This week I thought I would feature a book where the title was so strange that I had to dip in to see what it was all about.  Unlike other in vogue books that feature dogs and cats and other animals such as Marley and Me by John Grogan or Making the Rounds with Oscar by David Dosa, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating really does feature a snail.  Yes, a small brown snail.  How could someone write a book where one of the major characters of the story is so…..bland?  I googled the book and found such positive reviews that I had to start reading it, and now I can’t put it down.

Here’s a synopsis from the Australian publisher of the The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey, Text Publishing:

While an illness keeps her bedridden, Bailey watches a wild snail that has taken up residence on her nightstand. As a result, she discovers the solace and sense of wonder that this mysterious creature brings and comes to a greater understanding of the interconnections between species and her own human place in the natural world.

Intrigued by the snail’s molluscan anatomy, cryptic defenses, clear decision making, hydraulic locomotion, and mysterious courtship activities, Bailey becomes an astute and amused observer, providing a candid and engaging look into the curious life of this overlooked and underappreciated small animal.

Told with wit and grace, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is a remarkable journey of survival and resilience, showing us how a small part of the natural world illuminates our own human existence.

I’m looking forward to reading more of this little gem this weekend.  For more feedback on what others think of this book check out the following link to the book on the Goodreads book networking site.