May 6, 2024 at 6 p.m.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is honored to welcome Amy Tan, bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club, for an intimate discussion of her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles—a gorgeous, witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty around us.
In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred, racism, and misinformation had become a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divided than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned to the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, to the birds visiting her yard. What began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to enjoy quiet moments during a challenging time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.
In this presentation, Tan will discuss how she embarked on the journey that would become The Backyard Bird Chronicles, and share some of the surprising, sometimes amusing, and often spectacular drawings she made along the way. She’ll be joined by Dr. Caitlin Colleary, Associate Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, for a wide-ranging conversation about writing and birding, identity and diversity, observation and conservation, and the restorative power of art and nature. An audience Q&A will follow.
Museum doors will open at 5 p.m. At 5:20 p.m., Librarian & Archivist Joe Tait will briefly discuss the Museum’s bound first-edition set of artist John James Audubon's Birds of America. Amy Tan’s presentation will begin in Murch Auditorium at 6 p.m.
To order a signed copy of The Backyard Bird Chronicles from our bookseller partners, please visit Loganberry Books. Preordered books will be held at Loganberry Books or available for pickup the evening of the event.
Space is limited; registration is highly recommended. Tickets for this event are free, but donations are requested. Proceeds will benefit the aviary in the Museum's Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank.