Sunday, October 18, 2009

Have you read this book yet?

Are you a Birdwatcher's Digest subscriber? If so, perhaps you read Julie Zickefoose's recent review of the book "Life List" by Olivia Gentile. After reading Julie's review, I was able to borrow this book from my local public library.


This is an amazing story about Phoebe Snetsinger, a phenomonal birder with a life list obsession. It's an extremely well-written story and captured my attention from start to finish. Without giving away any details, I believe this story may be especially appealing to any woman who is a birder, a mother, a wife, or has any particular hobby or interest that you've ever become even marginally obsessive about.

After finishing the book I couldn't decide whether I was glad that I don't have any obsessions like this (bordering on mental illness, in my opinion) or whether I am a lazy underachiever for not pursuing anything in my life with more single-mindedness!

If you get a chance to read the book, let me know what you think about it.

15 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I saw the review but I would have to buy it to read it. Phoebe was a unique individual.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

P.S. You are NOT lazy.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I'd rather be a lazy underacheiver too! But you are far from that.

I've put it on my wish list.

Anonymous said...

Lazy? I think not! Some of us are have all-embracing, wide-ranging, eclectic tastes and, while brilliant in all of them of course, do not choose to venture in one venue to the detriment of our other areas of interest. :)

I'm sure that's it.

Gaelyn said...

Maybe there should be a limit to our obsessions. But why not write about them anyway?

Jayne said...

I'll have to add this to my list once I get through the seven Diana Gabaldon books! :c)

RuthieJ said...

Hi Lisa,
Phoebe was unique for sure. I did feel that I wasn't the "birder" I thought I was because I had never even heard of her or her remarkable life list until I read this book.
P.S. Perhaps lazy underachiever isn't accurate, maybe I should say "not very goal oriented?" ;-)

Hey Lynne,
You're my kinda girl--anyone who will share an evening knitting with me is tops in my book!!

Mary Lee,
I love it!! You definitely have a gift for words.

Absolutely Gaelyn! If it weren't for people and their obsessions, I don't think any of us would have anything to aspire to. I liked the fact that Phoebe was a really knowledgable birder who encouraged and helped others and I would aspire to emulate her in that aspect of birding. But as far as listing goes, I know I'm not the type of birder obsessive enough to risk life and limb for adding birds to my life list.

Hi Jayne,
Sounds like you have a Diana Gabaldon obsession! ;-)

Unknown said...

The book is definitely on my "to read... sometime" list. And I have a daughter named Phoebe, so reading about notable Phoebes is practically required for me!

Julie said...

You lazy? Never! Me? Always!
Hey, thanks for getting me the correct bird identification on that bird at my parents this weekend! I'm so glad I have you to ask! He was fun to watch run in and out from under that bush.
I'll get this book next time I'm at our library. Sounds good!

Taos Sunflower said...

Thanks for the recommendation...sounds like the perfect gift for my sister.

troutbirder said...

I'm wondering if this is the woman (now I need to phrase this following your lead not to give anything away).... who had an issue with a jeep in Malgasy and also with her family?

Larry said...

I haven't read the book but heard of her in another book I read.She was admired by many.

Meggie said...

I must say my curiosity about the book is quite aroused. I just may have to visit the library and get it. Thanks for the recommendation, Ruthie!

RuthieJ said...

Hi Penny,
I think you will enjoy the book as much as I did.

You're welcome Julie. let me know what you think about the book after you've read it, OK?

You're welcome Martie, hope your sister likes it too.

Hi Troutbirder,
Not sure if we're talking about the same story.....

Hi Larry,
I feel a bit ashamed calling myself a birder because I'd never heard of Phoebe before I read this book.

You're welcome Meggie. Hope you enjoy the book.

Dawn Fine said...

i will have to read this book
I am definately a lazy underachiever and is ok..