I
picked up this book based entirely on the title and cover for the Read Harder challenge. I had no idea what to expect, but this was such a good get. I checked out the audiobook version read by the author from my local library, but I absolutely will be purchasing a physical copy for myself. I have a very storied past with religion, and my journey of deconstruction continues to this day; despite no longer being religious, I frequently find myself missing religion. More specifically, I miss the ritual and the community. This book was a salve that reminded me that rituals can be created and enjoyed by anyone, and that religious belief or faith is not a necessary ingredient to a meaningful ritual.
Written by Sasha Sagan, daughter of famed astrophysicist Carl Sagan, For Small Creatures Such as We is part memoir, part encyclopedia, and part how-to for finding meaning through purposeful and secular rituals. Sagan breaks down the book into chapters centered around events that we all can recognize as important regardless of any social, cultural, or religious backgrounds like birthdays, death, seasonal changes, and the power of community.
This book is weakest when Sagan resorts to listing off examples of rituals from multiple cultures, both present and past. These parts slow down the rhythm of the book and tend to be pretty dry. Though it is clear that Sagan did her research and steered away from keeping the book too white and Eurocentric, I found myself zoning out at times when the lists got too long.
This book excelled when Sagan describes her own secular rituals and how they came to be. The stories she shared of her mom and dad growing up were accentuated by the death of her father, and how his absence is felt everywhere. She connected her own childhood to the life that she wants to give her daughter. It was all so genuine and heartfelt.
Read Harder Challenge #10 – Read a book you know nothing about based solely on the cover.
CBR Passport Challenge #4: New to you author
