Books for/about - Birds

Hoot

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Authors: Carl Hiaasen

ISBN: 0375829164
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Summary: Hoot is a Hoot
Hoot is a very exciting book. It starts with Roy being the new kid again, this time in Florida. If it weren't for Dana, the bully, Roy would never have seen the bare-footed running boy. If he never saw the running boy he would have never met Beatrice. These three friends go on many adventures to save little burrowing owls. Don't get confused when the story changes point of view, it will all make since at the end. I can't tell you anymore, you will have to read the book to find out!! Review by Andrew from St. Louis

Summary: critical hoot review
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen is a great book, but I believe it has gotten too much praise for its content. In the book, there are three points of view- Roy, the new kid, Delinko the police officer, and Curly, the construction foreman. Roy and his friends try to stop the construction of a pancake house through seemingly random acts of vandalism while Curly and Delinko try figuring out why they want the construction to stop. Mid chapter on multiple occasions there is a sudden change in point of view, which when it happens you either feel cheated or deceived, or happy that you finally got back to the interesting part. Even with my complaints, this is still a very good book. Hiaasen makes the whole book unravel like a mystery combined with multiple ways of seeing the same event. I would recommend this book, giving it a 4 out of 5 rating.

Summary: Hoot
Hoot is about three kids saving the enviroment. A boy from Texas or so, comes to a different state. Why? Because of his dad's job. They always moved around. So this guy meets Beatrice because he always had to see another guy run barefoot super fast. Beatrice told him to stay away but he couldn't. He was just so amazed by his speed, and he didn't even go to school. So this boy couldn't stay away, well he didn't until he met him. His "name" was Butterfingers because he caught these small fish with his bare hands. He was hiding from his parents because he was "bad," he was rebellious. Beatrice & Butterfingers were brother and sister, so she helped him hide. They were trying to avoid the construction of a new pancake house in the place where baby owls lived underground. The people from the pancake house (meaning the boss) knew about these owls, but he still wanted that place. Well, I've said enough. Find out how it ends by reading this book, because there is alot to learn from it. Well at least that's what I think, and I think that this book teaches people to stand up for the little guys. I recommend this book to people who care about the enviroment.

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Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Publisher: Anchor
Authors: Anne Lamott

ISBN: 0385480016
List Price: $13.95
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Worth reading and Saving !
This is one of the books that I will keep and re-read. Very well written and inspiring. I LOVED IT !! Made me "want" to write and made me feel that I could actually write something worth reading.

Summary: Depressing
I found this book very depressing. Anne Lamott's constant self-deprecation throughout the book caused me to really doubt myself as well. I know she is doing it to show that she's human just like the rest of us, but I think she can show that without hating on herself every chance she gets (saying the 9-year-old version of herself looked like a neurotic cat woman, etc.) despite what she says about how you shouldn't do that. It's like hanging around with a bunch of anorexic models, it gets to you.

This is not a good book for people who are not sure they are writers. I am not a writer but I am interested in writing and I would very much like to write fiction but I have a lot of trouble writing authentically. Lamott sends the message that "As long as you're a writer, as long as you're in our secret little club, everything will be okay!"

Summary: Self-Deprecating Writers, Read This!
If you're too hard on yourself as a writer, this book is definitely for you. Even if you're not, this book will encourage, inspire, and jumpstart your writing. Lamott is funny and insightful, but what I love is that she pushes you to be gentle with yourself as a writer (writers tend to be overly critical and pessimistic about their work). If you're ever faced with writer's block, this book is a must have. You'll laugh your way back to the page.

