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The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner

3.91 AVERAGE

musicsaves's review against another edition

3.0
FIRST LINE REVIEW: "On a February morning, when a weather front is moving in off the Pacific but has not quite arrived, and the winds are changeable and gusty and clouds drive over and an occasional flurry of fine rain darkens the terrace bricks, this place conforms to non of the cliches about California with which they advertise the Sunshine Cities for the Sunset Years." Well, I really tried and wanted to like this one by one of my favorite authors, but I could never quite get there. All the reasons for wanting to like it were there, but I just could "not quite arrive." Instead, I simply felt like the "spectator bird," watching it all from a great distance without being able to truly connect...and care (much).
martha_imani's profile picture

martha_imani's review against another edition

4.0
reflective sad slow-paced
mishasw's profile picture

mishasw's review against another edition

4.0
Wow, really good. Scary, touching, and ultimately reaffirming. We lead our lives more than we perhaps expect.
alexmariesc's profile picture

alexmariesc's review against another edition

4.0
emotional reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

lwb's review against another edition

4.0
Wonderful tale of aging, remembrance and the stuff that makes a strong marriage. Made me wonder why I have neglected Wagner Stegner, something that will now be fixed.

bagelsource's review against another edition

4.0
jeremy strong book rec

psheckie's review against another edition

4.25
funny hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character

indianajane's review against another edition

4.5
emotional reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

cathunit_5591's review against another edition

5.0
emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
A wonderfully, beautifully written novel. My favorite Stegner, and I've read several.

jenion728's review against another edition

4.5
emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes