For Small Creatures Such as We

August 26, 2019
Freelance writer Sagan, the daughter of astronomer Carl Sagan and writer and producer Ann Druyan, examines the history of cultural touchstones and traditions through science to offer inclusive yet meaningful rituals and occasions throughout the year in this welcoming and tender book. Part memoir, part guidebook, Sagan's work is intended “to create moments that make us feel united with other Earthlings, without the dogma that divides us.” She describes applying the scientific method to discover truth, details how science has inspired rituals since creation (“Birth, puberty, reproduction, and death are the biological processes of being human”), and examines how rituals help process change (“Like Passover, Easter, or the myth of Persephone, all these rituals are about suffering and heartbreak giving way to joy in the end”). Along the way, she submits direction: suggesting a template for blending vintage traditions with new sensibilities; illuminating how regular, observant practice creates patterns that bring order to life (religions propose that “once a week you must check in with your beliefs, community, and yourself”); extending hope when all seems lost; and pragmatically mapping out a year of celebrations inspired by treasured experiences while merging them with secular tenets. Charming and appealing, this thoughtful work serves as an uplifting, life-honoring celebration of human existence.

September 1, 2019

With this debut, writer and television producer Sagan blends science and spirituality in order to encourage readers to consider both the key aspects of their lives along with where each of us connects with the tapestry of all life, past and present. Throughout, Sagan shares the scientific influence imparted to her by parents Ann Druyan and Carl Sagan, whose Cosmos television series successfully popularized Sagan's educational goals. A secularist, Sagan argues that even avowed atheists and agnostics can and do imbue their lives with rituals that would resonate with the beliefs of our ancestors. She maintains, like her father before her, that our very existence on this small planet warmed by our closest star is, indeed, amazing--and is infused with an almost supernatural unlikeliness. Literally, each breath we take is connected to the past and to the future. Drawing from a variety of anthropological, historical, and religious works, Sagan's chapters are devoted to the essential characteristics of being human: rituals and celebrations relating to birth and death, people and relationships. VERDICT A potentially transformative read for anyone looking to embrace its invocation to lead a more connected life.--Brian Renvall, Mesalands Community Coll., Tucumcari, NM

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2019
The daughter of the prestigious "astronomer of the people" offers ethereal wisdom and worldly guidance based on the philosophy of her parents. Sagan's debut, a lushly written amalgam of memoir and manual, traces her life as the daughter of Carl and writer/producer Ann Druyan and how she came to appreciate the wonder in the everyday. Raised in a secular household, the author was educated through straightforward scientific explanations, but her father's death when she was just 14 left more questions than answers. More than two decades later, she carries on his guiding principles within her own family. In her first book, she ponders a variety of rapturous events, milestones, ancestral influences, and sage affirmations on life and death. The author offers commentary on her and her husband's semi-sacred daily rituals, affording readers intimate glimpses into their coupling, wedding ceremony, joyful togetherness, misunderstandings, and sweet reconciliations. She shares fond memories of her family home, where world history frequently became an educational opportunity, and reveals the reverent methods she now employs to spiritually reconnect with the memory of her beloved father. Sagan's narrative is heavily steeped in rituals: lighting candles, costuming, or meditating on and celebrating significant events and milestones in her life. Early in the book, the author remarks on the staunch secularity of her parents, an independent perspective and lifestyle passed down to her and her family. She open-mindedly explores the differences between those who have become ossified by religious protocol and those who rejoice in unfettered enjoyment of the natural world and the science underlying nature's beauty. "Religion, at its best, facilitates empathy, gratitude, and awe," she writes. "Science, at its best, reveals true grandeur beyond our wildest dreams. My hope is that I can merge these into some new thing...as we navigate--and celebrate--the mysterious beauty and terror of being alive in our universe." Profound, elegantly written ruminations on the exquisite splendors of life enjoyed through a secular lens.

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Starred review from September 1, 2019
In her first book, Sagan shares what life was like growing up with astronomer Carl Sagan and writer, producer, and director Ann Druyan as parents. Instead of following traditional religion, her family revered nature and marveled at the universe. Science is the source of so much insight worthy of ecstatic celebration, the author writes. When her own daughter was born, however, Sagan considered how she might reconcile her secular upbringing with her desire for traditional celebrations. For me the biggest drawback to being secular is the lack of a shared culture . . . Sometimes I find I can repurpose the traditions of my ancestors to celebrate what I believe is sacred. Sagan investigates the how and why behind certain occasions celebrated today and throughout history, across many religions. From birthdays to funerals to the changing of the seasons to lunar cycles, she thoughtfully explores how to blend science and spirituality. An eye-opening book for those who might question traditional religious celebrations but feel connected to the community, rituals, and comforts they provide, this is a refreshing, intelligent examination of faith, religion, and the many wonders of science worthy of celebration.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)