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	Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! Publisher: Hyperion Authors: Mo Willems
ISBN: 0786837462 List Price: $12.99 Amazon Price: $10.39 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 5 Reviews: Summary: BEST PreK-Grade2 book series EVER!!! It was love at first sight. After finding Mo Willems' "Don't Let the Pigeon Ride the Bus," my son was hooked. He couldn't wait to read it by himself. The name Mo Willems doesn't ring a bell? He is a 6 time emmy award winner for his work as a scriptwriter and filmmaker at PBS' Sesame Street. And he head-wrote the first four seasons of Codename: Kids Next Door. "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late" lovingly teaches children to laugh at themselves and to be good role models. I highly recommend purchasing the whole series. We can't wait for the next book! Summary: This guy knows toddlers The words in this book could have come out of the mouths of anyone's toddler. The illustration is simple yet supports the text perfectly. Enjoyable for kids and parents. A real gem. Summary: Night, night Pigeon Once again, the Pigeon has returned. And now it's time for bed. But what's this? The Pigeon isn't tired and wants to stay up late. Young readers are certain to be delighted by the Pigeon's continued antics. This is another story that children will ask for again and again. And as you reread this soon to be classic story, kids will delight in telling the Pigeon the same phrase they hear over and over again, "No" (as in, "No, you may not stay up late"). Kids will giggle as the Pigeon finds every excuse (perhaps excuses they have already tried) in an attempt to stay up a little later! Finally, they will smile as they say "Goodnight" to the Pigeon who dreams with his Knuffle Bunny. Summary:

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The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher: Birdfeeders and Bird Gardens

Publisher: Thunder Bay Press (CA)
Authors: Robert Burton Stephen W. Kress National Audubon Society

ISBN: 1571451862
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS ONE
I have been a rather serious birder for well over fifty years now and when I first saw this book (it was a gift) I almost felt insulted...back yard birder indeed! Well, I was wrong...I admit it. I have actually enjoyed this one far more that several of the many hundred or so more technical books on the subject that inhabit my shelves. This is a wonderful quick reference and is quite well organized. I have interested grandchildern and I not when they are here, which is almost daily, they reach for this volume far more than any of the others. Sharing my passion and hobby with them is great and this work is a wonderful help tool. Recommend it highly.

Summary: Helps the Average Birdwatcher
"The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher: Birdfeeders and Bird Gardens" is for the interested, but average birdwatcher. However, it might just inspire the reader to take it a level higher.

In Illinois, in the Chicago suburbs where I live, we are blessed with an abundance of birds. A lot of woods and water encourages them to visit. Farmland and large open fields and forests are within a few miles. We see hummingbirds on occasion, and hawks almost daily. Owls, herons, finches are all part of our landscape. The Audubon book helps sort through all of this.

I am an amateur's amateur. To call myself a birdwatcher would include myself with people who are much more aware of the birds they see. Still, I enjoy looking and noticing which visitors are flying by, and nesting nearby. When I travel, it is more exciting, as birds which would never dare come to my town fly abundantly in Washington DC, Atlanta, or Denver. Whipping out the guide quickly sorts out which bird it probably is.

The bird profiles are not the only feature. For me, it is my favorite, but there is much more. "Birdgardens" are garden optimized to attract and help birds thrive. You will learn about water and how to best provide it for which species, and about plants that help certain birds. You will learn, specifically, about plant strategies, like whether trees, shrubs or flowers are best, and in which cases you can have each.

The book understands the realities of budgets and average homes, and describes the best places to find what you need. In fact, the Appendices (around 10 pages) will be a great resource for any reader looking to step up their birdwatching a notch, with national and regional contacts, further reading, and, of course, information about the National Audubon Society.

I fully recommend "The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher: Birdfeeders and Bird Gardens" by Robert Burton.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Summary: best bird book for gifts and home
I bought several books of this type to determine which would be the best for my needs. I also bought the Bird Bible which does not stack up to this book at all. This book is comprehensive, colorful and fascinating. From the moment I picked it up I couldn't stop reading it. I can't wait to put all this information to us in my yard. A great gift for others as well. This book is well organized and has all the information you need to begin a great relationship with the birds in your area. It has sections on bird idenification, feeding, gardening, etc. A MUST HAVE BOOK!

** update**
I have since given this book to three others as a gift! It has been a big hit with each! Turing frieds into friends of the birds! It has been a wonderful hobby to share with friends and family.

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The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America

Publisher: Knopf
Authors: David Allen Sibley Rick Cech

ISBN: 067945120X
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Great Book for Beginners
Unlike a lot of 'beginner guides,' this book shows very accurately what birds actually look like - from multiple points of view. The drawings are exquisite, and are more accurate than photos - a photo shows only 1 bird at one point in time; a drawing allows an artist to convey the total bird, eccentuating some features and dulling others for more easy identification. Additionally, descriptions are great, detailing habitat, range, commonality, nesting habits, and more. This fairly small book can be brought on day hikes, and also on some backpacking trips, depending on conditions. Realistically the best and only guide most people in the east will need.

