Why Fish Don't Exist

Longlisted for the Womens Prize for Non-Fiction 2025.
The profound and life-affirming memoir about finding our way in a chaotic world.A sumptuous, surprising, dark delight Carmen Maria Machado
Her book took me to strange depths I never imagined, and I was smitten NYT
As the daughter of a scientist, Lulu Miller was taught that chaos will come for us all. There is no cosmic destiny, no grand plan. But years later, reeling from heartbreak, she stumbles upon the story of David Starr Jordan - a fearless taxonomist devoted to order.
Looking to cure her crisis of confidence, Lulu is intrigued by the hubris of this mighty biologist, who refused to admit defeat when lightning struck his laboratory and earthquakes shattered his collection. Until, digging deeper, she makes a startling discovery. One that will upend her wish for a neatly catalogued existence and reveal the profound beauty of embracing chaos.
PRAISE FOR WHY FISH DONT EXIST:
Shimmering Guardian
Astonishing Prospect
Compelling The Times
Fascinating Daily Mail
Revelatory Womens Prize for Non-Fiction
Remarkable LA Times
Magical Susan OrleanPerfect Mary Roach