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stephaniebooks's review
2.0
To be honest this was sort of a mediocre book for me. While I definitely commiserated with the author in some situations, I felt like he was unfairly critical of his parents, especially since he was the one who moved in with them. He also has a tendency to view the world through a lens where nothing is his fault, circumstance has put him there and there is nothing he can do.
Towards the end of the book his perspective changes somewhat, but not in a significant enough way to make it memorable.
Read if you like memoirs, move on if not.
Towards the end of the book his perspective changes somewhat, but not in a significant enough way to make it memorable.
Read if you like memoirs, move on if not.
asperdrewsual's review against another edition
5.0
Iain Reid remains my favourite author (all his writing has been 5 stars). I also very much connected with many of the stories in this memoir.
jonbot666's review against another edition
4.0
There were a lot of things I liked about this book, but it felt like it was workshopped into existence rather than flowing out of a creative outlet. Sometimes writing can provide a solace especially in the presence of family. Perhaps I am jealous of his relationship with his family in which creativity is encouraged and each accomplishment here does not seem to be stacked against another. Maybe I need to explore it again with fresh eyes that do not rely on the comparative nature of human existence, especially between a working author and one who has yet do break into any commercial success in that industry. My reading was both clouded by admiration and slight envy, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
kickpleat's review
3.0
I read this before I went away on vacation and I remember really quite liking this book, however, now when trying to recall all the little bits that helped to make this such a sweet read, I'm having a difficult time. But it was sweet and likable and I loved Iain's doting parents and would imagine that moving back home and trying to figure out what to do with your life and how to grow up would be a similar experience. Probably pre-vacation this would have gotten a 4, now I'm dropping it to a 3.
violetu's review
4.0
This book made me happy. The author returns to live with his parents for a while and.. well, that's the gist of it. It's well-written, friendly, happy, and light. Nothing too deep or heavy. Totally worth picking up.
vlucet's review
4.0
I enjoyed this one, it was a comforting and engaging read. Will this book rock your world? Probably not, but it's a slice of life told very humorously and I was looking forward to reading the next chapter every time. It's a great first book and I would recommend it to anyone, especially fellow twenty somethings like me!
blueteamagpie's review
3.0
As always, the review is optional but I want to write just a few words about the book. I could literally feel the farm vibes - since I live at one. I like his books very much, so couldn't miss the read. Thanks! :)
gemmadee's review
4.0
One Bird’s Choice is about moving back home for a year of semi-employment to regroup when the writing thing wasn’t really working out. Unlike many millennials, Reid is old enough to be embarrassed about living with his parents, so he can see the humor in the situation, and because he’s a good writer, he doesn’t spare himself at all. He can admit to playing to win in a hockey game against third graders, playing the role of village idiot at Christmas (“How are things at NASA? Did you know Iain is really good at whistling?) and the segment about horror movies and the spooky noise had me tormenting my family with, “Wait, you have to hear this.” Seriously, you should read the book just for this story. One Bird’s Choice reads like a series of anecdotes, the sort of stories you tell over drinks after dinner as you’re getting to know someone. It’s hard to pull off this kind of storytelling, but fortunately Reid can do more than just whistle.