In Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell, National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Sy Montgomery—whom the Boston Globe once described as “part Indiana Jones and part Emily Dickinson”—turns her journalistic curiosity to the wonder and wisdom of our long-lived cohabitants: turtles. Drawing readers deep into the world of these beloved but little-understood animals who embody patience and stability in our frenzied age, Sy shares their inspiring stories of hope and rescue, revealing astonishing new perspectives on time and healing.

More than 350 species of turtles grace six continents, with some species living over 200 years. They are critical to the planet’s biodiversity, yet they are some of the most imperiled animals on earth. In a hostile world overrun by humans and their machines, there is almost no escape from trauma for turtles, who face hazards—from cars to climate change, from pollution to poaching—at every turn.

Through their volunteer work at Turtle Rescue League in southern Massachusetts, Sy and wildlife artist Matt Patterson find themselves face-to-face with hundreds of turtles recovering from injury and illness. Here, despite having wounds so severe that even veterinarians would have dismissed them as fatal, these turtles are given a second chance at life. The League’s compassionate founders, Natasha and Alexxia, live by one motto: Never give up on a turtle.

Immersing themselves in the delicate work of protecting turtle nests, incubating eggs, rescuing sea turtles, and releasing hatchlings to their homes in the wild, Sy and Matt fall in love with these animals (especially one particular snapping turtle, Fire Chief, who is rescued after being hit by a truck) and come to understand Natasha and Alexxia’s sacred devotion to making these broken creatures whole again.

As we emerge from the darkest days of the pandemic, Of Time and Turtles—with its elegant blend of science, memoir, and philosophy—will resonate with readers who have rediscovered the healing power of nature and have focused anew on community and connection. Indeed, now is the perfect time to embrace turtle time.

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