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

I have been in the dumps recently about the state of the world. This book brought me back to reality--the reality of the important, the real, the wonders in our amazing world. Though I have not been intimately connected with many of the creatures Aimee so exquisitely paints, many are part of my everyday life, canyon wrens (who sing their amazing song just for me), monarchs (who gather near our creek for their long flight to Michoacan each fall), and fireflies (who continue to delight me each summer even at 75 years of age). Living in a home in Texas where the weather is wonderful many parts of the severest summer or winter, with no central air or heat (a choice we made when we built it), allows us to breathe deeply, hear clearly and see vividly the wonders nearby. Thank you Aimee for allowing me to bring my focus back to the world of wonder that surrounds me. If I could give this book 10 stars, I would.

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.

the cover art is attractive, but the content is, unfortunately, mediocre. the essays are scattered, ultimately switching to boring personal observations.

I was fortunate to hear an interview with the author on Science Friday and I knew I HAD TO HAVE HER BOOK! The book is a collection of essays about some obscure and some familiar life forms. But she reminds us how lucky we are to share the planet with these “wonders” and we want to send this book to everyone we know so they can share in the experience!

The book is cute, but there are a ton of printing errors. Some pages are completely unreadable.

I read this book in my Asian American Lit class at IU. I LOVED it! I haven't always enjoyed nature pieces (like Walden, for example), but this was so enjoyable. Professor Nezhukumatathil's integration of her personal narrative into her nature writing is brilliant and so relatable. If I ever have to teach a unit on nature lit (I'm an Education major), I would love to teach this book! World of Wonders is a beautiful book, and I will definitely be re-reading!

Nature writers so called seem more and more to be using critters to tell the author’s personal story. I enjoyed her story. But we were not interested in a memoir.

I really enjoy books about animals because as much as I think I have learned over the years, I still find I am learning new facts that amaze me! You might too. Written in such a calm way. I don’t know if that resonates with anyone else but it relaxes me and I smile when reading. I will look for more books by this author!

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.