Kyo Maclear

"Birds Art Life" is the type of book that asks to be read slowly, with contemplation. I found that my enjoyment of the book increased as I set it aside for several days after reading, and then went back to review my notes before writing this review.

When Kyo Maclear's father faces a grave and terminal illness, she looks for a way to manage her own grief an anxiety about her father's health. On the recommendation of and with the help of a friend, she takes up bird watching deciding to enjoy small spots of nature every day rather than epic versions of wilderness and escape.

Maclear beautifully reflects on the way that her new pastime changes her ability to view the world: "If you hope to see something, especially the notably elusive, you will learn to wait, like a devotee or a sanguine lover. You will choose your sitting spot and then you will just sit there. You will sit there, in the wind or drippy cold, waiting for the possibility of something beautiful to appear.

You will discover that the magic of a sitting spot is that it teaches you to go nowhere. If you are lucky, it will bring birds closer, or you closer to noticing them."

Maclear isn't just talking about birds here -- it's a way of life. Biriding is her new meditation. Her new way to make sense of the world. The new prescription for the anxieties of life.

Some may liken this book to [b:H is for Hawk|18803640|H is for Hawk|Helen Macdonald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442151714s/18803640.jpg|26732095]. I actually found Maclear's work to be more approachable, relatable, and frankly more moving.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Recommended by Waleska Santiago

"Every story starts somewhere." And this story starts with shocking pink endpapers, one of the colors "Schap" popularized (along with ice blue). Born in Rome to parents and an older sister who seem indifferent and think Elsa is ugly, Elsa develops a love for fashion and beauty (though she never learns to sew). Traveling from Italy to England to Paris to New York and back to Paris, Elsa never gives up on her dream, and eventually opens her first shop at the age of 37.

"To be an artist is to dream big and risk failure."

Back matter includes a note from the author and illustrator, a photo of Elsa, examples of things she made and other artists she was friends with. End notes, source notes, further reading.… (more)