Krista (berries674) -
Helpful Score: 12
What a great book!!!!! I love animals, have always been fascinated by owls, and have read quite a few books including Marley and Dewey and this book is right up there with them!!! What's unique to this book is that we generally don't know much about an un-domesticated wild animal. This book was so educational and informative about the life and "Way of the Owl" that i had to stop reading sometimes and say "wow" and tell my boyfriend about what i'd just read. What a beautiful, stunning, intelligent, emotional and intuitive creature they are!!! I wish i were a biologist of some sort after reading this book!!! What a great life Stacey had with her boy Wesley and all of the other animal's lives she was able to be a part of! 5 STARS!!!
Missy B. (k9kutter64) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 167 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I have owned this book for quite awhile. I let it sit on my shelves, every once in awhile picking it up, then putting it back, knowing that I would cry when I read it. Earlier this week I felt strong enough to give it a try, and I am so glad that I did. This is such a remarkable story! I learned so much about owls and their habitats. Over and over while reading, I kept thinking how lucky that Stacey was to have experienced what she did; having an owl as a pet, but not only a pet - a kindred spirit, a life-long friend. Stacey raised Wesley from the time he was five days old. She learned all there was to know about barn owls from him. He also did things that were totally uncharacteristic for owls, like playing in the water. Wesley loved to take baths in the bathtub! With each passing chapter, my love for Wesley grew stronger, and my heart felt a little heavier, because I knew what was coming. The Dreaded End. However, Stacey hones right in on it and says:
~"The one thing I hate about animal stories is that after you've almost read the entire book and you really care about the animal, they go and tell you all about how the animal died. In fact, I often read the end of these books first so I can at least brace myself for the inevitable. So you should stop reading now if you don't want to hear about Wesley dying. But I need to tell you."~pg. 215
After I read that excerpt it bolstered me up for what was to come. Wesley lived 19 years! An exceptionally long time for a barn owl. The longest known lifespan of a barn owl in the wild is eight years. What a long full life Wesley had! The love between Stacey and Wesley was real. Wesley thought of Stacey as his mother when he was young, and his mate when he grew older. He had different sounds that he made when he was excited, hungry, sleepy, scared; Stacey knew every one of those sounds. He even made sounds that had never been heard before. Wesley continued to amaze Stacey and her colleagues at Caltech with the things that he did. I was especially moved by this moment between Stacey and Wesley:
"One evening, however, as I was lying down and rubbing him under his wings, Wesley pushed with his feet so that he was lying on my chest with his head up under my chin, his beak sleepily nibbling my throat. Then he rustled a bit and slowly began to open both delicate golden wings, stretching them as far as they would go, and laying them across my shoulders. He slept that way for a long time and I stayed awake in awe. It was an owl hug. I hoped he would do it again. He did, and this vulnerable position became his new way of cuddling. I never got over the wonder of it and I often felt tears stinging my eyes. This complicated wild soul had stretched his golden wings over me in complete trust. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything in the world." page 205
If you love animal stories, you need to read Wesley the Owl. Even if you don't, it is a book worth reading, just to learn about this exceptional relationship between a woman and an owl. The photos of Stacey and Wesley are so special...it is a nice touch having the pictures along with the story. Wesley the Owl is informative, funny, thought-provoking and heartbreaking. I will never forget it.
~"The one thing I hate about animal stories is that after you've almost read the entire book and you really care about the animal, they go and tell you all about how the animal died. In fact, I often read the end of these books first so I can at least brace myself for the inevitable. So you should stop reading now if you don't want to hear about Wesley dying. But I need to tell you."~pg. 215
After I read that excerpt it bolstered me up for what was to come. Wesley lived 19 years! An exceptionally long time for a barn owl. The longest known lifespan of a barn owl in the wild is eight years. What a long full life Wesley had! The love between Stacey and Wesley was real. Wesley thought of Stacey as his mother when he was young, and his mate when he grew older. He had different sounds that he made when he was excited, hungry, sleepy, scared; Stacey knew every one of those sounds. He even made sounds that had never been heard before. Wesley continued to amaze Stacey and her colleagues at Caltech with the things that he did. I was especially moved by this moment between Stacey and Wesley:
"One evening, however, as I was lying down and rubbing him under his wings, Wesley pushed with his feet so that he was lying on my chest with his head up under my chin, his beak sleepily nibbling my throat. Then he rustled a bit and slowly began to open both delicate golden wings, stretching them as far as they would go, and laying them across my shoulders. He slept that way for a long time and I stayed awake in awe. It was an owl hug. I hoped he would do it again. He did, and this vulnerable position became his new way of cuddling. I never got over the wonder of it and I often felt tears stinging my eyes. This complicated wild soul had stretched his golden wings over me in complete trust. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything in the world." page 205
If you love animal stories, you need to read Wesley the Owl. Even if you don't, it is a book worth reading, just to learn about this exceptional relationship between a woman and an owl. The photos of Stacey and Wesley are so special...it is a nice touch having the pictures along with the story. Wesley the Owl is informative, funny, thought-provoking and heartbreaking. I will never forget it.
