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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
At first blush I thought I would hate this book. No disrespect to the author, but some of the grammar and writing is pretty poorly done, with lots of dangling modifiers and inappropriate asides.
But by the time I finished it, I was genuinely moved, to the point of actually welling up. Wesley is, despite being an owl (or, more accurately, BECAUSE he is an owl) one of the most delightful, charming characters I've ever read about. This book is so sweet, so sincere, and so pure in its affcetion for a singualr non-human creature, that it melts even the most jaded heart.
I wish I could have met him.
But by the time I finished it, I was genuinely moved, to the point of actually welling up. Wesley is, despite being an owl (or, more accurately, BECAUSE he is an owl) one of the most delightful, charming characters I've ever read about. This book is so sweet, so sincere, and so pure in its affcetion for a singualr non-human creature, that it melts even the most jaded heart.
I wish I could have met him.
I'm a sucker for a good animal-human relationship story. Loved Wesley and his personality but the writing wasn't the best I've ever read.
#230. I loved this book. I am definitely an animal person and this book was recommended to me by both of my parents. After just a few pages, I fell in love with little Wesley the owl. It was basically the story of a woman that adopted a baby owl and raised it in her home. I was amazed by the things I learned about owls, especially their emotional attachments they get.
I don't often read non-fiction so my husband was surprised that I was reading this book when I started spouting off some of the owl facts I learned in it. This book is a memoir, written by a biologist who adopted an injured barn owl. She shares the story of her 19 years as his friend and caretaker. That story was a fascinating one and I learned a lot about owls in the process. I enjoyed the story but if I had to give a slight criticism to this book, it would be that it was written by someone who is not a professional writer. What it lacks in finesse with writing it makes up for with honesty and love.
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This is an amazing story of a woman and the barn owl she raised and lived with. Stacey was asked to take on the owl when it was only four days old. It had an injured wing and would never be able to survive in the wild. Knowing that it would be a long-term time-consuming commitment, Stacey agreed. She takes us through the whole experience from the small owlet to the aging adult owl. The book includes photos recording his growth, and Stacey carefully recorded many aspects of his life and behavior for science, but the tales of Wesley's personality and the love between Stacey and Wesley are what really make this book. Stacey takes on the necessary, from providing four to seven mice a day to grooming sessions that Wesley needs, but she also learns about his personality, emotions, and playfulness.
The chapters on biologist behaviour are also interesting and open a world I hadn't seen before.
When Stacey herself becomes ill, it is her ties to Wesley that sustain her through the most difficult periods of her illness. The humour, dedication and love that come through her are touching and remind us of our connections to other creatures.
The chapters on biologist behaviour are also interesting and open a world I hadn't seen before.
When Stacey herself becomes ill, it is her ties to Wesley that sustain her through the most difficult periods of her illness. The humour, dedication and love that come through her are touching and remind us of our connections to other creatures.
Stacey O'Brien works in sort of a Hogwarts type laboratory where owls are allowed to fly free and the researchers do nothing but research owls all day. Stacey is asked to adopt a 4 day old Barn Owl after he is abandoned. She does and she names him Wesley. She lives with Wesley for the next almost 20 years.
This book is about the relationship between Stacey and Wesley and about owls themselves. It's a great book for any animal lover!
This book is about the relationship between Stacey and Wesley and about owls themselves. It's a great book for any animal lover!
Even for those as hesitant about animals as I, this lovely look into quirky biologists and thier friends makes for fun educational reading. Makes me wanna go out to the Bolsa Chica wetlands soon.....