Amy Tan at Warwicks

Warwick's and the University of San Diego’s College of Arts and Sciences and Humanities Center present Amy Tan as she discusses her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles. Amy Tan is the author of several novels, including The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter's Daughter. She is a co-producer and co-screenwriter of the film version of The Joy Luck Club and is on the board of American Bird Conservancy. She lives in Sausalito, California.

Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.

In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.

“Unexpected and spectacular” ~Ann Patchett

“The drawings and essays in this book do a lot more than just describe the birds. They carry a sense of discovery through observation and drawing, suggest the layers of patterns in the natural world, and emphasize a deep personal connection between the watcher and the watched. The birds that inhabit Amy Tan’s backyard seem a lot like the characters in her novels.” ~David Allen Sibley, from the foreword

Noelle Norton, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, received her BA from UCLA and her MA and PhD from UCSB in Political Science. Norton was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Diego in 2013. She joined the USD faculty in 1994, and previously served as associate dean, co-director of USD’s Living Learning Communities program and director of the Honors Program while maintaining her faculty role in the Department of Political Science and International Relations. Under her leadership, the College of Arts and Sciences has opened an interdisciplinary student-centered Humanities Center; led the revision of USD’s core curriculum; designed and implemented a successful Diversity Post-Doctoral Fellowship program; is addressing the advancement of liberal arts at USD; is creating new interdisciplinary programs; and is implementing new methods for including adjunct faculty in the USD community. Norton’s abiding interest in promoting the humanities as the central element of a liberal arts education has led to her active involvement in the “Natural Landscapes and Human Meaning” project.

$35+tax & fee: One General Admission & One Pre-Signed Copy of The Backyard Bird Chronicles
$45+tax & fee: Two General Admissions & One Pre-Signed Copy of The Backyard Bird Chronicles

For tickets please visit https://www.warwicks.com/event/tan-2024