Herd Around the Barn

Herd Around the Barn


The Magic of Animals: A Conversation with Acclaimed Author Sy Montgomery

August 09, 2022

This week, Kathy is joined by one of her all-time favorite authors, Sy Montgomery. Sy is the international bestselling author of The Good Good Pig, The Soul of an Octopus, and her most recent release The Hawk’s Way. In their joyful conversation, Kathy and Sy talk about:


  • Sy’s childhood growing up with animal friends and how these interspecies relationships influenced her professional career
  • Why Sy is so optimistic about “being alive” in this tumultuous time 
  • The importance of seeing all animals as equals, rather than “underlings” or “babies”
  • How loving hawks without expecting any affection in return was “liberating” to Sy
  • Nancy Cowan, the master falconer who taught Sy and influenced her new book The Hawk’s Way
  • Christopher Hogwood, the 750 pound star of her bestselling book, who changed her life by teaching her that family doesn’t have to include those of the same genetics or species


Sy’s books are available wherever you buy books - but she hopes you’ll consider purchasing from a local bookstore. Her favorite is The Toadstool Bookshop.


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