Carol R. (hansmrs) - reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 132 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This is an amazing story. You will be entertained & educated & you'll laugh, cry & be amazed at the life of an owl. It's right up there with Marley & Me. Don't miss this book. A must read. Extremely well written.
Elizabeth K. (madeleine) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Fabulous book. Any animal lover will appreciate the special bond the author and Wesley share. Gives a good non-romanticized glimpse into caring for an owl.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book. Very sweet and insightful. Anyone who has had a bond with an animal will totally connect with this author. And, she writes well!
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 2
Title: Wesley the Owl, The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl
Author: Stacey O'Brien
ISBN: 9781416551737/ Free Press
Genre: Memoirs, Nature
Rating: A+
First Line: On a rainy Valentine's Day morning in 1985, I fell in love with a four-day-old barn owl.
The subsequent 225 pages are an account of that love affair, which spanned nineteen years. Wesley's wing had suffered nerve damage, and he could never be released into the wild. Stacey knew that, when she agreed to care for the small helpless fledgling, the commitment would last years. She didn't realize the impact one bird would have on her life.
The knowledge O'Brien shares about owls is fascinating. They truly are unlike any other bird. Wesley imprinted on Stacey from the beginning, and the tales of their learning experiences together make the pages turn. The photographs included add a great deal to the story as well. O'Brien knows, as I do, that animals are sentient beings. They have intelligence, and they have emotions. Just because their intelligence and emotions may differ from ours does not mean that they do not exist. Many of the episodes shared are laugh-out-loud funny, but I do want to include a warning. If you cried at the ending of "Old Yeller", if you have pets that you are passionately attached to, have a box of Kleenex on hand before you read chapter sixteen. I didn't and had to go hunt for some.
Although the ending is sad, what remains behind is a feeling of awe and of joy that these two found each other, shared so much with each other, helped each other, and loved each other through two decades. How many human relationships can say the same? If you're a reader who loves wildlife, who's interested in animal behavior, who loves a book that can make you laugh and make you cry, Wesley the Owl is the book for you.
Author: Stacey O'Brien
ISBN: 9781416551737/ Free Press
Genre: Memoirs, Nature
Rating: A+
First Line: On a rainy Valentine's Day morning in 1985, I fell in love with a four-day-old barn owl.
The subsequent 225 pages are an account of that love affair, which spanned nineteen years. Wesley's wing had suffered nerve damage, and he could never be released into the wild. Stacey knew that, when she agreed to care for the small helpless fledgling, the commitment would last years. She didn't realize the impact one bird would have on her life.
The knowledge O'Brien shares about owls is fascinating. They truly are unlike any other bird. Wesley imprinted on Stacey from the beginning, and the tales of their learning experiences together make the pages turn. The photographs included add a great deal to the story as well. O'Brien knows, as I do, that animals are sentient beings. They have intelligence, and they have emotions. Just because their intelligence and emotions may differ from ours does not mean that they do not exist. Many of the episodes shared are laugh-out-loud funny, but I do want to include a warning. If you cried at the ending of "Old Yeller", if you have pets that you are passionately attached to, have a box of Kleenex on hand before you read chapter sixteen. I didn't and had to go hunt for some.
Although the ending is sad, what remains behind is a feeling of awe and of joy that these two found each other, shared so much with each other, helped each other, and loved each other through two decades. How many human relationships can say the same? If you're a reader who loves wildlife, who's interested in animal behavior, who loves a book that can make you laugh and make you cry, Wesley the Owl is the book for you.
