Chris Packham’s Fingers in the Sparkle Jar was voted Britain’s favourite piece of nature writing in a recent online poll. Described by one voter as “the most powerful, honest account I’ve ever read about how nature can shape a person,” this searingly personal memoir also contains intimate observations of the natural world and powerful arguments for why it matters.

Chris Packham was an introverted, unusual young boy, isolated by his obsessions and a loner at school. He only felt at ease in the fields and woods around his suburban home. But when he stole a young kestrel from its nest he found himself embarking on a friendship that would change him forever. In this rich, lyrical and emotionally exposing work, Chris brings to life his childhood in the 1970s, from a bedroom bursting with fox skulls, birds’ eggs, and sweaty jam jars to his feral adventures in the wilderness. Pervading his story is a search for freedom, meaning, and acceptance.

Humanist Society Scotland’s Book Group meets quarterly online via Zoom, with participants right across Scotland. New members are always welcome! We don’t charge for participation but you do need to register in advance.

Copies of the book should be available from all your usual book suppliers or local library. Another way to support independent bookshops is to order through bookshop.org.

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