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!