Lyn K. (girlscoutlyn) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 33 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Wow,
This book was a great read, and was very hard to put down. Right from the start you will fall in love Wesley and wish you could adopt and owl and be such a wise caregiver. I learned things about owls that we informative and interesting. I passed the book on to my daughter and then to a friend.
An awesome book to curl up with and enjoy.
This book was a great read, and was very hard to put down. Right from the start you will fall in love Wesley and wish you could adopt and owl and be such a wise caregiver. I learned things about owls that we informative and interesting. I passed the book on to my daughter and then to a friend.
An awesome book to curl up with and enjoy.
Michelle A. (wordsmith) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book was incredibly touching, wonderfully informative, and difficult to put down.
Wesley the Owl is about a woman who rescued a barn owl, and how he came to be her companion, refuge, and friend over 20+ years.
If you love animals you'll love this book. Stacey O'Brien is a wonderfully witty writer who keeps you captivated page by page.
Wesley the Owl is about a woman who rescued a barn owl, and how he came to be her companion, refuge, and friend over 20+ years.
If you love animals you'll love this book. Stacey O'Brien is a wonderfully witty writer who keeps you captivated page by page.
Robin W. reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book, touching, sweet, interesting! I learned a lot about barn owls and enjoyed the story immensely!
Franchesca M. (short-angry14) -
Helpful Score: 1
What a beautiful book! Wonderful story of a woman who rescues a 4 day old barn owl that she raises and befriends for its nineteen years of life. Really great, detailed book. Learned some amazing things about barn owls in the process of reading this "love story". Highly recommended for animal lovers.
Dondi V. (penjingparrot) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Must read for bird-lovers, nature-lovers and those who want to learn more about animal intelligence and human intelligence.
Karen K. reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
What a great book and story. What dedication and love - two sided.
Cristina L. (doodlina) -
I loved to read about Wesley, and while I found interesting to read how he adapted to live with humans,the idea of a bird of pray never be able to truly experiencing life as nature intended,made me sad.
Of this book I disliked the information about miss O'Brien musical past, distracting and irrelevant.If I read a book about animals I'm not really interested about the accomplishment or who the writer knew, just about their relation with the animal.
I gave this book three stars because Wesley was quite unique and give insight to a wild animal intelligence when expected to deal with a situation alien to his nature.
Of this book I disliked the information about miss O'Brien musical past, distracting and irrelevant.If I read a book about animals I'm not really interested about the accomplishment or who the writer knew, just about their relation with the animal.
I gave this book three stars because Wesley was quite unique and give insight to a wild animal intelligence when expected to deal with a situation alien to his nature.
Christina B. (christinaholly) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 27 more book reviews
I loved the tidbits about owl behavior and owls in the wild, and think that Wesley was quite a character. I didn't care too much for Wesley's mommy though (the author), which made the book drag after a while. Still would recommend, Wesley's adorable story makes up for it.
I tore through this book in 2 days. It was a wonderful, moving informative story about a woman/girl who rescues a a baby barn owl, and thier subsequent 17 years of taking care of one another. I laughed, and I cried. Stacey is a rare individual, a loving caring human, who just also has a gift for sharing her story.
Kathy W. (kathynd) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 13 more book reviews
Loved this book!
June A. (pertdoe) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 191 more book reviews
This is a really sweet story. The author, who was a biolgist that worked with monkeys and barn owls took this four day old owl to raise. He had something wrong with one of his wings so could never be released into the wild. She devoted 19 years of her life to this little owl, who lived with her. Many pictures of him and told of her day to day struggles raising him. A nice book and I enjoyed it.
What a wonderful and facinating book. I would recommend this one to anyone who is interested in learning about owls or who just loves animal stories.
TJ J. (CraftyTJ) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 381 more book reviews
I loved this book. It was a wonderful and heart-warming story about the bond between, Wesley and Stacey. Their love and bond was amazing. Since reading this book, I have come to respect and look at owls in a very brillant light. The trust that Wesley gave to Stacey was phenomenal. It was such an insightful book about the behavior of owls. To have an owl trust a human is very rare. It's a beautiful read. I will be reading it again and again. It is a top favorite book of mine. I think you should make it one of yours. You will be amazed and humbled.
