Summary (from Amazon): "In a work that beautifully demonstrates the rewards of closely observing nature, Elisabeth Tova Bailey shares an inspiring and intimate story of her encounter with a Neohelix albolabris - a common woodland snail. While an illness keeps her bedridden, Bailey watches a wild snail that has taken up residence on her nightstand. As a result, she discovers the solace and sense of wonder that this mysterious creature brings and comes to a greater understanding of her own place in the world. Intrigued by the snail's molluscan anatomy, cryptic defenses, clear decision making, hydraulic locomotion, and courtship activities, Bailey becomes an astute and amused observer, offering a candid and engaging look into the curious life of this underappreciated small animal.The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is a remarkable journey of survival and resilience, showing us how a small part of the natural world can illuminate our own human existence, while providing an appreciation of what it means to be fully alive."
Reviews:
Orion: https://orionmagazine.org/review/the-sound-of-a-wild-snail-eating/
Huffington Post: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nina-sankovitch/the-beautiful-sound-of-a-_b_710413.html
Interviews:
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129475625
http://www.readmeblogsite.net/2013/11/21/interview-with-elisabeth-tova-bailey-author-of-the-sound-of-a-wild-snail-eating-text-publishing/
http://biophiliccities.org/interview-with-elisabeth-t-bailey/
Author's Website: http://www.elisabethtovabailey.net/
Common Woodland snail information: (Neohilix albolabris):
https://www.carnegiemnh.org/science/mollusks/va_neohelix_albolabris.html
Videos:
Video: Snail eating a mushroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtUioCEVx7U
Video from the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf2suzMV_ME
How to make a Terrarium (from Marissa): https://www.momtastic.com/diy/527559-make-snail-terrarium/
Discussion Questions from author:
http://elisabethtovabailey.net/files/WildSnailDiscussionQuestions.pdf
Discussion Questions: (These are Marissa's questions, who will be leading the discussion.)
- Was anyone surprised by the intensity and tragedy of the prologue? How did that set the tone for you about the rest of the book?
- There are 2 protagonists in "The sound of a Wild Snail Eating", the snail and the human. Did you find yourself drawn to one more than the other? Does that say something about you as a person?
- Which was your favorite chapter and why? Was there a particular phrase, sentence or idea that intrigued you?
- Have you ever noticed a snail before? Did the book change your understanding of the life of a snail? What did you find fascinating about the snail?
- Did the author's decision not to name the snail impact the narrative?
- What is your relationship with the natural world and other animals?
- Are you (or have you been) a patient or caregiver and how did this illness narrative reflect or expand your own experience?
- If you were very ill and someone brought you a snail, would you find yourself watching it? What would your thoughts be?
- Have you every acquired something that you originally didn't want, but then found yourself deeply attached to it later on?
- If you were to recommend this book, would it be for the natural history of the snail or the illness narrative, or for another reason?
(Photos from author)
