Comments on: Book Review: Life List by Olivia Gentile. Biography of the birder Phoebe Snetsinger.

By: Alf

Alf — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:36:45 +0000

Great book. Some people said she had no priorities, but I think it is clear she just had *different* priorities to her life.

We celebrate the number 8000, but it is not the number that is the accomplishment--it is the memories generated in pursuit of that number.

By: Westin truck accessories

Westin truck accessories — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:09:59 +0000

Because I'll be reviewing Life List in an upcoming issue of Bird Watcher's Digest, I'll keep this brief. This little book rolls over you like a steam train, slowly gaining speed and intensity, and clattering away in your mind long after you've finished it. With her straightforward, mostly nonjudgmental take, showing without telling, Olivia Gentile raises questions about Phoebe Snetsinger's choices that caused me to examine my own prejudices and boundaries in the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Its penetrating depth is the little surprise of a book that's gripping enough to be a novel, but tells nothing but the truth.

By: Alf

Alf — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:36:45 +0000

Great book. Some people said she had no priorities, but I think it is clear she just had *different* priorities to her life.

We celebrate the number 8000, but it is not the number that is the accomplishment--it is the memories generated in pursuit of that number.

By: Westin truck accessories

Westin truck accessories — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:09:59 +0000

By: Marcell Claassen

Marcell Claassen — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:41:04 +0000

What a brilliant review Gunnar! You have certainly done justice to what seems to be (from extracts and your and other reviews) a MUST READ for all and sundry.
Sometimes I understand having that passion and being looked at as if you're from outer space - do I have an obsession? well, I don't think so and would like to think my life is pretty balanced that way. The dividing line I think is VERY thin indeed - somebody similar and also in the natural history world; Dian Fossey and the mountain gorillas.

By: Mary Engel

Mary Engel — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:01:16 +0000

Can someone PLEASE identify the MUSIC???? I love the book too, but the music makes me deliriously happy.

By: Nature Blog Network » I and the Bird #100: The NBN Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence

Thu, 14 May 2009 11:06:28 +0000

[...] from Peru who reviews the new book about that birder so many listers envy, Phoebe Snetsinger in Book Review: Life List By Oliva Gentile.

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:28:21 +0000

Gunnar,
I'm glad you profiled this book because it looks like one I can relate to - a must read. I'm always fascinated with the question of which passionate adventures we have to give up in order to be "good" parents, and if, in the end, that is the best thing for our children. I prefer to think that they can tolerate some unpredictability and lack of routine in order to feel the intense energy that emanates from a parent who is passionately discovering the world...That's an energetic currency that feeds souls.

Gracias...

By: Dawn Fine

Dawn Fine — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:13:14 +0000

Great book review Gunnar! I will have to read that book before I die..tee hee..
I guess I am not an obsessed birder...oh maybe just a little bit..but not the type that flys all over the world adding to my list...if I get a bird fine..if not fine. If I go birding fine..if not fine.
I can understand such passion...I think it is wonderful..and the differences in people and what they love is what makes the world go round.
I do feel like you that you need to keep things balanced...You need to see your daughter and unborn child grow up and be there for them..and your wife of course.
I enjoyed your review...