Starred review from August 21, 2023
Stony Brook University ecology professor Safina (Becoming Wild) shares the moving story of how he and his wife, Patricia, rescued and rehabilitated an orphaned eastern screech owl they named Alfie. Safina, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, took in the bird in 2018 after receiving a tip about a baby owl that had fallen out of its nest. Nursing Alfie back to health, the Safinas let her roam freely about their house and gradually acclimated her to the outdoors, keeping the owlet first in a chicken coop and then leaving the coop door open so she could come and go as she pleased. Safina continued providing Alfie meals until she learned to hunt on her own, and she eventually found a mate, dubbed Plus-One, with whom she raised a brood. Philosophical musings on humanity’s beliefs about nature add intellectual rigor to the heartwarming story; Safina laments how Plato’s view of the spiritual world as distinct from and superior to the material world led Western society to devalue nature, a perspective Safina contrasts critically with Native American cultures that believe animals are “thinking and emotional beings who have minds, communicate among themselves, act with agency on their own behalf.” Stirring and ruminative, this is an excellent complement to Irene Pepperberg’s Alex and Me. Agent: Jennifer Weltz, Jean V. Naggar Literary.
May 1, 2024
Television host, ecologist, and award-winning author Safina (Becoming Wild; Beyond Words) offers a fascinating account of his adventures as he and his wife Patricia rehabilitated an injured baby eastern screech owl and taught her the necessary skills to survive. As the couple nursed Alfie back to health, Safina learned that the world is an unpredictable place and that letting go is not as easy as he once believed. He seamlessly intertwines his experiences with Alfie with discussions about the interconnectedness of life and the impact that philosophy and religion have on people's understanding of nature. Safina narrates his own work, providing a pleasurable listening experience. His retelling of his life alongside Alfie has a dreamy, lovable tone. As the chapters drift back toward his discussion of philosophy and religion, he transitions to a more neutral, even explanation that is steady and well-modulated. VERDICT Safina's lyrical latest is a serene, educational listen that uses simple language to discuss complex topics. Recommended for anyone charmed by the unfolding of life and interested in the effect personal ideologies have had on humankind's interactions with nature.--Autumn Wyatt
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