Amy Tan at First Parish Church

Harvard Book Store welcomes AMY TAN—award-winning author of The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter's Daughter—for a discussion of her new book The Backyard Bird Chronicles. She will be joined in conversation by DAVID ALLEN SIBLEY—author and illustrator of the series of successful guides to nature that bear his name, including The Sibley Guide to Birds.

Ticketing

There are two ticketing options for this event. Books will be pre-signed by the author. There will not be a signing line after the presentation.

Book-Included Ticket: Includes admission for one and one hardcover copy of The Backyard Bird Chronicles pre-signed by the author.

Admission-Only Ticket: Includes admission for one.

About The Backyard Bird Chronicles

Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.

In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.

Praise for The Backyard Bird Chronicles

“Much of great writing comes from great interest, and in The Backyard Bird Chronicles, Amy Tan shows us how the world fascinates her, especially the birds. The result is both unexpected and spectacular.” —Ann Patchett, author of These Precious Days

“What an enchanting and illuminating book! How lucky for us that Amy Tan has turned her genius, her deep empathy and insight, her keen eye for what is telling, to birds. Every page of these chronicles radiates warm curiosity, wonder, and delight.” —Jennifer Ackerman, The Genius of Birds

“This is one of the most infectious and convincing books about nature I’ve read. For the bird-watcher, the would-be bird-watcher, or for the bird-watching skeptic, this offers great delight and unexpected intrigue. Through Tan’s ecstatic eyes, what could be a dry treatise on ornithological happenings becomes something far more fun and much more profound. It’s really a book about seeing.” —Dave Eggers, author of Ungrateful Mammals

Masking Policy

Masks are encouraged but not required for this event.