Zooburbia: Meditations on the Wild Animals Among Us
Tai Moses
(Author)
Dave Buchen
(Illustrator)
Description
Part memoir, part natural history, part mindfulness guide, this charming love letter to the natural world explores the many ways animals can enrich our lives To be alienated from animals is to live a life that is not quite whole, contends nature writer Tai Moses. Urban and suburban residents share their environment with many types of wildlife: squirrels, birds, spiders, and increasingly lizards, deer, and coyote. Many of us crave more contact with wild creatures, and recognize the small and large ways animals enrich our lives, yet don't notice the animals already around us. Zooburbia reveals the reverence that can be felt in the presence of animals and shows how that reverence connects us to a deeper, better part of ourselves. A lively blend of memoir, natural history, and mindfulness practices, Zooburbia makes the case for being mindful and compassionate stewards--and students--of the wildlife with whom we coexist. With lessons on industriousness, perseverance, presence, exuberance, gratitude, aging, how to let go, and much more, Tai's vignettes share the happy fact that none of us is alone and separate, and that our teachers are right in front of us. We need only go outdoors with our eyes and ears open to find a rapport with the animal kingdom. Zooburbia is a magnifying lens turned to our everyday environment, reminding us that we, as individuals and as a species, are not alone. Illustrated by Dave Buchen with original black and white wildlife linocuts.Product Details
Price
$14.95
$13.90
Publisher
Parallax Press
Publish Date
April 20, 2010
Pages
272
Dimensions
5.9 X 8.9 X 0.8 inches | 0.95 pounds
Language
English
Type
Paperback
EAN/UPC
9781937006679
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About the Author
Tai Moses has been a journalist and editor for many years. She has also worked as a veterinary assistant, a barista, a hotel maid, and a wildlands firefighter. Formerly a senior editor at AlterNet.org, her writing has been widely published in the independent press. Tai lives in Santa Cruz, CA, with her husband, her dog Arrow, and a number of cats.
Reviews
"The wise dog does not brood on no: he does not make a story of no. The wise dog makes his peace with no and waits, with hope and confidence, for the next yes." --Tai Moses, from "Zooburbia"
"I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: 'The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight.'"--Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
""Zooburbia" has the power to quietly change the way you see the world. On every page, Tai Moses offers readers a way to reinterpret the ordinary, revealing that the world we humans have built is an even stranger place than we imagined, yet she reminds us of the beauty that lies beneath our human bumbling. This is a strange and beautiful book--a book about animals that is really a book about being a person."--Robert Jensen, University of Texas at Austin, "Arguing for Our Lives: A User's Guide to Constructive Dialog"
"I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: 'The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight.'"--Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
"Meet your neighbors! "Zooburbia" serves as a fine introduction to some of the most interesting creatures you're likely to encounter."--Bill McKibben, "Eaarth" and "The End of Nature"
"I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: 'The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight.'"--Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
"In "Zooburbia," Tai Moses writes with great power and imagination about an urban wildlife corridor where humans and animals overlap. This is a poetics of suburbia--of animals flying above us, sharing our houses, gardens and streets. "Zooburbia" will delight readers who love language and stay with them long after they've finished reading. There is something contagious about Moses's joy and the mindful attention she brings to her encounters with animals. "Zooburbia" shows us that what we consider ordinary is actually an enchanted kingdom." --Thaisa Frank, "Enchantment" and "Heidegger's Glasses"
"While "Zooburbia" shares an extraordinary glimpse into the natural world, it even more brilliantly gives you insight into the human condition, and through the eyes, mind, and heart of one of the most thoughtful, passionate, and perceptive humans you will ever encounter."--Thom Hartmann, "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight"
"With moving anecdotes and incisive knowledge Tai Moses uncovers the natural world within our urban landscape. What a relief for us city dwellers, to know that wilderness is all around, resilient and beautiful, if only we would peer a little closer. While these plants and animals cannot offer flour or hold the extra house key, Moses shows us with humor and pathos that they are among the best of our neighbors. After reading "Zooburbia" I see my back garden anew, as not just a place for me, b
