This essay is a wonderful way of learning about birds. I am a backyard birder, so had great interest in reading Lili Taylor's essay on birds. Learning so much of what she encountered of birds was so enjoyable for me. She started learning from her backyard and went further with her interest in learning about other species of birds in our country. So much detail in the birds she wrote about, colors, behaviors and much more. And about the people she meets along the way.. This is not just backyard birds, some are birds that are in the cities too.

I had previewed a birder book in the past. Penguin Random House Associates Director in Marketing, researched this and found my interest. She sent me an email inviting me to to enjoy this read. Thank you so much Random House and to Lili Taylor for including me. Please do read this and you will learn so much more of our birds.

Turning to Birds by Lili Taylor was a gorgeous look at Taylor's inner life in relation to her surroundings, experiences, and of course, birds. A gorgeous spring and summer read, Turning to Birds is the kind of book I look for as a teacher to read during the summer- not heavy, light and thoughtful. Will definitely be recommending this one!

I really enjoyed this cute collection of short essays all about birds written by actress Lili Taylor. The stories were not only interesting but they were also educational. My favorite part was how she was able to open up and give an honest, introspective glance into her personal life.

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. The author of this book is also an actress, who needed a break from her craft and incidentally was drawn to birds. Like most of us, she was aware they were there, registered their presence, but never divulged in them. This book is a collection of essays about various birds and where they cropped up in her life at the time, and then observations. Not a fan of essays myself, but definitely a fan of birds (I have had a similar experience of "waking up" and realizing their existence, and wanting to know more about them), I found myself pleasantly enjoying this read. I am glad I was able to do some literary travel and meet some birds I would not normally have access to! As an aside, the personal element of the author's travels and experiences lent a different touch to this collection.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A love letter to birds and birding. Lili Taylor writes a series of heartwarming essays grouped around different bird species. It was cool to read about her experience traveling to different film sets and being able to birdwatch from different areas. I especially enjoyed the chapter on her volunteer work with the Audubon Center on the night of 9/11, when a lot of birds need help with migration due the beams of light emanating from the memorial. This is a good mix of storytelling and bird facts.

Special thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest, independent review.

short and sweet memoir-in-essays about the power of birds. i love birds too, and the scenes depicted were very well done. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

I loved this gem of a book! The essays are inspiring and sweet. New birders and experienced birders will enjoy this varied collection. I’m delighted to have experienced birding through Lili’s eyes! Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy.

Turning to Birds is a collection of 12 short essays by actor Lily Taylor. While the stories are connected by the subject of birds, they are all also about noticing your surroundings and about the author herself. They are charming and unexpected, well worth a read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I've fully entered my birding era over the past year, and Turning to Birds was the right read for me at the right time.

Her essays are this perfect mix of personal stories and gentle observations, like chasing woodpeckers through oak trees or watching a nest of hatchlings in her backyard. She captures that joy of looking up and being present in a way that made me want to grab my binoculars immediately.

If you’ve ever felt even a little curious about birds—or just need a reminder to slow down and pay attention to the everyday beauty around you—this book’s for you.

Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

Turning to Birds by Lili Taylor is a short and sweet memior. I love seeing hobbies become healing and developing special interests add so much joy to life. I think it's beautiful how she shared how it's shaped her family and how her passion has lead her through life. This is a wonderful account of a woman finding freedom in being more aware.
Making decisions every day to see more than your narrow field of vision and be purposeful about it. If this showed me one thing it's to be encouraged because the birds are always there. Excited to learn more about birds myself honestly because it is such a beautiful piece of life to discover.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for providing an eARC of Turning to Birds in exchange for my honest opinions.