Teaching a Stone to Talk

Teaching a Stone to Talk cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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Technical
  • ID: 4448
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781782117759
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2016-04-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In this captivating collection, Annie Dillard takes readers on a journey across the globe, from the Arctic to the Ecuadorian jungle, and from the Galapagos to her cherished Tinker Creek. Her vivid observations and profound reflections illuminate the wonders of the natural world and the complexities of human existence, offering a fresh perspective on the world around us. Annie Dillard, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, showcases her extraordinary talent in this collection. Her essays are not just descriptions of landscapes and events but also delve into the deeper meanings and connections that bind us to the world. With her lyrical prose and enigmatic genius, Dillard invites readers to see the ordinary in an extraordinary light, making 'Teaching a Stone to Talk' a must-read for anyone who appreciates thoughtful and evocative writing.

Reviews
Richard Carter's Blog · Richard Carter · 2022-06-07
enjoyable 4.20

The reviewer enjoyed the eclectic mix of science, nature, and memoir but was somewhat confused by one piece.

Richard Carter enjoyed the eclectic mix of science, nature, and memoir in the book. He found the essays to be engaging and thought-provoking, although he was somewhat flummoxed by one particular piece. Despite this, he appreciated the overall quality and depth of the essays, which blend various genres seamlessly. The reviewer's enjoyment of the book is evident, even if one essay left him puzzled.


Quick quotes

    On the whole, I enjoyed this eclectic mix of science, nature and memoir very much indeed.

    I was somewhat flummoxed by a piece which seemed to stray from the rest.

    The essays are engaging and thought-provoking.

thoughtful 4.00

The essays are thought-provoking and showcase Dillard's care and concern for nature, meeting high standards.

The reviewer highlights the thought-provoking nature of the essays, which shine through with Dillard's care and concern for nature. They believe these essays are up to a high standard, indicating a deep appreciation for the author's work. The reviewer seems to be impressed by the depth and quality of the essays, which blend science, nature, and memoir in a compelling way.


Quick quotes

    All of these essays are thought-provoking and they shine through with Dillard's care and concern for Nature.

    They are easily up to the standard of her other works.

    Dillard's writing is both intelligent and deeply empathetic.

The Guardian · 2014-08-22
humorous 4.50

The book is so funny that it made the reviewer question the seriousness of books that don't make them laugh. They also reflect on whether the book changed them.

The reviewer found the book to be incredibly funny, to the point where they started to question the seriousness of books that don't make them laugh. This humor made them ponder the impact of the book on their own perspective. They also reflect on whether the book changed them, indicating a deep engagement with the text. The reviewer seems to appreciate the wit and the thought-provoking nature of the essays, which blend humor with profound insights.


Quick quotes

    Teaching a Stone is so funny I realised I might have trouble ever taking seriously a book that didn't make me laugh.

    But did it change me?

    I realised I might have trouble ever taking seriously a book that didn't make me laugh.