Sy Montgomery

Author Sy Montgomery, a naturalist and documentary scriptwriter, has written nearly 30 books for adults and children that are available in up to 13 languages.  In 2015, she was a National Book Award Finalist for The Soul of an Octopus, which was my introduction to this amazing woman who seemed destined, since the time of her first memories, to have a special connection with animals and nature. In The Soul of an Octopus, Sy developed a relationship with Athena, an octopus at the New England Aquarium. By slowly trying and increasing physical and mental contact with Athena, Sy was able to gain her trust. It’s a scientific love story.

The anthropomorphic pig on the postcard was Christopher Hogwood, one of the many animals who shared their existence with Sy Montgomery. She wrote a book about him, The Good Good Pig, a runt who grew to 750 pounds. He taught life lessons to Sy and all who took pleasure in his wonderment and wisdom, bestowing self-acceptance and the value of family and community upon them.

Sy Montgomery’s latest book is How to Be A Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals, in which she reflects on the personalities of animals that have passionately affected her life.

The extensive research for her books involved traveling the world, exploring, studying, and encountering the rarest and most beautiful animals. She writes about how they fit in our world, and we in theirs – a world that would benefit from everyone and everything by sharing it.

This post is a fragment of Sy Montgomery’s accomplishments. Visit her website to read about extreme adventures and unplanned confrontations with dubious creatures – one example: a silverback gorilla. There are great pictures and stories on the News Page!

Sy, thank you for the postcard! I keep staring at little Christopher Hogwood, enjoying his cuteness, and imagining his good good life with Mama Sy & Papa Howard Mansfield. 🙂 
May his life last forever in your memories.

~Anita~