Reviews

Birds Art Life: A Year of Observation by Kyo Maclear

katyscriv's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative reflective medium-paced

3.25

loosetoothfool's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

so beautiful. contemplative and truthful and touching. this is one I absolutely want to reread because I need to own it and underline all the important lessons and ideas that I so resonated with and want to take with me in life. I loved that it talked about finding happiness in daily life, finding the magic and intrigue and passion in small things rather than needing to search for the huge adventures - both r just as miraculous. i loved how it encouraged thinking smaller and finding a passion that's just for you, taking breaks from the business of life to do something that is purely for joy, to escape from the pressures. on how it's hard to know what we're meant to be doing or feeling like what we're doing is unimportant or unnecessary or not helping anything, but how we don't need to be doing grand things - small things can make a difference too, and there are lots of amazing small things happening. there's so much more than this in this brilliant book, and that's why it deserves a second reading.

deaevtimova's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

isering's review against another edition

3.0

I thought this book would make me appreciate birds. Instead it was the author's notebook while she learned to appreciate birds - stories, facts, anecdotes, musings. I think what I learned instead is that even when you feel lost and adrift, you can still make art out of it.

mittens_the_scamp's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

3.0

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.

twinklybugs's review against another edition

inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

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.

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