Book Review - The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey

Title: The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by
Author: Elisabeth Tova Bailey
Year: 2010
Page: 208
Genre: Non-Fiction - Memoir

New to me author? Yes
Read this author again? Probably not...
Tearjerker? Don't know
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
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.

First Sentence:
From my hotel window I look over the deep glacial lake to the foothills and the Alps beyond.

  
Why did I pick this book?
I read a blog review (sorry forgot who it was), that basically said this is a little gem. So off I read!


My thoughts:

• I am afraid I didn't go very far with this book... it was moving a snail paced (no pun intended!). I get that this book is supposed to be reflective and introspective, but I got bored instead :(

• I was more interested about the mystery illness the author suffered... perhaps she talked more about it later in the book, but I didn't go far enough to find out

• I guess this is one of those books that you have to be in the right mood to read it, and I wasn't...

Rating: 0 Star. Did Not Finish.

 

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!