One of "O the Oprah Magazine's" "Ten Titles to Pick Up Now" for May 2014
"Warm, charming and thoughtful, Tai Moses' "Zooburbia: Meditations on the Wild Animals Among Us" draws the reader into the wider world, channeling the author's own experiences to encourage both compassion and attention to the animals who share our spaces."--"Animal Sheltering," The magazine of the Humane Association of the United States
"Something inside Tai Moses burns a little brighter when animals are around.... She shows how when we pay more attention to the furry and feathered beasts around us, we're better off."--"Mindful"
"Journalist Moses shares her joy in coexisting with the wild creatures around her... A light, pleasing meditation on the joy of mindfully observing nature."--"Kirkus Reviews"
..".Affirming essays that concern lessons on mindfulness, such as her story of a reflective ride on an Icelandic horse. Moses captures 'the human desire to form an emotional bond with other creatures' and its nuanced shades of both glory and misery."--"Publishers Weekly"
"Moses writes in an engaging style of prose, applying self-deprecating humor, righteous anger, or even Zen philosophy as the material requires. She describes nature and animals beautifully and simply. This is the memoir of a writer who has put real thought into how she relates to the natural world, and readers will find those thoughts worth considering."--"Foreword"
"Meet your neighbors! "Zooburbia" serves as a fine introduction to some of the most interesting creatures you're likely to encounter."--Bill McKibben, "Eaarth" and "The End of Nature"
"I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: 'The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight.'"--Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
"In "Zooburbia," Tai Moses writes with great power and imagination about an urban wildlife corridor where humans and animals overlap. This is a poetics of suburbia--of animals flying above us, sharing our houses, gardens and streets. "Zooburbia" will delight readers who love language and stay with them long after they've finished reading. There is something contagious about Moses's joy and the mindful attention she brings to her encounters with animals. "Zooburbia" shows us that what we consider ordinary is actually an enchanted kingdom." --Thaisa Frank, "Enchantment" and "Heidegger's Glasses"
"While "Zooburbia" shares an extraordinary glimpse into the natural world, it even more brilliantly gives you insight into the human condition, and through the eyes, mind, and heart of one of the most thoughtful, passionate, and perceptive humans you will ever encounter."--Thom Hartmann, "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight"
"With moving anecdotes and incisive knowledge Tai Moses uncovers the natural world within our urban landscape. What a relief for us city dwellers, to know that wilderness is all around, resilient and beautiful, if only we would peer a little closer. While these plants and animals cannot offer flour or hold the extra house key, Moses shows us with humor and pathos that they are among the best of our neighbors. After reading "Zooburbia" I see my back garden anew, as not just a place for me, but a haven and a home to insects, birds, raccoons and possums. This book is a delight."--Caroline Paul, "Lost Cat"
"Wise, witty, compelling, and true, each of these closely-observed essays is a perfect gem! Thank you, Tai Moses, for showing us the blessings our animal teachers give us in wild abundance, right in our own backyards."--Sy Montgomery, "The Good Good Pig" and "Journey of the Pink Dolphins"
""Zooburbia" has the power to quietly change the way you see the world. On every page, Tai Moses offers readers a way to reinterpret the ordinary, revealing that the world we humans have built is an even stranger place than we imagined, yet she reminds us of the beauty that lies beneath our human bumbling. This is a strange and beautiful book--a book about animals that is really a book about being a person."--Robert Jensen, "Arguing for Our Lives"
""Zooburbia" is a loving encounter between an animal adventure story, a Buddhist scripture, and "Winnie the Pooh" that serves to remind us we are among sentient beings here on Earth."--Chellis Glendinning, "My Name Is Chellis and Im in Recovery from Western Civilization"
One of "O the Oprah Magazine's" Ten Titles to Pick Up Now for May 2014
"Warm, charming and thoughtful, Tai Moses "Zooburbia: Meditations on the Wild Animals Among Us" draws the reader into the wider world, channeling the author s own experiences to encourage both compassion and attention to the animals who share our spaces.""Animal Sheltering," The magazine of the Humane Association of the United States
Something inside Tai Moses burns a little brighter when animals are around. She shows how when we pay more attention to the furry and feathered beasts around us, we re better off. "Mindful"
