Listen free for 30 days

  • For Small Creatures Such as We

  • Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World
  • Written by: Sasha Sagan
  • Narrated by: Sasha Sagan
  • Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (26 ratings)

Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
For Small Creatures Such as We cover art

For Small Creatures Such as We

Written by: Sasha Sagan
Narrated by: Sasha Sagan
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $20.40

Buy Now for $20.40

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

Part memoir, part guidebook, and part social history, For Small Creatures Such as We is the first book from the daughter of Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan - a luminous exploration of Earth's marvels that require no faith in order to be believed.

"What is the meaning of life? Sagan finds its meaning everywhere - with her family, around the world, and especially among the stars of the cosmos. Read her work; you'll have a deeper appreciation for your every step, every bite, and every breath." (Bill Nye)

Sasha Sagan was raised by secular parents, the astronomer Carl Sagan and the writer and producer Ann Druyan. They taught her that the natural world and vast cosmos are full of profound beauty, that science reveals truths more wondrous than any myth or fable.

When Sagan herself became a mother, she began her own hunt for the natural phenomena behind our most treasured occasions - from births to deaths, holidays to weddings, anniversaries, and more - growing these roots into a new set of rituals for her young daughter that honor the joy and significance of each experience without relying on religious framework.

As Sagan shares these rituals, For Small Creatures Such as We becomes a moving tribute to a father, a newborn daughter, a marriage, and the natural world - a celebration of life itself, and the power of our families and beliefs to bring us together.

©2019 Sasha Sagan (P)2019 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

“How often have you asked yourself: What is the meaning of life? Sasha Sagan finds its meaning everywhere - with her family, around the world, and especially among the stars of the cosmos. Read her work; you’ll have a deeper appreciation for your every step, every bite, and every breath.” (Bill Nye, author of Everything All At Once)

“She’s Carl Sagan’s daughter, and it shows.... Her style seems to inherit something from that grand master of scientific prose poetry. While never for a moment departing from secular physicalism, she makes a lyrical case for ritual, marking out the rhythms of life from birth to death. A charming book, ringing with the joy of existence.” (Richard Dawkins, author of An Appetite for Wonder and The Greatest Show on Earth)

"Offers ethereal wisdom and worldly guidance... 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... Profound, elegantly written ruminations on the exquisite splendors of life enjoyed through a secular lens.” (Kirkus Reviews)

What listeners say about For Small Creatures Such as We

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    21
  • 4 Stars
    4
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    18
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    16
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting perspective

Sasha has almost a scientific and very human perspective on things. Nearly spiritual. It’s interesting to here but I’m not sure if there are any actions or take seats.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

so good !

I love the book, the ideas, and the author's narration - full of expression and so engaging and calming.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it!

This book was exceptional. It put into perspective how a secular household can integrate and interact with so many traditions and maintain a sense of wonder and excitement, all while never having to cling to irrational or made-up beliefs.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful perspective

I loved this book. She seems to be very authentic and works to breathe life in at every turn while still being a realist and believer of science. I didn’t actually know there was a way to reconcile science and traditions and she finds a way to bring them together. I walked away from the book feeling hopeful and more appreciative of humanity.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!