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shinheiba_sm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
mjchamplin's review against another edition
4.0
The beauty of this story lives in its smallness. It isn't trying to be a sweeping memoir or espouse big, poignant, life-changing discoveries; it's just a record of a year of time. I appreciate the glimpses it offers of larger narratives: the author's father's storied career as a war reporter, his decline into old age, and the author's reaction to both of these realities. Her description of her friendship with The Musician is perhaps the most intimate thread of the book, to the point that at times I wondered if the book would teeter into a kind of ill-advised romance. It does not, but instead offers a visceral portrait of the way that people come into our lives, make their mark, and exit—either all at once or in a way akin to a fading memory. The author also injects a welcome levity through her descriptions of famous personalities and their relationships with birds, accompanied by playful sketches.
Ultimately this book doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes it all the more relatable. I truly enjoyed this little book.
Ultimately this book doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes it all the more relatable. I truly enjoyed this little book.
jannie_mtl's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely set of reflections on, well, birds, art, and life. And what they teach us and each other. While I read a library copy, I will likely buy my own to reflect on more deeply.
I have recently felt drawn to birds and bird-watching. I think I need a companion like the author had, to be taught by, walk with, and learn from.
Lots of thoughts on the artistic life, family, fallow time, stillness, our elders.
Highly recommended to thoughtful souls in midlife who need to know it's okay to just be.
I have recently felt drawn to birds and bird-watching. I think I need a companion like the author had, to be taught by, walk with, and learn from.
Lots of thoughts on the artistic life, family, fallow time, stillness, our elders.
Highly recommended to thoughtful souls in midlife who need to know it's okay to just be.
avoicefromthelighthouse's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a singular work of beauty. It comforted my artistic, flailing soul and tuned me into radio B-I-R-D. If making a reader more aware of birds, of small things, is all this book does for some, what a magnificent gift that still is. Thank you
phess2's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.75
alexabritni's review against another edition
5.0
A narrative non-fiction that follows the author through a year as she observes birds and ponders her own life. I have a lot of difficulty with this kind of writing and this concept of focusing on "small" things, but in her chapter on "Lulls" the author discussed the very thing I was having a problem with. I am not comfortable in lulls or in pauses. Sometimes it's really hard for me to focus on and care about "little" things like birds because I feel guilty for taking the time to do so. I feel guilty for focusing on the tiny things when there are so many big things that need our energy and attention in the world, but this book allowed me to think about a different perspective and to reframe my thinking around taking time to focus on "small" things
jel_sim's review against another edition
4.0
trying to get over my fear of nonfiction and this was lovely
bookkoob17's review against another edition
4.0
Life's library book club book. There are some great bits of wisdom in here.