"Journalist Moses shares her joy in coexisting with the wild creatures around her A light, pleasing meditation on the joy of mindfully observing nature. "Kirkus Reviews"
..".Affirming essays that concern lessons on mindfulness, such as her story of a reflective ride on an Icelandic horse. Moses captures 'the human desire to form an emotional bond with other creatures' and its nuanced shades of both glory and misery.""Publishers Weekly"
"Moses writes in an engaging style of prose, applying self-deprecating humor, righteous anger, or even Zen philosophy as the material requires. She describes nature and animals beautifully and simply. This is the memoir of a writer who has put real thought into how she relates to the natural world, and readers will find those thoughts worth considering.""Foreword"
"Meet your neighbors! "Zooburbia" serves as a fine introduction to some of the most interesting creatures you're likely to encounter."Bill McKibben, "Eaarth" and "The End of Nature"
I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight. Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
"In "Zooburbia," Tai Moses writes with great power and imagination about an urban wildlife corridor where humans and animals overlap. This is a poetics of suburbiaof animals flying above us, sharing our houses, gardens and streets. "Zooburbia" will delight readers who love language and stay with them long after they ve finished reading. There is something contagious about Moses s joy and the mindful attention she brings to her encounters with animals. "Zooburbia" shows us that what we consider ordinary is actually an enchanted kingdom." Thaisa Frank, "Enchantment" and "Heidegger s Glasses"
"While "Zooburbia" shares an extraordinary glimpse into the natural world, it even more brilliantly gives you insight into the human condition, and through the eyes, mind, and heart of one of the most thoughtful, passionate, and perceptive humans you will ever encounter."Thom Hartmann, "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight"
"With moving anecdotes and incisive knowledge Tai Moses uncovers the natural world within our urban landscape. What a relief for us city dwellers, to know that wilderness is all around, resilient and beautiful, if only we would peer a little closer. While these plants and animals cannot offer flour or hold the extra house key, Moses shows us with humor and pathos that they are among the best of our neighbors. After reading "Zooburbia" I see my back garden anew, as not just a place for me, but a haven and a home to insects, birds, raccoons and possums. This book is a delight."Caroline Paul, "Lost Cat"
"Wise, witty, compelling, and true, each of these closely-observed essays is a perfect gem! Thank you, Tai Moses, for showing us the blessings our animal teachers give us in wild abundance, right in our own backyards."Sy Montgomery, "The Good Good Pig" and "Journey of the Pink Dolphins"
""Zooburbia" has the power to quietly change the way you see the world. On every page, Tai Moses offers readers a way to reinterpret the ordinary, revealing that the world we humans have built is an even stranger place than we imagined, yet she reminds us of the beauty that lies beneath our human bumbling. This is a strange and beautiful booka book about animals that is really a book about being a person."Robert Jensen, "Arguing for Our Lives"
""Zooburbia" is a loving encounter between an animal adventure story, a Buddhist scripture, and "Winnie the Pooh" that serves to remind us we are among sentient beings here on Earth."Chellis Glendinning, "My Name Is Chellis and Im in Recovery from Western Civilization"
"
"I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: 'The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight.'"--Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
""Zooburbia" has the power to quietly change the way you see the world. On every page, Tai Moses offers readers a way to reinterpret the ordinary, revealing that the world we humans have built is an even stranger place than we imagined, yet she reminds us of the beauty that lies beneath our human bumbling. This is a strange and beautiful book--a book about animals that is really a book about being a person."--Robert Jensen, University of Texas at Austin, "Arguing for Our Lives: A User's Guide to Constructive Dialog"
"I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: 'The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight.'"--Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
"Meet your neighbors! "Zooburbia" serves as a fine introduction to some of the most interesting creatures you're likely to encounter."--Bill McKibben, "Eaarth" and "The End of Nature"
"I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: 'The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight.'"--Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
