Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 216 ratings

Price: 18.8

Last update: 08-11-2024


Top reviews from the United States

Jay McLaughlin
5.0 out of 5 stars I am astonished how great this book is - read it!
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023
I disliked coming to the end because the fun stopped! This book is a TREASURE! I loved Mr. Safina’s keen, crisp, astute powers of observation. And the fact that he so obviously PAID ATTENTION. It’s fascinating to be alive, and I am grateful Mr. Safina is aware of that.
I’d recommend this to anyone who is grateful to be alive - or, perhaps more important, to people who are LESS grateful to be alive. Perhaps the joy and energy and curiosity and enthusiasm found on every page of this delightful work will ignite your own powers to experience that. Every mammal - and clearly every bird too, and probably reptiles and amphibians and insects et al - are capable of all that and more.
I chose this rating because after decades of enthusiastic reading, after thousands of titles, after hundreds of joyful hours, this book immediately rose to the top of my personal list - I am SO grateful it appeared in my life. Enjoy!
Lois M. Sprague
5.0 out of 5 stars The rich, intimate life of an owl and Nature vs how humans have mistakenly separated from Nature.
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2024
I loved this book. It is captivating. Charming. Filled with moments of uncertainty and grace. We take the journey with the author as Alfie the Owl, and her family interweave through his family. Along the way he begins to examine the way we have been taught to separate from Nature. This is a must for every young person and certainly any college freshman who ever takes a philosophy course.
Jojo
4.0 out of 5 stars Used book.
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
Book was used, but was in excellent condition. Good story.
Coneflower Books
5.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical and Exquisitely Written
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2023
This is the story of Alfie, a small female screech owl, who was found crumpled on the ground. Her feathers were filled with fly eggs. Had she not been rescued, the fly larvae would have slowly eaten her alive. The author is an ecologist and licensed in wildlife rehabilitation. He and his wife slowly helped Alfie regain health, and in time, kept watch as she began her own life following her owly instincts. However, a bond remained between Alfie and her human friends.
But there is so much more to this book. Interspersed into Allie’s story is a quest by the author to explore why humans have lost their connections with nature. Why are we now watching icecaps melt, the oceans turning warmer, more acidic and losing oxygen, and with mile long islands of floating plastic. Why have we stood by and watched the loss of so many animal, plant and insect species? Human males have lost 50% of their sperm production.
He also researches Indigenous cultures throughout the world to contrast their close relationship with nature, and how they see themselves committed to be Earth’s caregivers.
His writing is exquisite, often with passages of pure prose. His research citations cover nearly 10 pages.
Give yourself a gift of this book—it is a special gem!
Dee T.
5.0 out of 5 stars Hoo hoo
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2024
Lovely book about rehabing a little newborn owlet. Very well written. Part of the text includes digression on philosophy indigenous people nature views in between Alfie updates. Fascinating story. Happy ending.
Hob Osterlund
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
Carl Safina has the rarest of two gifts: one, he has an ongoing and intimate relationship with a wild bird, which gives him deep insights into the personality, threats and triumphs of Alfieʻs life. Two, Carl has the eloquence and insights of a writer intent on telling a true story that reflects not only the deep beauty and wisdom of a little screech owl, but also examines the process by which our species got disconnected from Nature herself. A must and urgent read.
texas buyer
5.0 out of 5 stars An intimate glimpse into the world of an owl
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
Although at times it feels as if the author is preaching to the choir, I enjoy the writings of Dr. Safina immensely. He boldly advocates for all species to be accepted for who they are- not what we want or believe them to be. I found Alfie & Me enchanting. I enjoyed the privilege to get to know this little Eastern Screech Owl, and with each page turned I was rooting for Alfie and amazed by her story. The pictures are adorable and really compliment the tale.
Thank you, Carl Safina, for sharing this incredible opportunity you were granted. Most of us will never get to experience the almost magical relationship you have shared with Alfie. I can think of no other human more deserving of such a gift than you. Thank you again for sharing Alfie with us.
Anon y mous
4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful account of raising an abandoned owlet
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2024
The author's style is a bit rambling, but sometimes those side-trips are studded with amazing insights.
His description of Native Americans and their relationship with animals was eye-opening to me. The main topic, Alfie the owl, is beautiful. I do wish the book was shorter, more concise.

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