This is really different from Amy Tan's other books, and I really enjoyed it! She wanted to learn more about the birds in her backyard, so she writes down what they do and pays close attention to their activities in order to record those actions. But it is more than just a "journal" - she manages to capture an emotional element to the birds' actions and interactions. The hand drawn pictures of the birds were beautiful - so much talent that I did not know she had!

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf/Pantheon/Vintage/Anchor for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! Amy Tan is one of my favorite authors, and although this one is remarkably different from her novels, I was completely captivated. Tan records the activities of the birds in her backyard and her efforts to learn about their behaviors. Her musings are at times humorous, at times touching and heartbreaking. To add to the interest, Tan has included her sketches of the birds, and she draws as well as she writes. Great fun!

One note -- on my Kindle Paperwhite, the drawings are in monochromatic black & white. I hope the print book is in color!

"The Backyard Bird Chronicles" by Amy Tan is a delightful and charming account of the author's venture into the world of birding, nature, and the beauty that often goes unnoticed in our everyday surroundings. Illustrated by the bestselling author of "The Joy Luck Club," this book provides a unique blend of personal reflection, observations, and original sketches.

Amy Tan's exploration of birding serves as a retreat from the overwhelming aspects of the world, particularly the divisive and challenging state of society. In 2016, amidst the backdrop of social media saturated with negativity, Tan turned her attention to the natural world just outside her window. The decision to focus on the birds visiting her backyard becomes a transformative journey, offering solace, connection to nature, and a lens through which to appreciate the intricate lives of these feathered creatures.

The book takes the form of daily entries, thoughtful questions, and Tan's own illustrations, creating a rich tapestry of her experiences and insights. The narrative not only captures the joy of birdwatching but also reflects on the passage of time and the profound impact of nature on one's well-being.

What sets this book apart is the author's ability to infuse the narrative with wit and charm. The prose is accompanied by Tan's original sketches, adding a visual dimension to the observations and reflections. The inclusion of these illustrations enhances the reader's connection to the natural world and provides a more immersive experience.

David Allen Sibley, in the foreword, aptly notes that the drawings and essays in the book go beyond mere descriptions of birds. They convey a sense of discovery through observation and drawing, highlighting the intricate patterns in the natural world. There is a palpable personal connection between the observer and the observed, mirroring the deep connection between the characters in Tan's novels.

"The Backyard Bird Chronicles" is not just a book about birds; it is a celebration of the small wonders that surround us, often hidden in plain sight. It is an invitation to pause, appreciate, and find solace in the beauty of the natural world. Ann Patchett's description of the book as "unexpected and spectacular" captures the essence of this delightful exploration of nature by Amy Tan.

I have enjoyed Ms. Tan's works over the years, so when I saw this it sounded like another I'd enjoy. I wasn't disappointed- I'm a backyard birder, too. I never considered keeping journal or doing drawings, so this book has inspired me to maybe create my own. I love her insights into her backyard birds! I could relate to some of her observatins and they made me laugh. I loved her drawings I am looking forward to the hardcopy of this book to add to my own library. I wonder, too if the drawings might be in color! Fun read for over the winter, to give as a gift to a bird lover, or just to enjoy anytime over a cup of tea! Fans of Amy Tan won't be disappointed,

I was a bit disappointed in this book, it was a light hearted read, but I just expected more. The author chronicles the birds she sees in her backyard, at times comically. And draws their pictures. I just didn't receive a full depth of
feeling. I thank NetGalley and Knopf, Patheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the advance read.

As a backyard bird watcher myself I so enjoyed Ann Tan's r observations and drawings of the birds see saw in her yard. Lots of useful information and stories about bird behavior. Very enjoyable read.

I had zero expectations when I got this ARC. I had no idea this was literally a journal of Amy Tan's birding journals, but I really enjoyed her insight. Only a novelist could think of all of the things she thinks of while journaling. I also understand how this was an enjoyable activity during COVID. I don't think I will become a birder but did appreciate this bit of nature. I also will look forward to her next novel. Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When Amy Tan took up bird watching, it seemed natural to take up drawing as well, so she could better observe the birds by drawing them. This book is a selection of her bird diary entries from 2016, when she took up birding and drawing, through 2022. She limited her entries here to birds in her own backyard in San Francisco, even though she sometimes went birding elsewhere and saw different birds.