"In "Zooburbia," Tai Moses writes with great power and imagination about an urban wildlife corridor where humans and animals overlap. This is a poetics of suburbia--of animals flying above us, sharing our houses, gardens and streets. "Zooburbia" will delight readers who love language and stay with them long after they've finished reading. There is something contagious about Moses's joy and the mindful attention she brings to her encounters with animals. "Zooburbia" shows us that what we consider ordinary is actually an enchanted kingdom." --Thaisa Frank, "Enchantment" and "Heidegger's Glasses"
"While "Zooburbia" shares an extraordinary glimpse into the natural world, it even more brilliantly gives you insight into the human condition, and through the eyes, mind, and heart of one of the most thoughtful, passionate, and perceptive humans you will ever encounter."--Thom Hartmann, "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight"
"With moving anecdotes and incisive knowledge Tai Moses uncovers the natural world within our urban landscape. What a relief for us city dwellers, to know that wilderness is all around, resilient and beautiful, if only we would peer a little closer. While these plants and animals cannot offer flour or hold the extra house key, Moses shows us with humor and pathos that they are among the best of our neighbors. After reading "Zooburbia" I see my back garden anew, as not just a place for me, b
One of "O the Oprah Magazine's" "Ten Titles to Pick Up Now" for May 2014
"Warm, charming and thoughtful, Tai Moses' "Zooburbia: Meditations on the Wild Animals Among Us" draws the reader into the wider world, channeling the author's own experiences to encourage both compassion and attention to the animals who share our spaces."--"Animal Sheltering," The magazine of the Humane Association of the United States
"Something inside Tai Moses burns a little brighter when animals are around.... She shows how when we pay more attention to the furry and feathered beasts around us, we're better off."--"Mindful"
"Journalist Moses shares her joy in coexisting with the wild creatures around her... A light, pleasing meditation on the joy of mindfully observing nature."--"Kirkus Reviews"
..".Affirming essays that concern lessons on mindfulness, such as her story of a reflective ride on an Icelandic horse. Moses captures 'the human desire to form an emotional bond with other creatures' and its nuanced shades of both glory and misery."--"Publishers Weekly"
"Moses writes in an engaging style of prose, applying self-deprecating humor, righteous anger, or even Zen philosophy as the material requires. She describes nature and animals beautifully and simply. This is the memoir of a writer who has put real thought into how she relates to the natural world, and readers will find those thoughts worth considering."--"Foreword"
"Meet your neighbors! "Zooburbia" serves as a fine introduction to some of the most interesting creatures you're likely to encounter."--Bill McKibben, "Eaarth" and "The End of Nature"
"I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: 'The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight.'"--Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
"In "Zooburbia," Tai Moses writes with great power and imagination about an urban wildlife corridor where humans and animals overlap. This is a poetics of suburbia--of animals flying above us, sharing our houses, gardens and streets. "Zooburbia" will delight readers who love language and stay with them long after they've finished reading. There is something contagious about Moses's joy and the mindful attention she brings to her encounters with animals. "Zooburbia" shows us that what we consider ordinary is actually an enchanted kingdom." --Thaisa Frank, "Enchantment" and "Heidegger's Glasses"
"While "Zooburbia" shares an extraordinary glimpse into the natural world, it even more brilliantly gives you insight into the human condition, and through the eyes, mind, and heart of one of the most thoughtful, passionate, and perceptive humans you will ever encounter."--Thom Hartmann, "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight"
"With moving anecdotes and incisive knowledge Tai Moses uncovers the natural world within our urban landscape. What a relief for us city dwellers, to know that wilderness is all around, resilient and beautiful, if only we would peer a little closer. While these plants and animals cannot offer flour or hold the extra house key, Moses shows us with humor and pathos that they are among the best of our neighbors. After reading "Zooburbia" I see my back garden anew, as not just a place for me, but a haven and a home to insects, birds, raccoons and possums. This book is a delight."--Caroline Paul, "Lost Cat"
"Wise, witty, compelling, and true, each of these closely-observed essays is a perfect gem! Thank you, Tai Moses, for showing us the blessings our animal teachers give us in wild abundance, right in our own backyards."--Sy Montgomery, "The Good Good Pig" and "Journey of the Pink Dolphins"
""Zooburbia" has the power to quietly change the way you see the world. On every page, Tai Moses offers readers a way to reinterpret the ordinary, revealing that the world we humans have built is an even stranger place than we imagined, yet she reminds us of the beauty that lies beneath our human bumbling. This is a strange and beautiful book--a book about animals that is really a book about being a person."--Robert Jensen, "Arguing for Our Lives"
""Zooburbia" is a loving encounter between an animal adventure story, a Buddhist scripture, and "Winnie the Pooh" that serves to remind us we are among sentient beings here on Earth."--Chellis Glendinning, "My Name Is Chellis and Im in Recovery from Western Civilization"
One of "O the Oprah Magazine's" Ten Titles to Pick Up Now for May 2014
"Warm, charming and thoughtful, Tai Moses "Zooburbia: Meditations on the Wild Animals Among Us" draws the reader into the wider world, channeling the author s own experiences to encourage both compassion and attention to the animals who share our spaces.""Animal Sheltering," The magazine of the Humane Association of the United States
Something inside Tai Moses burns a little brighter when animals are around. She shows how when we pay more attention to the furry and feathered beasts around us, we re better off. "Mindful"
"Journalist Moses shares her joy in coexisting with the wild creatures around her A light, pleasing meditation on the joy of mindfully observing nature. "Kirkus Reviews"
..".Affirming essays that concern lessons on mindfulness, such as her story of a reflective ride on an Icelandic horse. Moses captures 'the human desire to form an emotional bond with other creatures' and its nuanced shades of both glory and misery.""Publishers Weekly"
"Moses writes in an engaging style of prose, applying self-deprecating humor, righteous anger, or even Zen philosophy as the material requires. She describes nature and animals beautifully and simply. This is the memoir of a writer who has put real thought into how she relates to the natural world, and readers will find those thoughts worth considering.""Foreword"
"Meet your neighbors! "Zooburbia" serves as a fine introduction to some of the most interesting creatures you're likely to encounter."Bill McKibben, "Eaarth" and "The End of Nature"
I would buy this lovely book for the sentiments, for the illustrations, and for this sentence alone: The mole is the most misunderstood of animals. Living alone in the gloom of darkness, unsociable and virtually sightless, the mole never gets a chance to set the record straight. Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, "When Elephants Weep" and "Dogs Never Lie About Love"
"In "Zooburbia," Tai Moses writes with great power and imagination about an urban wildlife corridor where humans and animals overlap. This is a poetics of suburbiaof animals flying above us, sharing our houses, gardens and streets. "Zooburbia" will delight readers who love language and stay with them long after they ve finished reading. There is something contagious about Moses s joy and the mindful attention she brings to her encounters with animals. "Zooburbia" shows us that what we consider ordinary is actually an enchanted kingdom." Thaisa Frank, "Enchantment" and "Heidegger s Glasses"
"While "Zooburbia" shares an extraordinary glimpse into the natural world, it even more brilliantly gives you insight into the human condition, and through the eyes, mind, and heart of one of the most thoughtful, passionate, and perceptive humans you will ever encounter."Thom Hartmann, "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight"
"With moving anecdotes and incisive knowledge Tai Moses uncovers the natural world within our urban landscape. What a relief for us city dwellers, to know that wilderness is all around, resilient and beautiful, if only we would peer a little closer. While these plants and animals cannot offer flour or hold the extra house key, Moses shows us with humor and pathos that they are among the best of our neighbors. After reading "Zooburbia" I see my back garden anew, as not just a place for me, but a haven and a home to insects, birds, raccoons and possums. This book is a delight."Caroline Paul, "Lost Cat"
"Wise, witty, compelling, and true, each of these closely-observed essays is a perfect gem! Thank you, Tai Moses, for showing us the blessings our animal teachers give us in wild abundance, right in our own backyards."Sy Montgomery, "The Good Good Pig" and "Journey of the Pink Dolphins"
""Zooburbia" has the power to quietly change the way you see the world. On every page, Tai Moses offers readers a way to reinterpret the ordinary, revealing that the world we humans have built is an even stranger place than we imagined, yet she reminds us of the beauty that lies beneath our human bumbling. This is a strange and beautiful booka book about animals that is really a book about being a person."Robert Jensen, "Arguing for Our Lives"
""Zooburbia" is a loving encounter between an animal adventure story, a Buddhist scripture, and "Winnie the Pooh" that serves to remind us we are among sentient beings here on Earth."Chellis Glendinning, "My Name Is Chellis and Im in Recovery from Western Civilization"
"
