How many snails have you walked past in your life? Probably more than you think, mostly unseen. If you have seen one, have you watched it eat or protect itself, or reproduce? Probably not, snails are slow and our lives are usually in the fast lane. Most of us steam past without a backward glance.
Elizabeth Tova Bailey was bedridden with a mysterious illness after a trip abroad. Of course she was devastated by sudden immobility, but somehow managed to fill her days, even though life had become very limited. A small companion helped.
During her illness, the author received the unusual gift of a wild snail from a friend. Beautifully described, Bailey tells the story of her observations of the tiny creature on her nightstand and her thoughts along the way about recovery and survival. This is a quiet comforting book but also endlessly fascinating.
Bailey teaches us the power of paying attention and seeing life in all of its curiosity, beauty, and wonder. Don’t gobble this one up, it’s best read at a snail’s pace.
Joanne's Reading Blog 
An endearing quirky book, which much to my surprise I enjoyed very much.
That’s great! Glad you enjoyed it! It was such a different and interesting story and made me want to slow down my life to notice more.
I enjoyed reading this book as well!
A very special book. I had every intention of reading it at a snail’s pace but I was not successful. What a beautiful combination of skills combine to make this a very special book. Well chosen poetry, her delight as she learns and shares the wonders of the natural world, delicate sketches. The honesty with which she shares her own struggles. A delight!
Haha. Not being able to put a book down is a good thing! Glad you enjoyed it! It is beautifully and candidly written and really does show the wonders of nature!