I loved reading this book a little bit at a time, taking a break from the news and the other stresses of daily life. Learning the various bird types, puzzling over their behaviors, studying the detailed drawings, smiling at the bird cartoons, I found it all pleasantly distracting and a welcome break.

I’ve always enjoyed birds and fed them when I lived in the north. In Florida I enjoy birds that I see but I don’t attempt any backyard feeders. Amy Tan’s The Backyard Bird Chronicles relates her absolute obsession with backyard birding. She has become a credible bird artist and has a magnificent journal in which she records every detail of the birds that visit her backyard. Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC

The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan is a relaxing and enjoyable birding journal from one of the beloved authors of our time.

As a bird enthusiast, I really enjoy a good observational journal, and that paired with talented sketches, is exactly what this book fulfills. Ms. Tan has a way of presenting these home experiences in a relaxing, smooth, and engaging way. It made for a great experience.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Knopf for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/23/24.

This was a very cute, brilliant birding journal intertwined with some good life lessons. I related heavily to the author and their journey from city living and modern problems, to learning that returning to nature helped almost all of my problems. Especially mental. I had a good time reading this book, and it was a pleasure to enjoy it.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for an arc of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

This wa a lovely delightful read .Amy Tan sharing her home her birdwatching with us I loved her charming bird sketches a wonderful fun read.#netgalley #knopf

This is a birding journal. It's mostly observations of the many birds who frequent the author's backyard feeders, along with (often tongue-in-cheek) speculation about the birds' habits and lives as well as (to my eye, quite proficient) sketches. I'm sure it would be very interesting to a bird lover or Amy Tan completist, but I did not find it compelling reading. I was hoping there would be more of a memoir element, or perhaps some writing related wisdom, but when I put the book down at 36% nothing in that vein had appeared.

I am an avid birder and I have enjoyed all of Amy Tan’s books so The Backyard Bird Chronicles seemed a perfect fit for me. I wasn’t wrong. Tan vividly describes the behaviors of birds which frequent her feeders and deck in Northern CA. Her love of birds is evident in her vivid descriptions as well as the amount of time (and money) she spends on this hobby. Her knowledge of migration patterns and nesting habits made this book an interesting read. As expected the writing is excellent but a nice surprise is her illustrations. Her drawings are great and her captions are insightful, informative, and sometimes funny. I especially enjoyed reading about the colors and markings she looked for when trying to identify bird species. Her tips will help me with my own birding journals. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys nature and especially birding. I thank Knopf publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Charmingly written and illustrated, these short essays chronicle Tan's experiences feeding, attracting, and watching birds in her Nothern California backyard.

Having read The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, I was excited about The Backyard Bird Chronicles book by her when I heard of it in a Cornell video.
The author gave a good introduction into her process of how she got into birding and took it serious with pencil miles.

Apart from fun reading, you learn a lot about birds because of her curious mind ad hypothesis-

Drawing spider webs to deflect bird collision. Spiders have learned to build a UV visible web for birds so they know its a sign to not ruin their hard work.

How to cool hummingbird nectar in hot weather? Who knew that it was bad for them to have it hot or that it can get so hot.

Birds taste buds or lack of it..

Handwritten and llustrated notes pulse with bird life.

Apart from the anthropomorphization, there's lot of humor in the book. Amy's Bistro. Breaking news. Even a who-dunnit which shows you how to write.

Regarding novel wriitng Tan says " I have to carry a thousand pieces in an increasing complex configuration toward the luminous vision of a story that remains a mirage" . Wish we get to see that process in another book.

If you love bird watching this is for you. Amy Tan shares her observations and drawings use just what she sees in her back yard, for beginning and advanced bird watchers. She says her drawings are basic but bdsaree. They really add to the book. I loved her comments on the drswings

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Amy Tan is an incredible author and budding artist. Her observations are witty and thoughtful like her previous books. The illustrations are honest and contemplative and made me love birds even more!