Night Magic

Named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon and Kirkus Reviews

Named a Most Anticipated/Recommended Book of the Season by the Washington Post, Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews

A Fully Booked Podcast/Kirkus Reviews Editor's Pick

"A dazzling reminder of what it means to take stock of our planet's night wisdom, and a prescient reminder to let your vision ripen at night. And if you do—you'll understand why we need more evenings full of foxfire and ‘mothapaloozas.’ In this vivid book, Henion renders our night world with profound care and discovery. Prepare to be enchanted. Prepare to love the darkness.”
 

“A lyrical, fascinating story about exploring the secret world of darkness and the remarkable creatures within it . . . Henion writes with poetic grace.”

“Night Magic is an illuminating exploration of the dark. Beautifully written, often moving, and full of wonder.”
 

“Henion’s science-based book about the flora and fauna that adorn the nightscape is also a philosophical exploration of the role darkness plays in our lives . . . Culture tells us to 'step into the light,' but she asks what might happen if we pause in the darkness to witness what it offers . . . staying alert to the possibility of wonder.”

"Lovely... truly inspired…and very clever... An appreciation of nature’s nocturnal organisms can help us reset our relationship with the night... That’s the gift of Night Magic. It may make you think differently about the night. I know it has for me."

"Leigh Ann Henion has illuminated the natural treasures that live by night. Moths, fireflies, owls, and much more are brought to attention in these pages with the hope that we can put aside our fear of the dark and experience what happens during a full half of our stay on earth. Night Magic is a beautiful journey."

“A thrilling exploration of a world that waits for us behind the lights.”
 

“Brilliant. Leigh Ann Henion is an inspiring and wise guide not only to the biological marvels of night, but also to the communities of people who celebrate and protect the rich life of the dark. Beyond fear of the dark is wonder, vividly evoked in these pages.”

“Henion’s sweet, wise book... is a revelation, a series of captivating field trips illuminating life in the wild at night... You’re likely to come away from Night Magic... educated and inspired." 

"The science intrigues . . . Henion’s greatest gift is her ability to evoke the sense of wonder that follows from tuning in to the natural world. This will fill readers with awe." 

“In Night Magic, darkness is revered, and its secrets are revealed . . . Henion’s vivid style of nature writing and complementary self-reflection are reminders that witnessing the extraordinary can be as easy as shifting your bedtime back an hour and going outside.”

 “Henion takes readers on a series of adventures exploring the natural world at night in a voice that seamlessly vacillates between storyteller and poet . . . After reading Night Magic you might find yourself viewing light pollution a little more disparagingly. And you might just experience a little more wonder in your everyday life.”

"Leigh Ann Henion revels in the glow of Appalachian fireflies, moon gardens, and bioluminescent fungi to show how nocturnal life is not something to fear, but to revere.” 

"[An] enthusiastic and meaningful argument to preserve natural darkness and the ecosystems that rely on it, for the sake of the creatures, the plants, and ourselves."

“A nature lover’s guide to the dark that unfolds like a novel.”

"Henion skips the exotic travel locales to find wonder in the nighttime world of her own backyard, inspiring to look outside, too... Viewers of Night on Earth, the wildlife documentary series, this one is for you."

Praise for Phenomenal:

“What a cool and fascinating ride. Leigh Ann Henion has tackled one of the great questions of contemporary, intelligent, adventurous women: Is it possible to be a wife and mother and still explore the world? Her answer seems to be that this is not only possible, but essential. This story shows how. I think it will open doors for many.”
-- Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love

"A moving and original memoir about the search for transcendence in moments both large and small." 
-- Jenny Offill, author of Dept. of Speculation

“Leigh Ann Henion’s exhilarating book (and life!) is everything the title suggests and more. Reading Phenomenal will give you courage—courage to explore the world we live in, and further, courage to explore your self. With moments of breath-stealing beauty, wild intelligence, and unrelenting honesty, Phenomenal is a true gift for everyone who’s ever been curious.”
-- Ruth Ozeki, author of The Book of Form and Emptiness