Zooburbia: Meditations on the Wild Animals Among Us

by Tai Moses, Dave Buchen (Illustrator)

Every animal has a story.

In ZOOBURBIA, urban naturalist Tai Moses launches a lively exploration into "the extraordinary, unruly, half-wild realm where human and animal lives overlap." The author's woodsy backyard at the base of the Oakland hills becomes a laboratory for encounters with a variety of animals, from deer, raccoons and squirrels to birds, lizards and feral cats. The more Moses learns about their natural histories, the more curious she becomes about their life histories--their stories. After a failed attempt at backyard farming, Moses turns her energies to wildlife gardening in an effort to restore some of the dwindling habitat that sustains our wild neighbors. A captivating blend of memoir, natural history and storytelling, illustrated with original linoleum block prints by Dave Buchen, Zooburbia is a magnifying lens turned to our everyday environment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Animals, Science, Memoir, Biology, Natural History

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2014

About the author

Tai Moses has edited alternative newsweeklies in Monterey, Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley, and is the former senior editor of the progressive news outlet AlterNet.org. Her essays and reviews have been widely published in the independent press. She lives in Sacramento, Calif. "Zooburbia: Meditations On The Wild Animals Among Us," is her first book.

Reviews

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zooburbia is primarily a collection of vignettes by the author about encounters with many different inhabitants of the natural world, particularly those inhabitants that live near or in areas densely populated by humans. Throughout, Moses weaves insight into the animals themselves with her own responses to them. Her responses tend to be characterized by mindfulness and compassion and even when her initial response is not so mindful and/or compassionate the response is to become and act more so. Occasionally Moses peppers in quotes from the wonderful Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh (who also has books published by this publisher). The effect of the book as a whole then is awareness: awareness of life around us, of our own life and response (and responsibility), and how we do or might better work together. This book is enjoyable and light while almost secretly watering seeds of great wisdom and perspective. Well worth the read!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. Of course, I love all books about animals but this one was different. I loved the author's attitude that you can find wildlife no matter where you are.

She doesn't sugar coat them but tells it like it is about the furry ones she encounters. l laughed a lot during her telling about her foray into chicken keeping. I'm in that stage right now and can relate to how destructive the little creeps can be.

I have passed this along to a dear, animal-loving friend who just lost her husband 3 months ago. It will cheer her up for sure.

Thanks Ms Moses for giving us this treasure. Give us more.

[Robert Wechsler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I preferred the stories to the meditations and morality pieces in this collection of short pieces. Not that I didn’t agree with the morality, but these pieces seem to be more for environmental beginners. Some of the stories, especially the more journalistic ones, but also many of the memoiristic ones, are excellent. A 3.5.

[Sheana · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our imbalanced modern world of technology, productivity, consumerism and waste, Tai Moses’ "Zooburbia" poetically and poignantly propels the reader into a sanctuary where compassion, mindfulness and nature rule the roost. Each chapter is a spiritual story lesson, crafted and yet subtly mobilizing. I read the book in the midst of a self-made work overload and a family crisis, and it literally became my security blanket. It’s digestible stories woven with such honesty, humor and grace allowed me to step out of my chaotic season and celebrate nature from the “pouring, pelting, slashing, driving, sluicing-off-roofs, steaming-down-your-face, puddling-in-the-curbs, snails-on-the-sidewalk” rain to the towhee’s miraculous nest engineering which “must be light enough to sit on its foundation of branches or vines, yet sturdy enough to protect the eggs and provide a home for growing nestlings.” After reading "Zooburbia," I’m just a little more awake, a little more in awe of ecosystems large and small, a little more human through the contagious compassion Moses exudes, encapsulated in her quote from the Dalai Lama: “Some people seem to think that compassion is just a passive emotional response instead of a rational stimulus to action. To experience genuine compassion is to develop a feeling of closeness with others combined with a sense of responsibility for their welfare.” Read Zooburbia for the mastery of language, the revelation of what it means to be human, but come away from it refreshed as from a bath in cool spring water or an invigorating walk in the woods.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

nonfiction. "meditations" is a pretty accurate word to describe these essays; they are gentle thoughts and observations (and not the engaging narratives I was hoping for). The writing was not bad, and if I had nothing else to read I'd gladly pick this up, but I do (have tons other stuff I want to read), so I returned this to the library early.

[Lacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an easy and quick read (I read it in two sittings), but I didn't find it particularly enjoyable. The substance just wasn't there. These were musings of someone who was very noncommittal and made weak points in favor of her thinking.

[Jason Strayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether we know it or not, whether they live in our houses as our companions, we are surrounded by wild animals. Though our shopping malls are built over their burrows and flatten the trees they nest in, they liv on, often in the abandoned lots and alleyways where we live but do not frequent. Like a part of our soul we've forgotten, they continue on their for survival at the edges, picking at our trash or making purchase in the dark corners of our gardens, and when we chance upon them, we re-encounter a wonder we forgot long ago.

With Zooburbia, Tai Moses reminds us in prose of the many things we've forgotten about ourselves through a series of stories told from her life in and out of the city, a number of chance and not so chance encounters re-told to us that inform, captivate, and enlighten. Expect to leave with a new appreciation for the humble mole, the enigmatic octopus, and even the much maligned common street rat; they all get their due. Tai writes with a mindful pen, and her background in Zen seeps in like a fertile mud betwixt the flowering details of her stories.

If you are attuned to the animal world, you'll find this an emotional ride that reads quickly and powerfully. If you're not attuned to animals, you'll probably never read this book but should. At it's best moments, Zooburbia has something to say to all of us about being human.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who fancies herself an “urban farmer” and tires of “making salad for deer,” this book was instantly interesting to me. I am animal-obsessed and always take note of the wildlife who creep in and around our home, yard, and city. Tai Moses shares this predilection, but takes it a step further, by quitting her garden and chicken-rearing and instead focusing on serving the wildlife around her home in Oakland. I disagreed with some of her tactics (putting out food to lure larger wildlife, for instance, and taking a possibly interventionist approach to animals), but her perspective is interesting (if often too dreamy and impractical for my taste). The book is also beautifully laid out, and the accompanying woodcut prints of animals are lovely. The prose is pretty and readable. Recommended for those who love animals and meditating on the human/wildlife relationship that is forced on most of us in the 21st century.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered this book because it was on the Staff Recommendation shelf at the University Bookstore. I went into reading it expecting to gets lots of amusing anecdotes and uplifting facts about wild urban animals. Turns out that Moses does have some heart warming stories about her interactions with animals in her not-so-urban Eastbay backyard and nearby hills. But most of the book was more about conservation and awareness of the plight of animals in our ever encroaching shared environment. Her message of compassion and a need to act was well-delivered and heartfelt, but not necessarily the kind of book I would have chosen had I'd known it was be more instructive and sad than entertaining.

[Rift Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read, I finished it in two sittings. But really wonderful stories here, sad and funny and odd and interesting. I was very impressed at how many animal issues Tai Moses touches on. This is also a "jumping off" book... every few pages, she mentions a book to read in the footnotes, or a web site to check out. I love that!

[Tony Bogar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who else enjoyed this book as much as I did? Almost every story touched me. Funny. Poignant. Thought provoking. I definitely related to this.

[Octavia Cade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this - so much so that I read it in a single sitting! There's something very gentle about this collection of short essays, and seeping through it all is Moses' love for and interest in the animals that live around her. Not just wild animals, though the title would seem to indicate this. Moses is as attached to dogs and goats and horses as much as she is to deer and wild turkeys and raccoons. The basic throughline here, though, is that she's given up trying to create a garden which keeps these animals out, and is instead focused on creating a garden that will help to sustain the local ecology. Yet there are many trips into the neighbourhood and the wider city (San Francisco) and even some out of it. Don't expect a consistent narrative. These are, rather, meditations - beautifully polished little pieces of writing that speak to the emotional attachment that humans can have for nature, and how to nurture that capacity.

The library's going to make me give this back, so I shall have to hunt down a copy of my own, because this is one of those books that I can see myself dipping into again and again.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

First things first: the descriptions of this book need to be changed – this is not about wildlife. This is about animals in general; probably half of the book features stories about domestic animals (dogs, cats, goats, bulls, chickens, domestic rabbits, goldfish, and more).

It’s nice that the author has an appreciation of and affinity for animals, but I felt like this book had very little substance. I appreciate an “easy read” sometimes, but the stories were so short, I feel like she didn’t really say much of anything. Sometimes the author would start off on a good note, and want to learn more about a particular issue, but then sort of just … quit the thought and moved on, almost as if thinking about it too much was difficult. It came across as flakey.

Her views on cats and their place in the outdoors is sorely misguided.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this unique book about finding nature and animals all around us - and what it means to make connections with this natural world. Each story reminds us to be aware of the beauty and wildness that surrounds us - yes, even those of us in an urban setting. If you are looking for a science-heavy book, this isn't for you (although there is some very interesting scientific information about the species discussed - like pigeons can fly up to 55mph!). It is much more spiritual in nature - which I appreciated. I also appreciated the author's encouraging words about how even small steps and seemingly insignificant interventions can make a difference in our ever-changing world.

[emily mackin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was an intriguing way to frame a memoir, in vignettes with encounters and tidbits of understanding about animals. It was enjoyable enough.