Summary: top quality guide
This beautifully illustrated and informative little field guide is also easy to carry around and use for reference.I highly recommend it to birders.

Summary: A VERY USEFUL GUIDE - HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This is one of those guides I finally got around to purchasing and am quite grateful I did...wish I had done it sooner! I own quite a large number of guides dating back well over fifty years when I first stated birding. I carry several (never just one) in the field and this latest addition to my collection is now always present. It is quite accurate, well organized and very easy to pack and use. I have found that younger people, for what ever reason, seem to like this work (they sort of roll their eyes when I keep draging out my old worn Peterson) and if it works for them and encourages them in this wonderful passion, then I am all for it. Recommend it highly.

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	Tomb of the Golden Bird (Amelia Peabody Mysteries) Publisher: William Morrow Authors: Elizabeth Peters
ISBN: 0060591803 List Price: $25.95 Amazon Price: $16.35 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 5 Reviews: Summary: Tomb of the Golden Bird I have always been interested in Egyptology, and the fact that Elizabeth Peters is a real Egyptologist brings the Peabody stories to life, e.g talking with Howard Carter, Maspero etc. Apart from that I love everything about Amelia: her stubborness, her intelligence, her sense of romance and the relationship she has with her husband, and her fight for the rights of the female sex. Last but not least, the fact that she enjoys a scotch or two in the evenings. As indeed do I. The books are written with gentle humour and I enjoy losing myself in Amelia's world with each new book. Summary: Does the Golden Bird Fly? I really love Elizabeth Peters, and I liked this book, but found it somewhat lacking compared to her earlier works. It seemed to be a little long at the begining and somewhat drawn out. However, I am glad I read it, as it is part of a series that I have grown to love. Summary: Keeping up with the Emersons Amelia Peabody fans have been well-spoiled over the past few years with new updates on the Emerson Family adventures in Egypt. This year being no exception, Elizabeth Peters now offers us "Tomb of the Golden Bird" which revolves around none other than the discovery in 1922 of Tutankhamen's (King Tut's) tomb in the Valley of the Kings. As familiars already know, Amelia and her husband Radcliffe Emerson have raised their son Ramses on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, as Emerson works at his principled, but often unsung, archaeological endeavors in the West Valley, often in contact, if not in conflict, with the more heralded discoveries of his fellow excavators. This work has kept the family there from 1884 up through the present volume, which takes place in 1922. Ramses is now father to two youngsters as precocious as he once was, but Amelia, grandmother though she is, still maintains her professional standards as she thoroughly documents in her journal the events that unfold in the wake of the monumental discovery--which is, sadly enough, in the hands of Emerson's competitor, Howard Carter. Carelessness on Carter's part leads the Emersons to suspect that the trove of Egyptian treasure may yield to tomb robbers. Is that the shadowy plot Emerson's maverick brother Sethos comes to warn them of, or do they have to fear, rather, the perpetrators of simultaneous coups in Egypt and Iraq? Who exactly are the enemies who have infiltrated their small community of family and co-workers, and when will they strike? Peters sustains the mystery right up to the last few pages. What pulls us back to the Amelia Peabody series again and again is what draws us back to family reunions. The Emerson family becomes our family, and these communiqués from Amelia, via her journal, and from the mysterious writer of Manuscript H, are like the New Year's letters that update us on the lives of our relatives. But these kinfolk, unlike most in our families, can count on solving a murder every year and boast of narrow escapes--often aided by Amelia's handy parasol and belt hung with provisions. This volume has the distinction of dealing with one of the best documented Egyptian discoveries ever, and watching the family interact with several well-known historical figures makes for some interesting reading. For one who enjoys skirting real events through fictional characters, it may be fun to keep several informative websites on the Valley of the Kings and the tomb of Tutankhamen close at hand while reading this. I found this book less compelling than some of the others in the area of mystery. Somehow Seth's big secret never really delivered the punch it had promised. However, I found once again in this book the satisfaction of keeping in touch with old relatives whose lives contain romance and adventure along with human foibles, no matter where the plot may lead them. And the story also filled in some human interest details on an era of history that impinges on our own. Summary:

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Network+ Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram N10-003) (2nd Edition) (Exam Cram 2)

