Review of The Birds That Saved Me

[Cynthia Christabel Okolobi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Birds That Saved Me" by J.P. Steed.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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When faced with life's difficulties, we often seek comfort in unexpected places. J. P. Steed turned to birds as a source of solace during a particularly trying time. His wife was suffering from PTSD and depression after her brother was killed by the police, and he was also dealing with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. When the pandemic added to the stress, he decided to take a walk by the pond one autumn morning. It was there that he witnessed a magnificent sight: a Great Blue Heron catching a fish. The peacefulness of the moment and the beauty of the bird sparked a newfound appreciation for nature in Steed.
 
Steed affectionately named the Great Blue Heron he saw "George," and this experience sparked a newfound passion for birds. He became an enthusiastic birder, frequently going for walks and identifying different bird species, as well as taking photographs of them. Steed eventually wrote this book, The Birds That Saved Me, which combines elements of memoir and self-help. The book highlights the positive things that helped him survive challenging times, including his love for birds.

I was deeply impressed by the author's profound affection for birds, which was evident throughout the book. His vivid and detailed descriptions of each species were truly remarkable. Based on the comprehensive coverage of bird-related topics in the book, it is clear that the author possesses extensive knowledge and expertise on birds. He even provided recommendations for bird identification apps, namely iBird PRO and Merlin Bird ID. While iBird PRO offers the advantage of displaying identification percentages, Merlin Bird ID provides suggestions limited to birds that exist in the location and time of year when the photo was taken. Additionally, the Merlin app is capable of identifying birds by their sounds, which is a groundbreaking feature. Prior to reading this book, I had no knowledge of bird identification apps, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned about them.
 
In addition to gaining knowledge about bird identification apps, the book also introduced me to several bird species, such as chickadees, titmouses, red-shouldered hawks, hooded mergansers, cedar waxwings, hermit thrushes, and Harris's sparrows, among others. I was particularly fascinated to learn that tufted titmouses are capable of responding to human calls and even engaging in whistle exchanges, which they may investigate further. This revelation highlighted the wonder of nature and its fascinating intricacies.

I found nothing to dislike about this book. Despite the author's personal struggles during the writing process, he managed to maintain a positive outlook throughout the book. He skillfully used his bird-watching experiences to draw parallels with difficult situations and encouraged readers to always look for the positives in life. I was particularly impressed by the author's ability to remain upbeat and provide a source of inspiration for readers in the face of adversity.
 
The book was professionally edited and written in a clear and straightforward language that is easy to comprehend. While the numerous descriptions and names of birds may initially appear overwhelming, the book provides an opportunity to learn about them. With that being said, I would rate the book 5 out of 5 stars, as it offered an engaging and informative read that introduced me to a diverse range of bird species.
 
This book is a must-read for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its contents serve as a valuable guide for anyone interested in bird-watching or seeking to effortlessly identify birds. The author's passion for birds shines through in his vivid descriptions and extensive knowledge of different species. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or a novice, this book is sure to deepen your appreciation for these fascinating creatures and enhance your bird-watching experiences.

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The Birds That Saved Me
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[Jagulani]

I couldn't wait to read this review because the tittle of the book is wow.

[Seetha E]

Ways a person can find calm! Dealing with difficult situations, finding nature to find a balance yourself is a blessings.
It is an interesting read for nature and bird lovers, I am sure. Nice detailed review, Sophia.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

People have different approaches to healing. The author's discovery of a simple good thing that gives him peace of mind will help readers find their own too by going outside and finding simple things that light up their mood. I love bird-watching and I love nature. I'm glad that the author finds a hobby that helps him somehow lighten the burden he faced. I love your well-thought-out review, Sophia!