I think where I would have wanted more is more that was thought provoking. There were moments where Moses dug into issues of human conflict with animals, but I think ultimately she didn’t step further and just made the baseline proposal about the concept or thought, and that’s perfectly fine. There’s definitely a lot you can take from just the evolving perspective she has as a person and animal enthusiast.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your back yard

These essays center mostly on the west coast suburbs. We do have similar animals, raccoons and possums, east coast and Midwest, but bear this in mind if purchasing. I was also out off by how naive she was about wild animals. So this is also an awakening book. Each essay is complete in itself, well thought out and generally well written. There are heartbreaking stories about feral cats and rescue dogs too.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read! Fun, informative, and surprisingly relaxing, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys animals, or who is curious about the critters living in their neighborhoods. It's clear that Moses really loves animals, and any animal lovers out there will surely enjoy her book.

[Kristin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on the animals that we all overlook. Some musings on pets, too. The author is a little hippy-dippy but so am I . I felt a kinship to her. I'd recommend this book to other introspective animal lovers

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Wonderful...

A rich, insightful rumination about the ways we nurture and are natured by the wild spaces around us. Ms. Moses articulates - with great depth and beauty - the yearnings and intuition of my heart.

[Artemis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would have gotten a higher score but repeated bouts of racism (especially the quotes used), and advocating for releasing a pet into the wild, left me feeling like this wasn't worth the read.

[Foggygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

One part natural history book, one part philosophy with a dash of an autobiography thrown in for good measure.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book. Does anyone else know books where the writer has a real communion with wildlife?

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable approach to facts about animals through the author's life & experiences.

[Diana Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intelligent and thought-provoking collection of essays. I enjoyed some more than others, but overall found the book well worth reading.

[Holly Keimig · Rating 4 out of 5]

50 Book Reading Challenge 2015: A book of short stories

This was another of the categories I don't usually reach for when I read. Often, I feel that collections of short stories are too disjointed. This book was slow going at first for me and it took a while to draw me in. Once I was in, however, it grabbed me quick. As someone who grew up in cities and has lived in them for most of her life, I related to her stories of urban wildlife. I found myself agreeing with a lot of her observations and even picked up a couple useful thoughts for the next time I'm giving an interpretive talk as a park ranger. Bats were mentioned and there was even a whole story about the importance of "just a goldfish". It is both a scathing condemnation of how people treat animals and an acceptance that some things won't change. It ends on a fairly positive note, however, and the author reminds us that change can happen and she lists ways to help (that tie in to all the things she does throughout the course of the stories in the rest of the book). All things considered, I recommend it. It helps to be in a fairly reflective mood when reading it, however.

[Tim Weakley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book had me fighting off the will to judge the author. She seemed naive, and childlike when it came to her views on the animals around her. She had this overwhelming desire to save everything, while at the same time telling the reader that animals are not like humans, and we shouldn't view them in the same way. During the summation of the book she made her point, that what she does to help the wildlife is her devotion. This is her way of saluting the sacred around us. While I'm not sure that she achieves balance between what she wants for the animals, and what they actually need I do acknowledge the kindness and compassion that it takes to think and act as she does. I included this book in my Buddhist shelf because, while not exactly a book on Buddhism, it does have the aspect of Buddhism moving through the world. She is inspired by, and includes, a lot of Buddhist quotes. Also I came across this book first in Tricycle, a Buddhist magazine!

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These short meditative pieces about the author's personal interactions with wildlife, expected and unexpected, in our cities and suburbs are like koans or prose poetry that provide reflective food for thought. The essays inspire the reader to slow down and be attentive to the wildness present at our very doorstep. It is also a beautifully crafted book that was a pleasure to hold in one's hand.

Book Pairings: Though shorter and more influenced by Buddhism than science, the writing reminded me somewhat of Barbara Kingsolver's essays, especially the collection in High Tide in Tucson.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the opening essay of this collection, Tai Moses explains, "Instead of looking for those treasured qualities of beauty, peace, and wilderness in a distant and idealized wilderness, I try to carry them with me wherever I go" (19). Thus begins a collection of essays about the kinds of everyday encounters that will be familiar to readers mindful of the animals they share their living spaces with. Not only a deeply thoughtful meditation on human-animal relationships, this collection is also a wonderful example of autobiographical essay writing (one that I will probably use in my Representing Animals writing seminar).

[Sandy D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of short essays on the author's interactions with animals - mostly around her house and yard in suburban Oakland, California. There was a bit less science (though some interesting animal facts backed up by footnotes - I had no ideas that moles stockpiled poisoned worms!) and more philosophy and Buddhism than I expected, but the ideas presented were gracefully described, even when I didn't agree with them.

I really liked the woodcut illustrations, but the cover unfortunately resembles one of those O'Reilly computer books. Something a little softer (maybe still with the woodcut raccoon?) would have been more appropriate!

[Kathryn Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I think a large part of that was the fact that I too live in the Bay Area and could identify with the author's experience. There is something about living here that opens your eyes to the nature and wildlife around you that I have not experienced anywhere else, so I felt like I had finally found someone who had given a voice to that awakening. It is an awakening that I hope to carry with me from now and pass to others.