World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments

Such a lovely book--positive and full of information, a small treasure...I bought several books and gave them as gifts, and I also chose Aimee's book for my book club. A subtle thread weaves the story into the various chapters--all wonders!

The book is in beautiful condition, I absolutely loved the valentines day thriftbook packaging and the collectable bookmark is adorable ❤️

Seventeen of Aimee Nezhukumatathil's twenty-two students had never seen-- or even heard of-- fireflies. Instead of exploring the world around them, they spend their free time indoors in front of the screens of televisions, computers, and phones. This series of essays tells of Aimee's love of the natural world, how it has sustained her and inspired her throughout the years. The author has lived in a variety of places in the United States: on the grounds of a mental institution in Kansas, in the mountains of Arizona, and in the colder climes of Ohio and western New York. Daughter of a Filipino mother and an Indian father, Aimee and her sister often lived in areas where there were extremely few people of color, and people could be hurtful. Many are the times that something in the natural world, be it a tree, an insect, or any other living thing sustained Aimee and helped her cope. Having explored the natural world and become acquainted with its balm and solace, I enjoyed this series of essays, in particular one entitled "Questions While Searching for Birds with My Two Half-White Sons, Aged Six and Nine, National Audubon Bird Count Day, Oxford, MS." While simple in form, this essay was so vivid that I could easily picture it and enjoy all it had to say. If you would like to spend an afternoon in the natural world learning about some of its wonders and becoming acquainted with a very talented writer, pick up a copy of World of Wonders. Afterward, go outside to appreciate the flowers, the sky, and the birdsong.

Amazing book, everyone should read this one.

This book of essays is a poetic weaving of natural history and personal memoir. The author masterfully relates creatures and plants in the natural world to her personal life as a brown girl dealing with racism through many moves, as well as her current life as a mother. For example, the in the chapter on fireflies, we learn about fireflies' sparking pattern and Nezhukumatathill's childhood memory of driving at dusk in the Smoky Mountains with her family to the place where her father knew they would see multitudes of fireflies. In a later essay, we read about the author's fascination with the Corpse Flower, and how she uses it as a test on first dates. Motherhood and a sense of home are major themes. This book instills wonder and empathy for the whole wide world and our place in it, never preaching, but making clear that humans are one of many species that need to learn to live together. I read this for my book club, and it led to one of our group's best, most personal and lively discussions.

This is a terrifically unique piece of writing. It really cannot be placed in a certain genre, but seems a combination of the secrets of the natural world and a memoir. I had never heard of the Cassowary bird or the ribbon eel ( among many of the living things she writes about ) and found myself turning to my spouse many times to share a passage. Beautifully constructed and written!

Very naturey. Beautiful illustrations. Not for everyone, but a great story nonetheless.

I was led to this book through Aimee Nezhukumatathil’s radio interview on a poetry/literature program (New Letters on the Air). I was impressed with her fascination – and devotion – to the natural world, of course; But it’s when she referred to herself as the “world’s biggest nerd,” that I knew she would be writing from a place of humility and truth. The book, “World of Wonders” follows a distinctive formula; In each chapter, an animal or plant is identified that has played a notable role in Aimee’s life. She tenderly presents the relationship through personal memoir while also exploring the biologic exceptionalness of the creature of note. The chapters range from fireflies to whale sharks; catalpa trees to vampire squids; the common to the unusual. But they all have a story – A personal one (to Aimee) and a biological one (for us all). I found the chapters to range from “nice” to “interesting” and “profound,” and at conclusion I discovered I had ended up seeing through this nerd’s eyes in a way that makes the world more familiar. And special. I’d suggest anyone wanting to write about their own life to check out this form, used by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, to create memoirs that have a backbone, interest points and an edifying theme. So start looking for the catalysts in your life’s story. Thank you, Aimee.

I really liked this book, not exactly what I expected, but full of interest and joy

Hermoso libro

Her stories have a sense of colour, warmth, the images stick to you long after you are done reading

An amazing journey with surprising insights. Even if you are a committed planet hugger you will be enlightened by this book. You may have to persist, but it is worth the effort.

I liked everything in this delightful book. It’s poetic and filled with revelations about unusual plants and animals. It’s more fun to read one chapter at a time to really take it in and think about it. You’ll love reading World of Wonders!