovering from unimaginable injuries, about dedicated volunteers finding creative ways to help them heal, and also about the poor creatures who just don’t make it.
This was my first Sy Montgomery book, but I've already identified three others of hers that I intend to read.