H is for HawkRecommendations

Author:
Helen MacDonald
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About the book

"H is for Hawk" by Helen MacDonald is a remarkable blend of memoir and nature writing that delves into grief, loss, and the healing power of the natural world. MacDonald’s poignant narrative explores her journey of training a hawk as a way to cope with the death of her father. This book resonates with anyone who has experienced profound loss and seeks solace in the wild. MacDonald’s beautiful prose not only captivates readers but also invites them to reflect on their own connections to nature and the ways in which it can provide comfort. Whether you are a bird lover, a fan of personal stories, or simply looking for a deeply moving read, "H is for Hawk" offers something for everyone.Recommended by influential figures such as Jacqueline Novogratz, Mark Hart, and Barack Obama, this book has captured the attention of activists, authors, and entrepreneurs alike. The frequent endorsements from such prominent individuals suggest that the book resonates particularly with those who value personal development, social impact, and the intersection of human experience with the natural world. The repeat recommendations from leaders in various fields highlight its significance and the universal themes of resilience and connection that MacDonald beautifully articulates.

Obsession, madness, memory, myth, and history combine to achieve a distinctive blend of nature writing and memoir from an outstanding literary innovator.

When Helen Macdonald's father died suddenly on a London street, she was devastated. An experienced falconer—Helen had been captivated by hawks since childhood—she'd never before been tempted to train one of the most vicious predators, the goshawk. But in her grief, she saw that the goshawk's fierce and feral temperament mirrored her own. Resolving to purchase and raise the deadly creature as a means to cope with her loss, she adopted Mabel, and turned to the guidance of The Once and Future King author T.H. White's chronicle The Goshawk to begin her challenging endeavor. Projecting herself "in the hawk's wild mind to tame her" tested the limits of Macdonald's humanity and changed her life.

Heart-wrenching and humorous, this book is an unflinching account of bereavement and a unique look at the magnetism of an extraordinary beast, with a parallel examination of a legendary writer's eccentric falconry. Obsession, madness, memory, myth, and history combine to achieve a distinctive blend of nature writing and memoir from an outstanding literary innovator.

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