Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History

by Cindy Crosby, Peggy Macnamara (Illustrator)

Chasing A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History is an engaging, beautifully illustrated introduction to these remarkable insects. Drawing on her experiences as a natural history instructor, dragonfly monitor, cancer survivor, grandmother, and steward, Crosby tells the stories of their roles in poetry and art, their fascinating sex life—unique within the animal kingdom—and their evolution from dark-water dwellers to denizens of the air. We follow Crosby and other citizen-scientists into the prairies, wetlands, and woodlands of the Midwest, where they observe the environment and chronicle dragonfly populations and migration to decipher critical clues about our changing waterways and climate.
 
Woven throughout are personal reflections on the author’s cancer diagnosis and recovery, change, loss, aging, family, joy, and discovering what it means to be at home in the natural world. Crosby draws an intimate portrait of a landscape teeming with variety and mystery, one that deserves our attention and conservation. As warm as it is informative, this book will interest gardeners, readers of literary nonfiction, and anyone intrigued by transformation, whether in nature or our personal lives.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2020

Reviews

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book about dragonflies. The author tells her story, about why she loves dragonflies and how they help her in her daily life. The book has personal elements but also some scientific elements and there are helpful tips on how to spot them yourself. The artwork is absolutely stunning and definetely my favourite part of the book! There's also a helpful list of resources in the back in case you want to know more. Recommended for dragon- & damselfly lovers!

I got an ARC trough NetGalley from the publisher for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author talks about her “ongoing love affair with this charismatic insect” and I found her book to be exactly that for me! About 25 years ago, a dragonfly came to me in a guided imagery meditation and has held meaning for me ever since. I recently wrote. Novel called Dragonflies at Night that weaves the spiritual message of the dragonfly throughout a modern love story. Cindy Crosby ‘s book deepened my own knowledge of this fascinating insect. There is so much to learn and so much we can apply to our lives.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5

I know next to nothing about dragonflies and damselflies but I've been very interested in learning more, and when I saw this book available, I was eager to request a copy. The title, Chasing Dragonflies, really spoke to me, and I love the painted rather than photo cover.

Chasing Dragonflies is an apt title as author Cindy Crosby seeks out new dragonfly and damselfly experiences the way bird watchers will take trips with the hopes of catching sight of a new bird to add to their lists.

But Crosby's journey is almost too personal. It sometimes appears cathartic - particularly as Crosby reflects on her cancer, aging, and family. She nicely ties these thoughts to the peaceful pursuit of dragonflies (and damselflies). And as a memoir, I really enjoyed this book and Crosby's quite poetic language.

As a "Natural History" (part of the book's subtitle)? This is a little less clear.

There is some solid science and fact woven into this "Personal History" but it filters out a bit behind the personal accounts and poetic language. We never quite leave the feeling that this is personal reflection, even though it comes from someone with some science acumen.

It's easy to get hooked on this book. I was drawn in by this passage in Crosby's Prologue:

I’m inspired by how dragonflies are both tough and fragile; fierce and mild. They each fly for only a few short weeks, yet the species is still around after others have disappeared from the earth. They are cannibals who may eat one another, yet you can safely hold one in your hand. As they transform themselves from water creatures to creatures of the air, they are vulnerable to the predation of frogs or birds. A falling leaf may damage their newly unfolded wings beyond repair. Yet when those same wings harden, they are strong enough to carry many of them thousands of miles in migration.

I often see dragonflies when I'm out in the summertime in my Minnesota stomping grounds. I'll even see them at times as I sit on my back deck. And always I wish I knew a little more about them. Now I do. Know a little bit more about them. What Crosby does best, though, is to pique my interest so that I might do some further research.

The artwork by Peggy Macnamara is perfect, capturing the tough but fragile nature of the dragonflies and the reflective science of Cindy Crosby's writing.

Looking for a good book? Chasing Dragonflies by Cindy Crosby is a memoir of a natural science researcher - tough and resilient (both Crosby and the dragonflies she chases).

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! I have been in love with dragonflies and damselflies since I was 5! I never realized just how much is still unknown about all the various dragonflies and damselflies. Cindy Crosby's book is such a work of passion. You know she is really into these creatures and studies them so we all can learn about them. I had no idea there were so many varieties. And learning about their habits (some migrate!) is so interesting. I will be looking out for them next time I go hiking by our local ponds. I think I may need to pay more attention to them to see if ever I can learn to tell them all apart. Great book. Very readable and conversational in style.

I received a Kindle copy from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago I read a book by this author called By Willoway Brook. Her writing and reflections resonated with me, so even though I know (knew) little about dragonflies, I wanted to read this book. Each chapter discusses an aspect of dragonflies, from anatomy to learning how to look for them. The illustrations before each chapter are beautiful. Throughout each chapter she mentions her own personal experiences and life struggles, so this is not just a science book. I may or may not become someone who chases dragonflies but I will certainly become more observant of them.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

As delicate, balanced, and beautiful as a dragonfly's wing, this book is so much more than a natural history. Part memoir, part journey through staggering illness, part the story of finding one's self, I love this intimate look into both the lives of the dragonfly and the life of the author. Cindy has done something amazing here. It is worth a loving and careful read.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Many times I found myself remembering experiences with dragonflies very similar to the author's. The impact and benefits that dragonflies have on our lives, from mental health and an appreciation of nature to a life long career of scientific study is a theme running through all the stories in this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book with beautiful nature writing, storytelling, interesting dragonfly facts and gorgeous illustrations! I'd love to add this book to my home nature library!