How to be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery, Illustrated by Rebecca Green

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Content/Trigger Warnings: Toxic relationships, death/loss of animals, death/loss of parents, brief mentions of cancer, grief, depression, mentions and talk of suicidal ideation, spider chapter (pg 62 – pg 79)

“I am still learning how to be a good creature. Though I try earnestly, I often fail. But I am having a great life trying…”

It has been a hot minute since I’ve read a nonfiction book, let alone a book about animals. In fact, I’m pretty sure the last nonfiction book I read about animals was back at the end of 2020 with my review of When Dogs Heal. Which is a book I highly recommend, but I digress. This book was such a lovely breath of fresh air and a great reminder of all the life lessons I’ve learned from animals over the years. And I’m happy to say I’ll be looking into more books by this author.

How to be a Good Creature is a memoir that follows our author, Sy Montgomery, as they navigate the ups and downs through life. Along the way she learns important life lessons from the animals who come into her life. From dogs to emus, all the way to a loving octopus, we get to see and learn about the incredible animals who’ve imparted their wisdom upon Sy.

“Knowing someone who belongs to another species can enlarge your soul in surprising ways.”

Don’t let this cover fool you, this book was such an emotional read for me. Despite all the work I’ve done with animals and continue to do, this book hit me hard in my feelings. I took plenty of breaks reading this book because I was constantly reflecting on the animals that have come out of my life and the lessons they left me with, and how much I miss them. And I definitely recommend giving your pets some cuddles before, during, and after reading this book!

If I had to choose some of my favorite chapters of this book, they’d be the following:

➸ Chapter 2: Bald Throat, Black Head, and Knackered Leg
➸ Chapter 5: The Christmas Weasel
➸ Chapter 9: Octavia
➸ Chapter 10: Thurber

“Being friends with an octopus-whatever that friendship meant to her-has shown me that our world, and the worlds around and within it, is aflame with shades of brilliance we cannot fathom”

Even though this book is a memoir, I think there’s a lot of beauty to be seen through this book and a great way for animal lovers to experience the magic of various animals they wouldn’t. I think the most precious things in life is being able to experience something through someone else’s eyes, to feel that wonder and magic, and then feel inspired to find that magic for our selves. Whether that magic be found with our own animals, rescuing animals or educating others about animals, an so much more. I think it’s books like this that can make the world fall in love with the other creatures we share this life with. And while it’s not always easy, there is love, beauty, and wisdom to uncover in it.

“Teachers are all around to help you: with four legs or two or eight or even none; some with internal skeletons, some without. All you have to do is recognize them as teachers and be ready to hear their truths.”

Overall, I’m sure this review seemed vague, but trust me when I say that this book is beautifully written and holds many lessons that I think it’s better to go into this book not knowing too much. I do recommend checking out my content warnings though because there are some heavy topic throughout this book that could potentially be hard on someone’s spoons, but otherwise it was a fantastic read. As I mentioned, this has me excited to read more books by this author and bring back more animal books back into my life!

Buddy Read with Destiny ♥