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Reposted by Cara Benson

Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I've long held a fascination with Reno, NV. I'm so excited to be in conversation with B Fulkerson next Wed 10/7 at The Radical Cat. It's a bookstore AND cat adoption service! What's not to love? (We'll keep the cats and birds separate.) Come on out! #cats #books #booksky #reno #birds

Event flyer text: "author event!! CARA BENSON in conversation with B FULKERSON. climate grief. recovery. fighting on! at The Radical Cat 1500 S Virginia St Reno, NV Wednesday October 7 at 6 PM." The cover of my book AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS: A PERSONAL FIELD GUIDE TO LOVE, LOSS, AND COMMITMENT is featured. The cover has sandhill cranes flying across a blue background.

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derek guy @dieworkwear.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

please do not post photos of barbour jackets in early october if you're not also voting for policies to address global warming

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Hometown double header this Saturday in upstate NY. Afternoon panel w/ Virginia Eubanks at Albany Book Festival. Evening reading at Salon Salvage w/ Elizabeth Willis and Jeffrey Yang in Troy. Details below. Photo of what's happening in my house right now. #cats #memoir #albany #troy #books #booksky

Photo of linen closet with cats. One cat is tucked onto towels on an upper shelf. Another cat is snuggled into the laundry basket underneath the bottom shelf. They are both very cute in my opinion. Ginger cats. What isn't visible in the photo is that they are Hemingway cats which is to say that they have extra toes.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Thank you Buffalo! On to Pittsburgh.... Sherrie Flick is AMAZING. I've been reading her work for years. And peep who's on the flyer! The also amazing Amy Shearn. Stay Gold everyone. Stay gold. #pittsburgh #thepitt #books #booksky #birds

Event flyer. AUTHOR READING: CARA BENSON W/ SHERRIE FLICK. Friday September 18 at 7 PM. Stay Gold Books 1104 S. Braddock Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Book cover of AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS: A Personal Field Guide to Love, Loss, and Commitment by Cara Benson. Blue background with sandhill cranes flying across the cover.
Photos of Cara and Sherrie.
“Cara Benson feels everything so deeply and tells her stories so honestly. Part recovery story, part eco-travelogue, part grief memoir, An Armsfull of Birds is a nuanced, thoughtful book about what it means to live fully, even when that means surviving your most beloved people. A memoir that will break your heart and put it back together again.” —Amy Shearn, award-winning author of Animal Instinct and Unseen City

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Hey #Buffalo! Come on out this Wednesday. I'll be in conversation with the amazing Janet McNally. #birds #books #booksky #buffalobills

Event flier, Cara Benson in conversation with Janet McNally. AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS a personal field guide to love, loss, and commitment book cover. Wednesday September 16 @ 6pm. 341 Delaware Ave cinema at Hallwalls. Talking Leaves Books, books for purchase. Free to attend. Suggested donation to Hallwalls

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Thanks for the nudge, Kate! AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS: A PERSONAL FIELD GUIDE TO LOVE, LOSS, AND COMMITMENT is my latest. Jenny Lawson picked it up to check out a few pages and finished it five hours later. I'd be so honored for Bsky peeps to read it! www.simonandschuster.com/books/An-Arm...

simonandschuster.com

An Armsfull of Birds

A story of recovery, love, and loss—a memoir of healing ourselves and the natural world. Cara Benson did not come to love easy. As a low bottom add...

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Hey #NYC! Next Thursday, Sept 10 reading at Hudson Park Library for Village Story Salon. Come through if you're in town! #libraries #books #booksky

Graphic for Village Story Salon Sept 10 reading at 6 PM. Hudson Park Library NYC. Photos of the three readers: Cara Benson (AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS), Susan Buttenwieser (JUNCTION OF EARTH AND SKY), Daria Sommers (SAWADIKA AMERICAN GIRL). September: Ambition.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

ARMSFULL makes Daily Mom's Books Every Woman Should Read list! I love love love what they wrote about it. Of course men/trans/non-binary/gender-fluid -- really everyone -- should read it. Just saying. #booksky #books

DAILY MOM BOOKS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ above the cover of the book AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS with blue background and sandhill cranes flying across it. Next to the cover the text reads: "Part memoir, part meditation on climate, grief, and human resilience, An Armsfull of Birds is the kind of book you underline relentlessly and then immediately recommend to a friend. Benson intertwines love, loss, birds, forests, and healing in a way that feels both intimate and expansive—less self-help, more beautifully observed survival story.

In this raw, poetic, and emotionally layered book, Benson traces her journey through addiction, recovery, devastation, and ultimately a renewed connection to the natural world. What could have been unbearably heavy instead feels empowering thanks to Benson’s sharp honesty and lyrical prose that reads like a conversation with someone who has survived enough to stop pretending."

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Wow. The bot spam to writers with a book out is really ramping up these days. Is anyone else getting an extra extra amount?

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

I talked about coping with climate grief on Planet Philly. Come for the Joni Mitchell opening. Stay for the insightful conversation. #climate #grief #jonimitchell www.planetphiladelphia.com/show-archive...

planetphiladelphia.com

Podcast 8/21/26 radio show: Coping with Climate Grief, Cara Benson and Janice Tosto

PLANET PHILADELPHIA

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I'm still pleased as punch that Orion included AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS on it's Reading Recommendations. I love what they wrote about it. #books #booksky

Image featuring the cover of AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS and the headline "Twelve New Nonfiction Environmental Reading Recommendations! From the Orion staff shelves to yours"

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

It's my birthday today. 59. Yesterday I hiked knifes edge on Katahdin in Maine. Tonight I did an event in Portland for my book AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS. If you want to give me something ask your local independent bookstore and library to carry it. It's my love song to the world. Sing with me. ❤️

Selfie of my face squinting one eye in the sun above a steep rocky trail.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I wrestled w/ multiflora rose yesterday--yanking, digging, sweating, getting pricked & scratched & bit by bugs--to pull this disruptive introduced species so joe pye weed, goldenrod, white snake root, st. john's wort, &tc can fill the yard and STILL that was less work than this essay I'm writing.

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Mateusz Fafinski @calthalas.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Half the planet is having a massive fight about how to correctly interpret an Ancient Greek poem but go ahead, close some more humanities departments.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I write about going to Maine with my beloved Jon in AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS. It was an important place to both of us. Mainers have been through it lately. I'm hoping these discussions are havens of healing. Earth needs it. #maine #birds #books #booksky

8/4 Left Bank Books in Belfast, ME w/ Kathryn Miles, journalist and author of "Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders"

8/6 PRINT: A Bookstore in Portland, ME w/ Robin Clifford Wood, author of "The Field House: A Writer's Life Lost and Found on an Island in Maine"

www.carabensonwriter.com

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Wrangling with an essay - send love and coffee.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Honestly, people. You're ignoring quality content.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Can you see how the Joe Pye weed towers over the goldenrod? The JPW surged toward the sun. May you be like this flower in getting your needs met and inspiring others along the way. #flowers #nature

Two tall flower stalks with blooming florets on top tower over a field of goldenrod in front of trees.

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Reposted by Cara Benson

Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

ARMSFULL made the @orionmagazine.bsky.social Recommended Reading list! #birds #memoir #love #climate

Picture of the cover of AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS next to "Twelve New Nonfiction Environmental Reading Recommendations! From the Orion staff shelves to yours"

In moving through both her intensely personal and her planetary grief, Benson examines the cycles of boundless love, indelible loss, and hard-won recovery in this powerful climate memoir. This honest, emotional story about the importance of meaningful connection, engaged living, and our commitments to ourselves, our loved ones, and the ailing world around us, reminds us that “loss has everything to do with loving.”

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS has been out in the world coming up on two months. Thank you for all the love and support. I appreciate all of it. (Yes, the trees and I talked ahead of time to wear matching colors.)

Photo of me smiling in a spring green colored fleece and blue shirt holding my book AN ARMSFULL O"F BIRDS that has a blue cover. I'm in front of lush green forest. As if the book and my clothes and the trees called each other ahead of time to wear matching colors.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Heading to the Finger Lakes, NY. A little town called Honeoye Falls. Weather might be crazy, but we'll be cozy inside. Join us! #birds #fingerlakes #books #booksky

A graphic for the Saturday, July 18 at 3:30pm book launch & author talk with yours truly and Catherine Faurot. Bleak House Books in Honeoye Falls, NY. Sandhill cranes fly across the image.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Onward to Cape Cod! This one is going to be on a sustainable farm that's managed by the Barnstable Land Trust. The event is hosted by Titcomb's Bookshop in conjunction with BLT. I'll be in conversation with Elspeth Hay. Join us! #birds #capecod #books #booksky

Author Talk with Cara Benson for AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS: A Personal Field Guide to Love, Loss, and Commitment. Monday July 13 6:30 PM Fuller Farm in Marstons Mills. In conversation with Elspeth Hay. Photos of both authors. Logos for Titcomb's Book Shop and Barnstable Land Trust. And the book cover of An Armsfull of Birds which features sand hill cranes flying across the text with a blue background.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Mood: I am the bird the throat the man the dream. "Big-boned man young and of my dream Struggles to get the live bird out of his throat. I am he am I? Dreaming? I am the bird am I? I am the throat?" -Muriel Rukeyser

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Nothing like a heat wave to get me to wash my sheets.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

I spoke with Cheryl Strayed about my book, hiking through loss, and we answered a Dear Sugar letter together. It was the first recording she'd done since she lost her husband a month ago. No journey is the same, but obviously we had a lot in common to discuss. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFsn...

youtube.com

Walking through Loss with Author and Hiker Cara Benson | Mind Over Mountain

YouTube video by iHeart Women's Sports

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

youtube.com

Walking through Loss with Author and Hiker Cara Benson | Mind Over Mountain

YouTube video by iHeart Women's Sports

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

I'm not saying that the colors of my book cover helped the #Knicks to win, but I'm not saying they didn't.

My book An Armsfull of Birds next to the issue of The New Yorker that has the city glowing in the Knicks colors of blue and orange. My book cover also happens to be blue and orange. Coincidence? I think not. :)

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

I'm not saying that the colors of my book cover helped the #Knicks to win, but I'm not saying they didn't.

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Here at WNDB, we've curated another reading guide to help you celebrate Juneteenth and continue supporting Black authors—today and all year long! 📚❤️💛💚🖤

Black graphic with curved red, gold, and green stripes at the bottom. The graphic is titled, “A Reading Guide: Books to Celebrate Juneteenth”.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Sophie Strand and I both revere the animal world that we are inherently a part of. This conversation promises to be full with earth and spirit love. Join us! This Saturday June 20 at the Woodstock Library at 3:30pm. #birds #memoir #recovery #sobriety #love #woodstock #books

The Golden Notebook presents Cara Benson in conversation with Sophie Strand. Saturday June 20th at 3:30. Join us at the new library! info: goldennotebook.com. Woodstock Library 10 Dixon Avenue. AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS: A Personal Field Guide to Love, Loss, and Commitment by Cara Benson. Photos of Cara and Sophie and the book cover with the text.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Heading up to Burlington, VT to be in conversation with Meg Little Reilly this Tuesday June 16 at Phoenix Books. Join us! It's the Green Mountain state, folks. What's not to love? xo #birds #memoir #burlington #recovery #sobriety #love

AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS: A PERSONAL FIELD GUIDE TO LOVE, LOSS, AND COMMITMENT. Cara Benson in conversation with Meg Little Reilly. Tuesday June 16th at 7pm. 89 Church St., Burlington, VT Phoenix Books. Pictures of me, Meg, and the book cover.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Back from Philly, which was so sweet. I'll post pictures from these events shortly. Meantime, on to Northshire Books in Saratoga Springs this Thursday at 6pm. With Diane Cameron. Join us! We'll be on Broadway, where else. #birds #memoir #recovery #saratogasprings

Northshire presents Cara Benson with Diane Cameron. An Armsfull of Birds. Photo of Cara Benson next to the cover of An Armsfull of Birds. In-person Saratoga. 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY. Thursday, June 11th at 6pm.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Off to Philly tomorrow (Tuesday). The highly inventive Beth Kephart has created an amazing structure for the event at Head House Books. If you're in the Philly area, come on out! And share with friends! Book events are better together. #birds #memoir #recovery #philadelphia #sobriety #grief #love

AN EVENING WITH CARA BENSON & BETH KEPHART
Tue 6/9/26 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Head House Books
619 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA
Photo of Cara and photo of An Armsfull of Birds book cover

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Tonight heading to Cambridge to do an event for ARMSFULL at Harvard Book Store. Tomorrow I'm leading a memoir workshop for GrubStreet. I believe in the power of our stories. I believe in the human voice. May we keep singing, my friends. #memoir #birds #love

Display of books on a counter that feature An Armsfull of Birds, The Art of Memoir, Don't Let Me Be Lonely, The Hour of the Wolf, and Wild. There's a lovely little bouquet of flowers, as well.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Is there a pill for narcissism? Asking for a nation.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Next up: Boston! Well, Cambridge, but close enough. This Friday I'll be in conversation with Leah Hager Cohen at @harvardbookstore.bsky.social. Come on out! Share with friends! Book events are better together. See you then! #memoir #birds #recovery #nature #mentalhealth #sobriety #boston

Harvard Book Store presents Cara Benson in discussion with Leah Hager Cohen. Friday, June 5, 7pm. At Harvard Book Store Cambridge, MA. For AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS: A Personal Field Guide to Love, Loss, and Commitment. The book cover is featured with sandhill cranes flying across a blue background. There are photos of Cara and Leah included. More info: Harvard.com.

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James Tate Hill @jamestatehill.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Have spoken with 2 people in the last 24 hours who only recently read my memoir that turns 5 in August & it reminded me that the marketing life of a book has little to do with the life life of the book.

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Cara Benson @carabensonwriter.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Hey DC/MD folks! Come on out tomorrow night (Thursday). I'll be reading from and in conversation about my new book AN ARMSFULL OF BIRDS with @marthaannetoll.bsky.social. She and I chatted yesterday, and I can tell our conversation is going to cover a lot of fertile ground. @peoplesbooktakoma.com

A graphic with photo of Cara Benson and Martha Anne Toll and the cover of the book An Armsfull of Birds. The text reads: People's Book Presents Cara Benson in conversation with Martha Anne Toll Thurs. May 28 @6 pm. 7014-A Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912. https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/armsfull/

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Martha Anne Toll @marthaannetoll.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Readers - this is a tremendous book. Come meet @carabensonwriter.bsky.social and hear about her writing and life journey.

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