“The hero of this story enters . . . well . . . rather slowly. It doesn’t don a cape or sport a lightening bolt on its chest, but its effects are monumental. The actions of this tiny mollusk become all-consuming . . . Everything about this slip of a book is unassuming, yet its petite size, prose, and characters rise like quiet giants from its pages.” –BookBrowse.com
In a work that … pages.” –BookBrowse.com
In a work that beautifully demonstrates the rewards of closely observing nature, Elisabeth Bailey shares an inspiring and intimate story of her uncommon encounter with a Neohelix albolabris -a common woodland snail.
While an illness keeps her bedridden, Bailey watches a wild snail that has taken up residence on her nightstand. As a result, she discovers the solace and sense of wonder that this mysterious creature brings and comes to a greater under standing of her own confined place in the world.
Intrigued by the snail-s molluscan anatomy, cryptic defenses, clear decision making, hydraulic locomotion, and mysterious courtship activities, Bailey becomes an astute and amused observer, providing a candid and engaging look into the curious life of this underappreciated small animal.-
Told with wit and grace, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is a remarkable journey of survival and resilience, showing us how a small part of the natural world illuminates our own human existence and provides an appreciation of what it means to be fully alive.more
With luminous prose Elisabeth Tova Bailey has created a wonderful, touching book about our connection to nature. It is a singular work that defies description. I keep by my bedside and read snippets each morning. Lovely and magical!
This one has staying power…
I read this book 3 years ago (2018) and I still think about it. That says something. It is poignant, insightful, thought-provoking, educational, and absolutely inspirational! It is not a high-octane thriller, but a beautifully written memoir that will change the way you look at snails and remind you of all the things we often take for granted.
When illness strikes, the author of this quiet memoir recovers on a couch watching a small woodland snail, finding comfort in its companionship. She shares fascinating facts about snails and her unusual illness. Turning the last page, I felt as if I had visited with a friend.
philosophical. insights. detail.
This book! I was intrigued by the title when a friend told me about it. The description sounded interesting, but maybe a little boring. I picked it up anyway, and was delightfully plunged into the world of the snail. After a lengthy illness myself this fall (thankfully not as long as the author’s), I’ve developed a new perspective on life and could appreciate her acceptance of where she was for the moment and the comfort found in what seems to be a simple snail. Turns out, snails are anything but simple. Bailey’s prose is like a gentle brook sweeping you along the story. I couldn’t put this book down, and every reading session left me thoughtful and more aware of the little things around me. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is perfect for the hectic holiday season. It’s a calm reminder to slow down and keep what’s important in the forefront. My middle school daughter asked me to order her a copy after telling her about it, and she’s never interested in books!
Gentle and easy. Great book for a lazy weekend read. What a pleasure to slow down and indulge in a book. Hope you enjoy it.
A great, warm introduction to a fascinating family of animals we know very little about.
Excellent and unique blend of science in a journey of life
Beautifuly written
One of the best books I have ever read. Thoughtful and personal, as well as informational. It is a true story, and so very thought- provoking.
I just couldn’t get through it. If I was in a similar predicament a snail might be a sanity saver, but I just couldn’t relate. I expect the lack is in me and not the author, but after a short time I found it unreadable. I am glad for those who found it fascinating, but it just wasn’t for me.
Talk about getting warm fuzzies! I have a chronic, incurable disease and belong to a support group with others sharing my challenge. I bought several copies and shared them plus we give a copy to some of the speakers who visit our group. This book made us all slow down for a minute…maybe more. We are blessed by touches with nature like this one.
Excellent read. Her reacts and information kept you turning the pages.