Jacqueline T. (gramanini) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 11 more book reviews
This was fascinating. And true. The author was a scientist working within Caltech's aviary, where she was given a 4 day old hatchling to take home to parent and learn about barn owls in a very intimate way. Thus began a 19 year relationship that required more sacrifices than most humans will ever have to make for their children. I will think about this book for the rest of my life.
Cheryl K. (dogluver) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 14 more book reviews
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Amazing story of what she gave up for many years in order to care for and love Wesley. If you love animals like me, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. It's an easy read, well written.
Deanna A. (Sierra-Blue) - , reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 32 more book reviews
I just finished reading Wesley the Owl and I just loved this story and was heartbroken with the inevitable ending of this book. But what a great life Wesley had not to mention what seems to be an extraordinarily long life. I can not say enough about this book and the many wondrous experiences that Stacey and Wesley had together.
If you are considering reading this book I am sure you won't be sorry! Enjoy.
If you are considering reading this book I am sure you won't be sorry! Enjoy.
Patrice K. (thecutemom) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 5 more book reviews
I absolutely loved this book. Not only is it an incredible love story between owl and human, it's an education in not just owl behavior, but general animal behavior and provides tremendous insights into the world of biologists. Stacey O'Brien has done a wonderful job of making her keen scientific observations of owls and people reading that keeps you turning the page. As an animal lover, a veterinary technician and a volunteer with a wildlife sanctuary I found this book fascinating and informative. I frequently read portions to my veterinarian husband who learned about owls right along with me. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in animals, but especially to anyone working with wild animals.
Sharon D. (dulcimer42) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 107 more book reviews
An amazing story of love between a girl and an owl, raised from infancy. The owl learns to understand what she tells him, depends upon her to do what she says she will do and...........well, you'll just have to read it to understand and to believe it!
Amanda W. (creativerinds) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 14 more book reviews
I would recommend this book, it is a very touching story and I am in awe at how much devotion caring for an owl would be!
Sarah A. (sla506) -
The story of Wesley the owl was unbelievable for so many reasons. It was fascinating, bizarre, ridiculous, heart-warming, and totally gross! The fact that a woman dedicated twenty whole years to a bird is remarkable. And strange. This bird affected her life in every possible way, and even though I'm all for the protection and conservation of animals, I thought it was a little much! But, it was very interesting to learn about owls - so much I didn't know. Anyone who loves animals will really enjoy this book.
Diane R. (delawarereader) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 20 more book reviews
I loved this book! It was a very fast read and so interesting.
Sheri B. reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 51 more book reviews
Extraordinary story about an owl and his "mother."
Jacqueline C. (jcluvscats) -
I thoroughly loved this book. Found it very fascinating and interesting. I kept thinking of Wesley when I wasn't reading so finished the book pretty quickly A very good read.
Claire B. (clairebelle) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 63 more book reviews
Fun read of a young woman who took in a baby owl. Lots of interesting information about owls.
W. R. (NYbooks) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 99 more book reviews
* * * . Nonfiction. A college student adopts an injured baby owl and, aspiring scientist that she is, notes all of its quirky behavior as it matures. She details the trials of covertly raising an owl, especially in feeding it. What arises is an unexpected bond (maybe too close) of understanding between human and wild animal.
Add a star if you are a die-hard animal lover.
Add a star if you are a die-hard animal lover.
June S. (sabayrac) -
A lovely heartwarming story of a Biologist that takes a wild Barn Owl into her home and life to be her loving companion for 19 years. Not only does she love Wesley, but Wesley is like her best friend - yet, he sees her as his mate. They converse and share life to the fullest as she hears his chirps which is a conversation as he learns her rituals and tries to emulate.
It's a story of commitment and promise to the end - which is how barn owls mate. It's a story of Love - devotion and giving all to make a companion happy and feel loved.
I personally loved this book - cried at the end........unlike me!
It's a story of commitment and promise to the end - which is how barn owls mate. It's a story of Love - devotion and giving all to make a companion happy and feel loved.
I personally loved this book - cried at the end........unlike me!
Esther F. (hullutytto) reviewed Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl on + 3 more book reviews
loved the book and was an education of how smart an owl can be.
