In a work that beautifully demonstrates the rewards of closely observing nature, Elisabeth Bailey shares an inspiring and intimate story of her uncommon 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 under standing of her own confined place in the world. Intrigued by the snail s molluscan anatomy, cryptic defenses, clear decision making, hydraulic locomotion, and mysterious courtship activities, Bailey becomes an astute and amused observer, providing a candid and engaging look into the curious life of this underappreciated small animal. Told with wit and grace, 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 illuminates our own human existence and provides an appreciation of what it means to be fully alive.
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating: A Memoir
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"The author found solace--and good material--in watching a snail." --People magazine (People Magazine )
"Though illness may rob us of vitality, sometimes it can also help bring us understanding---albeit in improbable disguises . . . Perhaps there's something to be said for moving at a snail's pace." --NPR.org (NPR.org )
"Though illness may rob us of vitality, sometimes it can also help bring us understanding---albeit in improbable disguises . . . Perhaps there's something to be said for moving at a snail's pace." --NPR.org (NPR.org )
Review
With warmth and intelligence, Bailey observes this little mollusk at her bedside. Readers will find her mental journey remarkable and her courage irresistible. I am very taken with this small book. Maxine Kumin
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Dorothyanne Brown
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The writing in this book is much like the story itself - soothing, slow moving, slipping into your consciousness like the gentle chewing sound of the snail in the title.
It is totally charming. But perhaps a bit too soothing. I read mostly at night before bed and I still haven't finished the book.
And now I want a pet snail....
It is totally charming. But perhaps a bit too soothing. I read mostly at night before bed and I still haven't finished the book.
And now I want a pet snail....
By Avid Reader
Format:Hardcover
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating: A True Story - this book starts quietly and stays that way but don't let that put you off - it really is a beautiful and gripping story of one womans discovery of the secret world of snails while appearing to be at a complete dead end in her life due to illness- gradually very gradually the snail teaches her that there are many ways of being and that there is hope. You will learn more than you ever knew about snails but you will also feel uplifted in this courageous tale of recovery and discovery.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By gazelle
Format:Hardcover
This is an incredible book. As I am also ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, though in a much less debilitating way, I could relate to Elizabeth Bailey. I find it very generous on her part to have spent all that little energy she has to share that exceptional experience. The rythm of the writing in a way is the rythm of the snail, calming, relaxing. But, at the same time, we are very much taken by the story of the snail's every day life. Elizabeth doesn't write much about her very serious illness, just enough to make us realize to what extent the snail plays a role in her life and how it helps her go through each day. For those who are ill and housebound, this book will help see life differently and bring some ligh in those dark moments. For those who are in good health, it will be a worthwhile pause in the frantic pace we live in... and you will look at nature, particularly a snail, much differently. Elizabeth with this book shows us that she is not only a talented writer, but also shows that each creature, even the very small ones, has a role on this planet.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
absolutely charming!
i love this book! once i finished it, i immediately read it again. all the descriptions i read of this book were right on: charming; like alice in wonderland; a wonderful pause... Read more
Published on May 2 2011 by joba
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Unusual Memoir!!
Elisabeth Tova Bailey is bedridden with a mysterious disease that has left her paralyzed but she finds meaning in her life through observing a small woodland snail!! Read more
Published on Mar 5 2011 by Louise Jolly
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