Better Birding Book Club

When thinking about the birds that surround us, we quickly acknowledge their grace, beauty, and versatility. Less frequently, however, do we consider their effect on our physical and mental health and the way we think about and practice social, economic, and environmental justice. In this book club, we investigate the joys and benefits of birdwatching, as well as more serious topics like how birds get their names, the heightening impact of environmental changes on birds, and the inherent inequity and assumptions built into the birding practice. Join book club host and bird-enthusiast Brenda the fourth Tuesday of each month to talk books, birds, and bettering the world together.

Birdgirl by Mya-Rose Craig

Meet Mya-Rose – otherwise known as “Birdgirl.” In her words: “Birdwatching has never felt like a hobby, or a pastime I can pick up and put down, but a thread running through the pattern of my life, so tightly woven in that there’s no way of pulling it free and leaving the rest of my life intact.”

Birdgirl follows Mya-Rose and her family as they travel the world in search of rare birds and astonishing landscapes. But a shadow moves with them, too—her mother’s deepening mental health crisis. In the face of this struggle, the Craigs turn to nature again and again for comfort and meaning.

Each bird they see brings a moment of joy and reflection, instilling in Mya-Rose a deep love of the natural world. But Mya-Rose has also seen first-hand the reckless destruction we are inflicting on our fragile planet, as well as the pervasive racism infecting every corner of the world, leading her to campaign for Black, Indigenous, people of color.

Joining the fight of today’s young environmental activists, Mya-Rose shares her experiences to advocate for the simple, profound gift of nature, and for making it accessible to all, calling her readers to rediscover the power of our natural world.

Birder, activist, daughter: this is her story.

Purchase a copy to read, or grab it from the library, and join us at Dog·Eared Books at 5:30 PM on February 25th, to discuss the book with book club host Brenda! This book club is free to anyone who wishes to participate, no registration necessary.

Also, for 20 minutes after each club meeting, you will receive 20% off all books and merchandise!

For further readings, resources, and to continue the conversation after club ends join the Better Birding Book Club Discord!