Stranded: Finding Nature in Uncertain Times

by Maddalena Bearzi, Carl Safina (Foreword)

Marooned in Los Angeles by the pandemic, a marine biologist rediscovers the delights and wonders of the natural world in her own backyard. " Stranded reminds us of what we all too easily the sustaining delights of finding beauty and wonder all around us." — Florence Williams , author of The Nature Fix and Heartbreak Conservationist and marine biologist Maddalena Bearzi made her career studying the wild creatures of the deep, but when COVID-19 made landfall on the California coast this seafaring scientist found herself shuttered up ashore, her wide blue world constricted by pandemic lockdown. Never good at sitting idle, she despaired at the confines of her Los Angeles flat—until she began to find wonder in the wilderness of her own backyard. Stranded charts Bearzi’s discovery of both rapture and resilience in the unsung wildlife of urban LA. With a green thumb and a canine sidekick named Genghis, she finds as much to marvel at in her garden’s singing blackbirds, night-blooming cacti, and industrious wasps as in the whales, dolphins, and sea lions at the center of her maritime adventures. Discovering in the quotidian an antidote to the grief occasioned by captivity and climate chaos, Bearzi reveals how each of us can take heart, find courage, and discover inspiration in the thrumming systems of life that surround us. With a scientist’s precision and a poet’s instinct, she invites us to look at, listen to, and revel in the everyday grandeur of the natural world—and to embrace, with urgency, our responsibility to sustain it.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Essays, Science Nature, Memoir

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stranded” is a great work of inspiration, education, and optimism during uncertain times.

Bearzi’s writing seems to function partially as an outlet for Covid-claustrophobia and partially as a way of sharing amazing but simple stories of how, even in one’s urban backyard, nature can be observed, appreciated, and connected with in more appreciative forms. From simple stories of dog-walking observations to awe-invoking accounts of being back on the ocean and in the field after a period of lockdown and uncertainty, Bearzi holds captivation in her writing, and I am more than excited to read more from her.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note: I won my copy of the book in a GoodReads giveaway.

I enjoyed this short series of observations and musings that came from Dr. Bearzi’s time in lockdown during COVID 19. Her style of writing and insights on nature, particularly animals, were fun and soothing to read. As someone who took up bird watching during the pandemic, I appreciated this book.

My only critique might be to restructure some of the chapters, such as starting with her redesign of her garden, then go into the antics of her adorable dog Genghis, which could lead into the coyote chapter and go fro there. I get the feeling that many of these chapters were written chronologically, but I think a slightly different grouping may have helped with the overall flow of the narrative.

I think my favorite chapter was Wasp on Avocado Toast. No idea why as I, like many people, am not a huge fan of wasps. However, Dr. Bearzi provided a great explanation on the social lives of paper wasps (less scary than yellow jackets) and I thought it was funny how a wasp was flying around with avocado on her legs.

I also like the chapter on Opus the Opossum.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads of all times! Realistic, optimistic, and fascinating in how it revolves around the unchartered waters of experiencing a pandemic away from both her native and ocean homes, Maddalena Bearzi's book paints a captivating, very relatable picture of how we can still observe Nature, learn from it, and be inspired to protect it, even (more so perhaps) when we are confined by unforeseeable circumstances. Plus, a must-read for all animal lovers. Don't miss out on discovering many gems through the pages that will inspire you to do what's in your power to preserve our beautiful world.

[Kamakshi Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am amazed that English is not Ms. Bearzi's first language as her use of it is stunning. I was drawn in to her vulnerable and personal story and uplifted by her knowledge of the natural world and her dedication to saving our wildlife and wild creatures through her research and writing. Give your heart and soul the gift of reading this heartwarming story and share it with many others!! Thank you, Maddalena, for demonstrating the opportunities that can arise from crisis. Sounds like you and Genghis are true soul mates! Can't wait for your next book!

[Sharon Wishnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddalena's Bearzi's collection of linked essays written during COVID lockdown takes readers outside to explore this celebrated biologist's backyard through her singular scientific and human lens. Bearzi's professional work is as an ecologist who studies cetaceans: dolphins and whales. COVID forced her out of the ocean and behind the walls of her Los Angeles home where she like all of us had to cope with the loss of life, movement, connection, and our livelihoods. Each essay touches on a specific animal or environmental observation from coyotes in the neighborhood to an ongoing discussion she has with her husband about how smart their dog is. She has put her life and observations under a microscope, much the same as a scientist does to a biological sample. The essays are charming, which is an odd way to discuss science. Whether it's Bearzi's unique perspective or her English as a second language way of describing the world, these mundane encounters with wasps and lizards made me want to find a quiet spot in my own backyard and observe the world. The book is both hopeful in the survival/resilience of life on the planet yet offers up a poignant reminder that we "the brainy species" have a responsibility to the creatures and plants that share our spaces.

[Elaine Bearden · Rating 3 out of 5]

adult
This was an interesting author to get to know and she has done some really interesting things. This book was kind of a collection of essays about being stranded at home during covid and rediscovering her love for nature from her backyard and memories of childhood. The detail was super interesting and I read for that, but I wanted more and less generalizing. Ends with a list of useful tips for grounding yourself during uncertain times. The book design is beautiful. She has written other books, so those might have more detail.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring book. It's very relatable for any marine biologist. Highly recommend!