Publisher: Que
Authors: Mike Harwood Drew Bird Ed Tittel

ISBN: 0789732548
List Price: $34.99
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Summary: Absolutely terrible.... no truly horrid!!!
I thought the book was good while I was reading it. But then I went to use the Measure Up testing software that came with it! First, the test only offered about 97 possible questions - nice attempt at randomization! Then, none of the graphics referenced in the test questions displayed! After days (and I do mean literally days) of emailing back and forth with the software publisher tech support, I was given an update to the testing software that offered 668 possible questions. But it only uses one graphic - nice attempt at emulation of the CompTIA exam! Then, as I dug into the tests, I repeatedly found discrepancies between the information contained in the testing software and the book! Everything from connection speeds to frequencies to distances was different between the two. I also found elementary typographical errors (e.g. throughout where it should be throughput, etc.) Obviously this leads the student to question EVERYTHING they've "learned" from the book! They claim this is the "#1 Best-selling Network+ Book", but that only means MANY more people than me have had this incredibly frustrating experience.

I know everybody says use at least two pieces of study material, but this is ridiculous. I bought the Sybex book the other day and can already tell its going to be better simply from the testing software. My advice, save your money and buy something thats actually been developed in conjunction with the companion testing software and reviewed by a knowledgable and competenet editor. Im going to start over with the Sybex material and see if I can get some clarification on these things myself.....

Summary: Mistake-ridden
"Looking inside" above shows you the old version of this book, not the N10-003 version. You might not notice that this book has been updated though. It tells you that there are 72 questions on the test and that you have to score a 664 (?) to pass. In reality (I just took the test yesterday (and passed)), there are 85 questions and you only need a 554 to pass.

Some of the information supplied is contradictory, incorrect or not updated: the book only talks about Bluetooth v.1 at 720kps when v.2 is out and offers 2.45mbps. Other network+ books have this newer info.

The most reliable and realistic part of this book is the MeasureUp CD. Don't expect to be able to find the answers to some of these test questions in the Exam Cram book though; they're not there.

Bottom-line: You can probably pass the test with just this book, but you will run into questions mentioning things that are totally absent from the book. Spend your hard-earned dollars elsewhere.

Summary: Get's the Job done
It gets the job done, you might want to supplement with another book. I recommend this book for sure though. I'd get sybex book also.

Summary:

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The Sibley Guide to Birds

Publisher: Knopf
Authors: David Allen Sibley

ISBN: 0679451226
List Price: $35.00
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
Reviews:
Summary: Birds of My Region
I am using this product as a study guide for a field elective class in college. It has supplied me with great pictures and information for almost every bird I have had to study so far. I love the quizzing feature the most. It has been the highest effective learning tool I've used with this DVD.
I think this is a great product. I reccomend it.

Summary: Best Used as a Supplemental Bird Guide
I have used bird guides for 11 years for both professional and personal use and was given this book to compliment my other bird guide books. Sibley has very pretty illustrations in this book. He is really into showing the different morphs and regional variations for each species.

I think the Sibley guide is good for advanced birders who enjoy knowing all the variations that a species can have. Sibley also shows many different angles of the birds. I do like Sibley's introductory page for each bird group that has each species in that group together on the same page. This is handy for comparisons.

I think this book would not be as good for a beginning birder because Sibley does not do a good job showing the basic characteristics necessary to ID the bird. For example, for the eastern phoebe, he shows the juvenile with a yellow belly and the adult with a white belly. According to the National Geographic bird guide, adult (and maybe all) eastern phoebes have yellow bellies only in the fall. If I only had the Sibley guide, I would assume that juveniles have yellow bellies and adults have white bellies. Sibley does not write anything that helps to distinguish the juvenile from the adult - your only option is to compare the two pictures.

If you are a beginning birder I strongly recommend the Peterson Guide to birds. It points out key identification features in the illustration and in the text, as well as other useful clues to aid in identification. The National Geographic guide is very good as well.

Summary: The Sibley Guide ot Birds
I am a "convert" from Golden Nature Guides/Zim to Petersen to now
Sibley. Page layout good, larger and more images. Identified with this guide last week a Northern Harrier going thru my back yard even catching a sparrow on the wing. Book heavier.
Ron Schramm

Summary:

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